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

[Brian123456]

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.

 

[EIF5A]

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.

Do not get riled up. Pray for them that they may see the error of their ways. Regardless of what Christian tradition one is in, it is never acceptable to mock the visible leader of a Church, the priests who consecrate the Eucharist, and the holy sacraments.

Is there an HR department you can go to?

 

[odile53]

Neither you nor they are being paid to go to work to proselytize. All of you are being paid to do the job your employer hired you to do, and they are a distraction. Tell them that. As far as their anti-Catholic remarks are concerned, tell them that this nation’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship: You’re perfectly satisfied with your church, and aren’t particularly interested in theirs.

If they keep it up, tell your supervisor, and emphasize that the continuous snarky religious proselytizing is keeping you from doing your job as effectively as you could without these kinds of distractions. In other words, they are making it a noxious work environment.

If telling your supervisor doesn’t help, go to human resources.

Trust me, they’ll get the message. Possibly in writing.

 

[po18guy]

Do not get riled up. Pray for them that they may see the error of their ways. Regardless of what Christian tradition one is in, it is never acceptable to mock the visible leader of a Church, the priests who consecrate the Eucharist, and the holy sacraments.

Is there an HR department you can go to?

Very well said.

 

[MaryT777]

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.

I’d notify human resources; that’s ridiculous to be harrassed at work like that for a religious affiliation.

 

[FrancisBenedict]

Pray for those who persecute you+

 

[KendraDZ1902]

Neither you nor they are being paid to go to work to proselytize. All of you are being paid to do the job your employer hired you to do, and they are a distraction. Tell them that. As far as their anti-Catholic remarks are concerned, tell them that this nation’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship: You’re perfectly satisfied with your church, and aren’t particularly interested in theirs.

If they keep it up, tell your supervisor, and emphasize that the continuous snarky religious proselytizing is keeping you from doing your job as effectively as you could without these kinds of distractions. In other words, they are making it a noxious work environment.

If telling your supervisor doesn’t help, go to human resources.

Trust me, they’ll get the message. Possibly in writing.

^This.

 

[coachdennis]

Neither you nor they are being paid to go to work to proselytize. All of you are being paid to do the job your employer hired you to do, and they are a distraction. Tell them that. As far as their anti-Catholic remarks are concerned, tell them that this nation’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship: You’re perfectly satisfied with your church, and aren’t particularly interested in theirs.

If they keep it up, tell your supervisor, and emphasize that the continuous snarky religious proselytizing is keeping you from doing your job as effectively as you could without these kinds of distractions. In other words, they are making it a noxious work environment.

If telling your supervisor doesn’t help, go to human resources.

Trust me, they’ll get the message. Possibly in writing.

I would also document all encounters with these co-workers. If they engage in these conversations when others around I would write the names of witnesses. This kind of document is invaluable when you talk to your supervisor and human resources.

I would even tell them that anytime they are “evangelizing” instead of doing their job, they are “stealing” from the company, which is breaking one of God’s commandments.

 

[Reepicheep]

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

 

[johnnyc176]

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 have been given good advice but if you want help in dialoguing with them I would suggest this…

aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/the-beginning-apologetics-series/article/151/sort/relevance/productsperpage/12/layout/grid/currentpage/1/keywords/apologetics

and start of with this one…

aquinasandmore.com/catholic-books/beginning-apologetics-1-how-to-explain-and-defend/sku/1615

 

[coachdennis]

You have been given good advice but if you want help in dialoguing with them I would suggest this…

aquinasandmore.com/catholic-articles/the-beginning-apologetics-series/article/151/sort/relevance/productsperpage/12/layout/grid/currentpage/1/keywords/apologetics

and start of with this one…

aquinasandmore.com/catholic-books/beginning-apologetics-1-how-to-explain-and-defend/sku/1615

If this is happening on worktime, there should be no dialogue, period. They are there to a job, and the employers who is paying them, expects them to do a job not have a faith discussion work.

