How do I deal with Evangelical Protestants at work, I need some help

[pablope]

I have now two new coworkers being very, very strong evangelicals. I have never brought up my faith to others at my place of employment over the years unless I was asked. These two are really, really anti Catholic and they make no apologies about it. They sneak in remarks any chance they get.

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

Just adding on…on break time or lunch hour, if they approach you…ask them where they get all these things that are saying? Ask them the source…if they say the Bible…ask them where it says so in the Bible…take down the verse or passage they cite…if you do not know how to respond at that time…tell them you will study the passage and get back at them.

Then come here and pose the passage…and we are here to help you in your response to them.

One thing…if they say the Bible…ask them who put the Bible together? They will probably say the Holy Spirit…ask them how the HS accomplished this?

Have them read this…catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/protestantism/wbible.htm

Here is some starters for you:

www.scripturecatholic.com

 

[on_the_hill]

I’m the only Catholic in my workplace of about 10 people, and once in a while I bristle at remarks other people make, although there aren’t any outwardly hostile ‘evangelicals.’

The only way I’ve come to deal with it is to stew for a while and do my best to get over it on my own.

 

[Hmgbrd]

Haven’t read the other responses so forgive me if I repeat anything…

1) Affirm them in their Christian faith.
2) Point out to them that their mocking tone is contrary to the Gospel and to good evangelization. Point out to them that St Paul said he wished to be all things to all people so that some might be saved…(1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
3) Express to them that you are quite willing to discuss faith matters with them if they are willing to do so in a mature, polite and Christian - manner.
4) Tell them that, since you are neither a trained apologist or a debater you would like to deal with things slowly so lets take one or two things at a time.
5) Further - to facilitate good clear conversation - exchange e-mail addresses so that all conversation will be recorded and can easily be reviewed where necessary to avoid misunderstanding.
This last point has three advantages. a) It largely removes the “personal” and emotional aspect of the issue by allowing each person to read and reply slowly and carefully…It avoids the sometimes unfortunate “gut reaction” that we can have in a face to face conversation. b) It allows each participant to study and research an answer and even post links where necessary. c) by moving the conversation to personal/private e-mail, you can (hopefully) remove the issue from the workplace without needing to go to HR for help.
6) As much as possible base your arguments on Scripture. One thing that many anti-Catholic, evangelical protestant types believe is that Catholics do not know the bible. In fact you will find that you know the bible better than you think and the Holy spirit will guide you in many wonderful ways.
7) Remain calm in all of this. Be confident for you have the fullness of truth on your side.

Now besides all of that - You have found one of the best places around to bring questions and get help.

I hope some of this is helpful to you.

Peace
James

Wonderful post JRKH! There are so many good points here that we all can use when confronted with “well meaning” evangelicals who want to “save” us!!

 

[Brian123456]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I’ve got some reading to do in apologetics and the catechism as time permits over the next few weeks. My goal in asking this question was to find a simple, direct and to the point answer which will not invite dialogue/debate nor conflict. While I like everyone’s answers I’m going with this one - , for now.

You might remind your co-workers that St. Paul tells us to work quietly, and then leave it at that. Tell them If they truly want to learn more about the Catholic Faith they are welcome to come to Mass with you someday, bu you will not be harassed concerning your Faith while at work.

 

[MaryT777]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I’ve got some reading to do in apologetics and the catechism as time permits over the next few weeks. My goal in asking this question was to find a simple, direct and to the point answer which will not invite dialogue/debate nor conflict. While I like everyone’s answers I’m going with this one - , for now.

Best wishes Brian; prayers for a favorable outcome.
Mary.

 

[PLeeD]

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

I’d like to apologize for their behavior. It is not right for them to do that.

The vast majority of protestant Christians I know have no negative feelings toward the Catholic church. There is just a real lack of knowledge about it, and lack of understanding in how negative comments can hurt other Christians. I try to correct this problem when I see it happening. If it happened while I was there I would step in on your side.

 

[Catholic1954]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I’ve got some reading to do in apologetics and the catechism as time permits over the next few weeks. My goal in asking this question was to find a simple, direct and to the point answer which will not invite dialogue/debate nor conflict. While I like everyone’s answers I’m going with this one - , for now.

The best way to go! We are called to give an explanation of our faith to anyone who asks us and Bishop Sheen told us that millions hate what they THINK the Catholic Church is.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

I have now two new coworkers being very, very strong evangelicals. I have never brought up my faith to others at my place of employment over the years unless I was asked. These two are really, really anti Catholic and they make no apologies about it. They sneak in remarks any chance they get.

