He has noted his hatred for the Church. Specifically the Pope and various things about Christians (the idea that they think they are better, and self-righteous, and that there should be more compassion and less judgment).
OP, you might want to consider that people often complain about others’ “self-righteousness” and “judgment” for reasons that are not simply objective. For example, there are some people who will tell others not to judge because they want to do whatever they please and don’t appreciate having others point out their misbehavior. These people are often biased in favor of themselves and their desires. Others may often rail against “self-righteousness” because they feel guilty about something they’ve done, and let’s face it - who likes to have their mistakes pointed out to them? I know *I * don’t!
I would ask him for specific examples of how he feels Christians have been judgmental of him, and then perhaps (gently) explain *why *his actions may have incurred the judgment and why the action is deemed wrong by others. Would he accept the judgment of a
non-Christian if it were related to the same matter? Ask him if he really feels he can live in a society where there is not a general understanding of right and wrong. Also, remind him (gently) that judgment is not always bad - that it is used to encourage social mores that keep a society glued together.
If he is heavily into politics, (gently) ask him if he has ever been judgmental about the political opinions of others. Ask him if he ever though they were idiots, if he felt their decisions were ruining the country, if he wanted so badly to point out the errors in their thinking, if he thought he was so much more educated and intelligent. Tell him that it may be possible he is correct in his judgment! - just as others may be correct when they “preach” something of a moral nature to
him.
Everybody judges.
Everybody. Even he does it, though he may not realize it. To not judge is to not have an opinion. Ask him if he feels that his judgment and superior understanding of politics is less accusatory of offensive because he is not a Christian, or does his lack of religion give him a free pass to not be labeled as “self-righteous”? Once he acknowledges that, perhaps then you two can discuss the specifics of the issues that anger him and ask him to openmindedly consider a Catholic position.
But probably best to do this outside of the workplace. I’ve known people who express very strong opinions on the faith of others or politics of others, but when the opposite opinion is expressed, they go running to HR and complain of harassment.
*Very *good advice. We wouldn’t want you to get into trouble over this.
) and the Holy Spirit will guide you.