(Vanity) My Confrontation with a Jehovah Witness and an Atheist.

Myself ^ | 7 Dec 04 | I got the rope

[I got the rope]

Well...I tried to do a good thing today. Earlier today I noticed that a secretary in the office was a little down, so I approached her to find out what was the matter. She wasn't happy about all the Christmas decorations or the Christmas Tree that some of the other secretaries had set-up. She is a Jehovah Witness.

She does not celebrate Christmas and she thought the whole idea of a Christmas tree was too pagen. I had to agree with her on this one. I kinda think the same thing.

We spoke half the day off and on and I quickly realized their were huge differences in my Christian beliefs and her beliefs. We discussed the Bible (King James) and her Bible (The New World Translation).

I found her translation very interesting. I was hearing things I have never heard before. Being the die-hard FReeper that I am I quickly quoted refutations to some of her base arguments, but she was always ready with a new topic once I had decimated her arguments with the King James Bible. We discussed the diety of Jesus, the trinity, the Holy Spirit, God's true name, and salvation.

Towards the end she kinda got tired and said she didn't want to discuss it anymore and that she would give me a copy of the New World Translation tomorrow. It was about this time that a die-hard Atheist butted in to the conversation and asked if I was talking about religion. I said, "No...we're talking about Jesus!"

She (the Atheist) went totally ballistic on me. You would have thought I poured Holy water on Dracula or something! She told me that I could not discuss religion or Jesus in the workplace and the she and many others were very uncomfortable with me. She said that if I did not stop she would go straight to the top with this and have them shut me up.

I turned to the Jehovah Witness secretary and said,"If I'm bothering you I'll leave you alone." She looked kinda taken aback and said, "Uhhh...I would rather not talk about this anymore."

The Atheist stormed off and the whole time I'm thinking that this whole "Diversity in the workplace" thing just disappeared as far as I'm concerned. I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable now.

BTW, Atheist-girl helped decorate the Christmas tree and helped stuff the stocking for all the employees with candy. Oh yeah...she also stands about 5'6" and weighs about 300lbs.

[APFel]

The fact that your work HAS a Christmas tree is vert telling.

If the sawed-off yet amazingly stout missionary athiest knocks on his door bellowing about how two employees were chatting about religion amongst themselves during breaktime, how do you think he will react?

I don't know your boss, but if he is in the least bit rational he'll either ignore her or tell her to mind her own business.

APf

[LauraleeBraswell]

The Spanish were very cruel people, but then again so were many of the Native Americans- they practiced human sacrifices.
Bottom line-
We put them in one neat group called "Latina" And they both get Affirmative action

[Popman]

If the JW filed a complaint, you might have a problem, but your personal conversation did not involve the atheist until she butted in.

If it becomes a problem, bring that point up to your boss.

It probably a good idea to review the company policy on these issues, before you get called on the carpet.

[Hunble]

B.I.N.G.O

Make the Angry overreacting Lib the issue, not poor innocent you.

If forced, demand that the Lib explain how her anti-Christian position will increase the profit margin for the company.

[Hank Rearden]

Atheist-girl helped decorate the Christmas tree and helped stuff the stocking for all the employees with candy. Oh yeah...she also stands about 5'6" and weighs about 300lbs.

That's not "Atheist-girl", that's "Atheist-sphere".

And I always invite the Witnesses to come in and join my birthday party when they (infrequently) come by to pester me. I tell them we're sacrificing small animals in my honor.

That usually does the trick. I've concluded over the years that somehow, some nuts manage to breed, so I may as well have some fun with 'em.

[infidel29]

I should have been more explanatory in my cheer for the fight. I agree with your tactics, I just hate to have to feel like we as Christians have to sneak around worshipping in back alleyways. It's not my fight in this case and shouldn't necessarily be egging someone on to fight a battle that could be very detrimental. Sorry, I got the rope

[transhumanist]

As an Atheist myself, that's just weird.

I work in an office with people of all sorts of faiths (Pentacostals, ultra-Orthodox Jews, Hindus, and a bunch of plain-Jane Protestants and Catholics). We talk about religion every once in a while, often disparagingly, but jokingly and good-heartedly, and nobody takes umbrage. We've got Christmas decorations all over the office, and a minorah, and nobody takes umbrage.

In my house, my (pagan) wife and I have a Christmas tree, lights, and all sorts of decorations (reindeer, Santa, candy canes) in the yard, and... guess what? Nobody takes umbrage. I love Christmas. Or Yule. Or the Solstice. Call it whatever you want. People come together, and remember what brings us together as family and community.

Don't worry about your fat office-mate. Atheists are allowed to like Christmas too.

[Agitate]

She (the Atheist) went totally ballistic on me. You would have thought I poured Holy water on Dracula or something!

You did, and good for you!

She told me that I could not discuss religion or Jesus in the workplace and the she and many others were very uncomfortable with me. She said that if I did not stop she would go straight to the top with this and have them shut me up.

This kind of stuff really bothers me. If I were you, I'd do some research and try to find out if she can in fact inject herself into your conversation and then complain.

If you were talking loudly and she couldn't help but overhear, I would think that would be different, know what I mean?

How can I

• come up to enter the conversation of my own will
• Not have heard it (she had to ask what you were saying)
• Annoint herself spokeperson for others (is she a supe? who are they and when did they complain?)
• And then after willingly entering the conversation, forbid you to continue it

The nerve!!