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

It is very simple the next time they say something just look them in the eye and say

“You what?, That is what I love the most about living in Amerca everyone has the right to be as wrong as they want to be, and I will fight to the death to preserve your right to be as wrong as you wnat to be. I will also pray that God forgives you for attacking the Church and men of Faith. Also while I respect your right to your beliefs and view I would ask that you respct mine as well and that in the future refrain from attacking them in my presence.”

This then places them in the postion of either respecting you or openly creating a hostle work inviroment.

 

[kimg901]

I have now two new coworkers being very, very strong evangelicals. I have never brought up my faith to others at my place of employment over the years unless I was asked. These two are really, really anti Catholic and they make no apologies about it. They sneak in remarks any chance they get.

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

If they are bringing up religion at work then report them. Most states, if not all do not tolerate it.

 

[mek42]

Regarding the initial problem, if you haven’t already, let them know that their comments are distracting you from work and suggest that you all agree do disagree during work hours. Depending on the nature of your job environment, either make a note of this conversation or mention it to your supervisor, but be clear that at this time it is for information not a complaint. (Even if not a complaint your supervisor may be compelled to do something as per employer policy - this is NOT your concern.)

Next, if they persist in engaging you at work, file a formal complaint with your supervisor about a hostile work environment being created by more than one of your coworkers. Even if their supervisor is someone else, you complain to your supervisor. Whatever happens after this is not your concern unless nothing happens and the problem is not resolved, in which case either complain again to your supervisor or learn what the proper path is for this issue outside of chain of command. If you’ve had sexual harassment training, use that as a guideline for what else to do.

I would advise against engaging them in discussion of religious nature even during breaks or lunch. If you as a Catholic or a private individual feel compelled to have a discussion, do it over pizza after work is done - spiritual matters can rightfully be emotionally charged - you don’t want to put anyone at risk of decreased productivity after a water fountain chat.

This concludes my ability to offer advice - if you want help deciding what to say over pizza after work, I’m not qualified to offer that.
**
New Subject**

When the white smoke was coming out, I was dying to tell someone at work about the new Pope being chosen. I ran over to this lady (that I thought was Catholic) and asked her if she heard about it. She replied, “I’m not Catholic and I have nothing good to say about the Catholic Church!”. Any way, she dropped it there, but I wonder if she even knows how offended I was.

Why were you offended by this? Your coworker explained that she was not your intended audience and did not desire discussion of this nature. Even if she spoke while emotionally charged, she stopped speaking before saying anything negative. Maybe she has had a very acutely negative reaction in connection with the Church and thus has a valid reason for her negativity.

 

[Julianna]

I have now two new coworkers being very, very strong evangelicals. I have never brought up my faith to others at my place of employment over the years unless I was asked. These two are really, really anti Catholic and they make no apologies about it. They sneak in remarks any chance they get.

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

Not sure about the policies of your workplace, but myself working for Uncle Sam, what you are receiving from your co-workers is “harassment” and you should report it to your boss. Find out what your workplace policies are. I would start by saying, (if I heard a joke towards Catholics, pointing to me), “What you are doing is “harassment”, I would ask that you please stop it.”

If it continues, (with your policy on this in hand), “I have asked you to please discontinue the jokes, innuendo and poking fun at my religion. According to policy ABC, subsection 5, it is against company policy to harass, bully, or contribute to a hostile work environment.” I would also make note of the day and time I spoke to the co-worker/s/.

If it continues, the next step is the boss. If he/she does nothing and it continues, you can file a formal complaint with your company EEO office. If your company does not have an EEO office, you can still file a complaint. As some of you may grit your teeth as I say this, you can also file with the ALCU. If you are in a bargaining unit, (union), file a complaint with them,.

If you are in a retail, service type workplace in a “right to hire” state, you may be out of luck.

You do not have to put up with this, period.

 

[LEMAITRE]

I have now two new coworkers being very, very strong evangelicals. I have never brought up my faith to others at my place of employment over the years unless I was asked. These two are really, really anti Catholic and they make no apologies about it. They sneak in remarks any chance they get.

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

We had an prot. evangelical at work who made some strong accusations against Catholics and Catholicism during a training week and I overheard it. Before I could respond strongly, two girls (in their early 20’s) got stuck into him, telling him he should provide his source otherwise he was making unfounded and inflammatory comments. He turned bright red and very apologetic. As far as I knew from overhearing the conversations of these two girls in the kitchen, they liked to party, drink and shop a lot. Turns out they both went to Catholic schools.

Call them out on their bigotry and ignorance, tell them it is unacceptable for them to speak to you or about your faith in that manner. That you do not come to work to be subjected to insults about your faith. If they continue, report them to your supervisor or your Union rep.

