Is It OK to Bring Religion Into the Workplace?

DiversityInc ^ | 3 Dec | Zayda Rivera

[freemike]

My Pastor says this,, We have to be examples everywhere,, but if we are being paid to work then we cannot rip off our boss by sitting around and talking religion. That is not a good example. So,, share what you want to during your free time or make friends after work. But, on the other hand, too, do not compromise basic Biblical principles while on the job.
I think that is good solid balanced advice.

[flowerplough]

I keep a Watchtower magazine in my cubie, right next to the Amway catalog and the Soldier of Fortune magazine, the combined effect makes for a lot of privacy:-)

Ding ding ding ding ding! Game over! We have a winner, folks.

[pnh102]

Wow you seem to have a religious conviction about religious eviction.

Of course I do. I suppose the next time a Muslim cabbie refuses to drive you around because your dog offends him, you won't object?

[Vanders9]

“You don’t have a right to practice your religion on someone else’s time.”

Nonsense! What do you think “practice your religion” means, cos it sure isnt what I think it is! A Christian “practices” his or her religion by being consciencous, honest, seeking to improve themselves, being aware that work is a good thing in and of itself, and that all work is done for God, as well as a human employer, and that therefore it must be done to the best of their ability.
What employer in their right mind would demand that lot be “left at the door”?

You seem to think “practicing your religion” solely refers to heavy-handed evangelism.

[GunRunner]

A Christian “practices” his or her religion by being consciencous(sic), honest, seeking to improve themselves, being aware that work is a good thing in and of itself...

These things are of course not exclusive to Christians or any religion, so it would obviously not interfere with the workplace. There are plenty of conscientious, honest people committed to self improvement and hard work who aren't religious, so that wouldn't be considered bringing your religion to the workplace.

It would only become an issue if your job required you to be good at dishonesty, such as undercover work or espionage. If your religion required you to always tell the truth, then obviously you shouldn't be employed as a NOC agent overseas since your job requires you to be a good liar.

Let me put it this way; if your religion in any way hampers or hinders your ability to do your job, then your employer has a right to fire you. Period.

[Vanders9]

Of course these traits are not the sole preserve of Christians, but there is a difference. Others may believe doing a good job, being a good employee etc etc (I won’t try and spell that word again!) is right and meet, from a sense of morality, or fairness or economic fear - but a Christian does that because it is what he feels God wants him to do.

Personally, I think if there is a clash between what the job entails and what your faith demands, it is better to part ways. I hope I would have enough courage to resign rather than be fired. I wouldn’t work for a company that demanded that I work on Sundays. I wouldnt work for a company that demanded that I was dishonest. OTOH, I wouldn’t demand special treatment from my employer. I might ask, and I would certainly make it up to them, but I would not be mortified if they said no.

[GunRunner]

I wouldn’t work for a company that demanded that I work on Sundays.

You would obviously make a terrible pro football player.