 

[johnnyc176]

If this is happening on worktime, there should be no dialogue, period. They are there to a job, and the employers who is paying them, expects them to do a job not have a faith discussion work.

Relax coach…I should have stipulated that if you decide to dialogue with them on off time.

 

[tequirk]

I have an evangelical friend (not co-worker) who likes to challenge me pretty consistently. When I told him that we are both “saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus” that helped him understand that there is real common ground between Catholics and other Christians.

It might be a bit intimidating for two of them to “gang up” on you though. If they do this during work time, not on break time, then you should definitely ask them to stop distracting you from what you’re there being paid to do. If it persists on work time then approach your supervisor and so on.

However, if they approach you before or after work or during breaks, you might consider having them ask you one question at a time and get an answer back to them within a reasonable period. This could be a chance to educate them, in charity, and to learn a lot about your Catholic faith.

On the other hand, if they have a tendency to be rude about your Catholicism, you might tell them that you respect their Christian faith and that you ask that they respect yours (see top paragraph). If this persists, then go to your boss and HR.

In all of these circumstances… PRAY FOR THEM.

Thanks for reading. Hope this was helpful.

Yours in Jesus through Mary,

Tom

P.S. - carry this concise reference with you for non-work time dialogues: ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/WALLET.HTM

 

[JohnMPhilomena]

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.

Do these people know that we ARE the Catholic Church? So when they insult the church, they insult us?

So just remember what Jesus said, “Whoever hates you, hated me first.”

My advice is, next time they bash the church, to say, “Please don’t say things like that, because it’s really offensive to me.” If they like and respect you, then they should not want to hurt / offend you.

If it persists after that - call HR.

If HR does nothing, document everything and then file a hostile work environment lawsuit.

Peace,
John

 

[DebChris]

“Strife is luxury that Christians cannot afford.” These words were spoken at one of the very first Charismatic conferences I attended. Those who try to sow discord among God’s followers are not following His word.
Your co-workers have been misinformed about the Catholic Faith. Your best defense is to learn as much as you possibly can about what the Catholic Church teaches, and why She teaches what she teaches what she teaches… In this Year of Faith, all Catholics are encouraged to read The Catholic Church Many find this dry reading. You may read United States Catechism of the Catholic Church for Adults which is referred to the CCC. Does your parish have adult faith enrichment programs? Try to attend these if possible.
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.
Finally, get a copy of The Catholic Answers Bible. for answers and scriptural references to common questions.

 

[Memaw]

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.

I would just tell them that if they didn’t like the teachings that Jesus Christ gave us and the Catholic Church he founded, 2,000 years ago and what it teaches in His Name, they they will just have to take that up with GOD Himself when they get there. Be gentle but firm. Then do everything you can to learn more about your Catholic Faith so they won’t be able to wear you down like they hope to do. Catholic Answers have many great books on how to deal with this kind of situation. I have had many dealings with such situations and when they start telling me that Catholics worship Mary, saints and statues, I just ask them if they believe in the 8th Commandment, Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor. Prayers for you and all concerned. God Bless, Memaw

 

[april32010]

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[halleone]

Neither you nor they are being paid to go to work to proselytize. All of you are being paid to do the job your employer hired you to do, and they are a distraction. Tell them that. As far as their anti-Catholic remarks are concerned, tell them that this nation’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship: You’re perfectly satisfied with your church, and aren’t particularly interested in theirs.

If they keep it up, tell your supervisor, and emphasize that the continuous snarky religious proselytizing is keeping you from doing your job as effectively as you could without these kinds of distractions. In other words, they are making it a noxious work environment.

If telling your supervisor doesn’t help, go to human resources.

Trust me, they’ll get the message. Possibly in writing.

SO well said!!

 

[JRKH]

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.

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

 

[rinnie]

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.

One of the best things you can do is keep reading debates on this site. You will learn so much about your own faith.

Then continue to study, read books written by Popes, etc. Then continue to read the bible and learn your own faith.

Oh and I forgot the most important 2 things. 1 Pray all the time, And 2. beware it will take you a lifetime.