Doesn't sound like she has that right to me but I'm no lawyer or HR expert, I would ask some of the very knowledgable people here or check with a Christian Law practice like
The American Center for Law and Justice or
The Thomas Moore law Center or
The Alliance Defense Fund.

Also, for more about witnessing to jehovah's witness, you may want to check out The Christian Research Institute, they have many books explaining other religons and how to witness to them like this:
Resources for Jehovah's Witnesses .

If you scroll down notice many of these resources are free and downloadable.

I hope this long post makes sense.
God bless you and watch your back!
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

[Hunble]

Well stated, and thanks.

[Sam's Army]

I am waiting for this at my work. It's gonna blow pretty soon, as we have plenty of "Happy Holidays" email greetings going out asking people to donate goods for the "Holiday Giving Tree".

As for me, I have literally made fun of a few people that have acted "offended" when I reply to their "Happy Holidays" with a cheery "Merry Christmas". When the aghast looks on thier faces has just started to show, I ask: "What year was it that people's ears started bleeding at the mention of Christmas?"

Never a reply to that one.

[deadhead]

"Their heaven is full. It holds 144,000. It was filled with the last of the 144,000 sometime in the 30's."

I have always wondered how they came up with that number, any idea?

[next view]

the fat liberal bitch is a prime example of the 21st century democrat- anti-christian, anti-god, anti-free speech if it differs from the homosexual agenda, and immature as hell. i have a good friend who is a witness, and yes he is a human being.

[malakhi]

Can you explain how Political Correctness and Anti-Christian regulations are appropriate in a private enterprise?

You said:

I will be more than happy to explain to the ignorant, the importance of "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" clause in our Constitution.

Are you now saying that you are not more than happy to do this?

Please enlighten this ignorant soul by explaining how the establishment clause pertains to the workplace rules of private enterprises.

Can this company explain, in any financially sound way, how alienating over 85% of the Christian American public, is a good business practice?

Changing the subject. Companies are free to make bad business decisions if they wish.

[deadhead]

I wouldn't send a letter to the boss. The atheist was butting in on a personal conversation you were having.

[ZinGirl]

They are going to be forced to spend eternity here on earth

do they have to continue their required evangelism for eternity, too? you mean those could have been ghosts at my doorstep?

those poor people....I don't think they'll ever come through our neighborhood again. Our street is mostly street-parking....with the sweeper coming about once every 18 months...with no warning....so many times we don't move our cars in time for the sweeper to clean the gutters in front of the house. The JW chose that one day in 18 months to knock on doors. They said to my neighbor, "what do you think is the most pressing problem in the world today?" Without missing a beat, she says, "I never know when the friggin' street sweeper is coming!"

[malakhi]

the fat liberal bitch is a prime example of the 21st century democrat- anti-christian, anti-god, anti-free speech if it differs from the homosexual agenda, and immature as hell.

I'm sure she is nowhere near as enlightened and holy as yourself.

[Will_Zurmacht]

One of the keys to my success is the my amazing ability to act stupid and use this ability at the approiate time....(hehe)

If the angry lib shows up tomorrow frothing and screaming about lawyers, I'd recommend a perplexed look, a warm smile and a pleasant "Oh my goodness, you seem awful upset? What's troubling you?"

Love Thy Enemy, kill them with kindness, save your hide...hehe.

Then, in this setting the boss will plainly see that Miss Innocent was only interested in talking to a co-worker about life, meant no harm, that's all.

But Miss Angry Lib is the one who's interested in raising a ruckus.

If the JW gal pipes in and claims you picked on her 'cause she's a kook, (sorry) well, then you can either keep playing Miss Innocent and see how it holds up, or turn into Christian Woman Who Knows Some Lawyers Too! hehe

But don't worry, During the Clinton era, I said so many things at work that coulda got me fired, I should still be on unemployment.
Luckily, 90% of people can function in a community. You just happen to work with one of the 10 percenters.

[Hunble]

I have no idea what you are saying...

I have stated my absolute support of Christianity and all other religions being expressed in the office.

To me, any company that is willing to sacrifice customers at the alter of Political Correctness, does not deserve to remain in business. They chose to be too darn stupid!

[Agitate]

I work in an office with people of all sorts of faiths (Pentacostals, ultra-Orthodox Jews, Hindus, and a bunch of plain-Jane Protestants and Catholics). We talk about religion every once in a while, often disparagingly, but jokingly and good-heartedly, and nobody takes umbrage. We've got Christmas decorations all over the office, and a minorah, and nobody takes umbrage.

I'm with you here. I think an overzealous lawyer could have found alot of problems with how me and my co-workers talk. For years I worked with a Muslim, an Atheist, a former pentacostal/buddist, and several devout cathelics. I am an evangelical Christian myself. I have worked with my Muslim friend for 10+ years. Our differences were never and issue and we became good friends, in and out of work.

We all would talk about everything--evolution, Islam, the Bible, Israel and abortion--all hot button topics--but we respected each other. I don't know why it's so hard for some people to disagree and get along.

[Revolting cat!]

How disappointing. I thought this was going to be a joke:

This atheist walks into a bar. The barkeeper is a Jehovah's Witness. A Seventh Day Adventist is sitting on a stool sipping scotch and tonic...