 

[Memaw]

We had an prot. evangelical at work who made some strong accusations against Catholics and Catholicism during a training week and I overheard it. Before I could respond strongly, two girls (in their early 20’s) got stuck into him, telling him he should provide his source otherwise he was making unfounded and inflammatory comments. He turned bright red and very apologetic. As far as I knew from overhearing the conversations of these two girls in the kitchen, they liked to party, drink and shop a lot. Turns out they both went to Catholic schools.

Call them out on their bigotry and ignorance, tell them it is unacceptable for them to speak to you or about your faith in that manner. That you do not come to work to be subjected to insults about your faith. If they continue, report them to your supervisor or your Union rep.

You couldn’t resist the need to put down the two girls that defended their faith, for their partying, drinking and shopping and while going to catholic schools even. My goodness, how perfect are we.
What they do doesn’t change the truths of the Catholic Faith. God Bless, Memaw

 

[JRKH]

While I appreciate the many responses telling the OP to get management involved…and I certainly agree that could be necessary…
I suggest that the Christian thing to do is to confront them quietly before bringing in any additional authority. This would be best in keeping with Mt 18:15-16.

Peace
James

 

[ffg]

I have now two new coworkers being very, very strong evangelicals. I have never brought up my faith to others at my place of employment over the years unless I was asked. These two are really, really anti Catholic and they make no apologies about it. They sneak in remarks any chance they get.

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

Tell them about this website and to engage their concerns here.

Tell them if they have a specific question, let you know and you will return with the accurate answer. Then bring the question here, or answer if you can.

Show a calm in their stressful waters. There is nothing you have to prove to them, but-

Maybe these two folks are just what you needed to brush up on you knowledge of Truth and to let the light out from under your basket.

Take care,

 

[Son_of_Niall]

Not to insult evangelicals, but I have found over the years, zealous evangelical workers make the worse workers. They view the workplace as a “mission field” and oftentimes have to told to stop it and get back to work. Just an observation based on experience.
Best advice I can give you is NOT to “do battle” with them because then you will be in just as much hot water as they will be. You’re there to work, not debate religion. Let them make the mistakes and stumble. If your boss is a level headed person, they won’t put up with it.

 

[Cat]

While I appreciate the many responses telling the OP to get management involved…and I certainly agree that could be necessary…
I suggest that the Christian thing to do is to confront them quietly before bringing in any additional authority. This would be best in keeping with Mt 18:15-16.

Peace
James

Yes, I agree with this.

I was Evangelical Protestant for 47 years before converting to Catholicism. We were not anti-Catholic, but we did believe that most Catholics don’t know Jesus Christ and don’t really know much about the Bible.

One of the main reasons why I converted was the quiet and beautiful love that many Catholics display, and their constancy in their faith, even when bad things happen to them or to their Church.

So above all things, love them. Bring in treats for them. Ask them about their families and really listen, and then tell them that you will pray for any needs that their family has. Offer to help them with their work (if that’s feasible). Greet them cheerfully, and say good evening cheerfully. If you are involved with a sport or an art or some other activity, invite them to go out with you to the game or the concert or whatever.

But do NOT…I repeat, DO NOT!!!–ask them to go anywhere where liquor is served!!! Nowadays, quite a few Evangelical Protestants accept alcohol use by Christians now, but many still do not accept alcohol use by Christians (or anyone else), and if you make the mistake of asking them to go to a “bar” or “bar restaurant” or a “wine and cheese concert” with you, they will never, ever, EVER believe that you are really, truly a Christian! Listen to me and heed what I say if you want to have any kind of Christian witness to them!

I agree that you should try to dissuade your work associates from harassing you during the workday, but don’t make it about you. Do it for THEIR sakes. Remind them gently that they need to be careful because if they are caught harassing others on work time, they can be fired, and it’s a bad time in the U.S. economy to be out of a job. Remind them that even if they don’t intend to harass, that Human Resources will consider even the APPEARANCE of creating a hostile work environment as harassment and grounds for dismissal. HR has to be this strict because they must try to avoid lawsuits.

At my company (a hospital), this means that we aren’t allowed to wear or display any kind of religious messages. A medal, cross, or crucifix is OK, but we aren’t allowed to wear buttons that say, “Jesus Christ Is Lord!” or anything like that.

We aren’t allowed to put up pictures of our favorite movie stars, because this is viewed as sexual harassment.

So make sure your co-workers understand the danger that they are putting themselves into, and tell them that they need to do all that they can do to keep their jobs.

If you have the time outside of work hours, tell them that you would be happy to meet with them at a restaurant to hold discussions, but that during the work day, all of the employees need to be giving their company 100%.

If you don’t have the time to meet with them, offer to give them books that will explain Catholicism.

As an ex-Evangelical Protestant, I think that the BEST book to give Evangelical Protestants is Evangelical is Not Enough by Thomas Howard.

This author is the brother of Elisabeth Elliot, one of the most revered Evangelical Protestants in the annals of Evangelical Protestantism. When he converted to Catholicism, it was a huge shock to Evangelical Protestants. Evangelical is Not Enough describes his thought-process in a highly-intellectual style that will appeal to Evangelical Protestants.

There are lots of other apologetic books by various ex-Protestants. Dr. Scott Hahn has written some great books, but keep in mind that he was NOT an Evangelical Protestant before converting. He was a Calvinist (Presbyterian, so technically, he was a follower of Knox, not Calvin!). There are some Evangelical Protestants who are opposed to Calvinism, so it might backfire if you give them Dr. Hahn’s books.

David Currie was a Fundamentalist Protestant before converting, and he has written a good book: Born Fundamentalist Born Again Catholic.

Tim Staples, Jeff Cavins, etc.–all these guys have some good books out there.

But you need to find out what KIND of Evangelical Protestant your co-workers are before you start referring them to different Catholic apologetic books. It makes a difference. Some of the Evangelical Protestant denominations are more separatist than others, and if you hand them a book by a man who was from one of the denominations that they despise, then they will despise that book and hate Catholicism even more!

My suggestion is that you ask your pastor to refer you to some Catholics in your parish who are ex-Evangelical Protestant, and then ask those people to help you sort it all out. They will also be able to pray with and for you, and that will be a big help to you. Possibly they would even be willing to meet with your co-workers and answer questions. A lot of Evangelical Protestants have never actually met anyone who has converted from Evangelical Protestantism to Catholicism!

Best wishes to you. You’ve been given an opportunity, and you will be used by God. You may never see the fruit that comes from the seed that YOU plant. But believe me, God will use you. Those Evangelical Protestants will watch you like hawks, and they will soak in everything you say and do, and even your appearance. And even if they continue to be hostile towards you and give you a hard time, they are assimilating all that you tell and show them, and someday, God will recall it to their minds and souls, and they WILL make a decision–hopefully a decision to become Catholic. You are doing a great work here in their lives.

 

[504Katrin]

I have now two new coworkers being very, very strong evangelicals. I have never brought up my faith to others at my place of employment over the years unless I was asked. These two are really, really anti Catholic and they make no apologies about it. They sneak in remarks any chance they get.

They found out I am Catholic and are making very real efforts to get me into debate/dialogue and I don’t know what to do. They mock the Pope, the Universal Holy Catholic Church and the priesthood and all the sacraments.

I don’t know what to do or not do. I am not educated enough to ‘battle’ with these folks but at some point will have to say something. Help.

You know what’s the only thing that always works? Reply with a joke. Reply with a witty remark. They might try a second time to get to you but if you respond with a witty remark again, they’re done. Trust me, try it

oh and, after the first time they giggle, invite them immediately for whatever you guys have in the vending machine or kitchen, and go over with them. This is important.

 

[guanophore]

Pray for those who persecute you.
Then report them for harassment.
There is no contradiction between the two actions.

It is very important to avoid engaging in such dialogue at work. Whenever they make a comment, state to them that it seems they are contributing to a hostile work environment for you. One of the basics of employment law and harassment is that one must state clearly that one does not appreciate or want the comments. Say clearly “I would prefer not to listen to this at work” or “I find your comments insulting and offensive”.

As has been said, document names, dates, and verbatim. Keep a running log of these, and include your responses (asking them to stop). Remind them that you are not there for religious reasons, but to work.

When you report to HR or to a supervisor, or both, use the phrase “hostile work environment”, evoking the federal law protections.

Obviously they have boundary issues also, so I would not engage with them outside of work hours either.

In the meantime you can bring the content of the issues they raise here, so that you can better equip yourself so when the time comes, you can make an answer. People who are that hostile, though, are not ready to hear, but only to defame and detract. Pray for them, as you have been advised on this thread, and be loving to them while you are setting limits. Let the Holy Spirit speak through your conduct.

 

[504Katrin]

which reminds me… a couple of month ago I gave a little piece of paper (a cheat sheet if you wish) to the janitor who has a laminating machinery. He was to laminate it and leave a little hole on top so that I could put it on my chain and always have the food blessings with me until I could say them by heart. He came back and had it all the other way around. It was my fault as he doesn’t read Hebrew so he had the sheet laminated upside down (with the hole on the bottom). So I asked him if he would be so kind to do it once more and just the other way around. His reply “Why are you Jews always making everything so complicated?!” I could have felt offended, but I took it with humour and so I smiled at him saying: “For some reason we always seem to get things upside down” He smiled back and left and laminated it again.

People don’t want to hurt others. It’s not their nature. Bring out what makes them lovable and go for that.