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Atheist Etiquette

I recently started a new job and eveyone seems very religous. While discussing with a co-worker that i recently quit smoking she said "i bet your family and god are smiling down on you for that". i just smiled and continued my lunch. Should i have said different?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim DePaulo on December 1, 2010 at 10:21pm

Well, India has its own screwed up issues.
True, but that doesn't address the issue of a barbaric custom whether it happens in some backwater in India, Pakistan or Bugtussle, Alabama makes little difference - dead is dead and barbarism is barbarism irrespective of the venue.

Permalink Reply by Estee Koen on December 3, 2010 at 5:41am

yea. its true, i have learn the last honor killing happened in turkey, its said a 16 years old girl named Medine Memi, burried alive just because talking with boys, this is so stupid.

Permalink Reply by Steve on February 12, 2011 at 1:36pm

When it comes to co-workers, feel free to keep your thoughts on any potentially divisive topic private. It's usually the best thing to do.

Permalink Reply by Alan Huffman on February 13, 2011 at 8:51am

Being that we are one of the most hated groups, I think it is wise to pick your battles. Sadly I am not very wise, and I tell most people I am an atheist (as I have been for decades). That said, I attempt at every turn to dispel the notion that Atheists are uncaring, evil-doers... Friendly Atheist, that's my moniker.

Permalink Reply by Alan Huffman on February 13, 2011 at 9:35am

I like your view. I think we are misunderstood than anything, sadly that makes many people hate us.

I live in Nashville, TN -- so you can imagine what I am up against. Not to mention I am in a biracial relationship w/ 2 half black daughters :-). Fun times.

http://atheism.about.com/b/2006/03/24/atheists-hated-more-than-gays...

Permalink Reply by If You Shea Show on February 14, 2011 at 1:58pm

"which one?" is pretty fun. Throws a monotheist for a loop, a poly theist a laugh, and well could lead to an interesting conversation with a mormon? You never know? Could be Hunamon? Ptah? (wait is Ptah real like Zues or Pelor? ) coulda been a witch! Hern! :hehe:

Permalink Reply by Alice on February 17, 2011 at 8:01pm

I think you have to be smart about protecting your own interests. If you want to keep your job. It would be difficult if they asked you directly, if it is a work place where they discriminate against atheism. Or even just make it more uncomfortable for you to work in that environment.

It very much depends on your circumstances at work and if you think you will be accepted or rejected for your world view.

From my understanding, the basis of Christianity, is that Jesus was about love. He apparently talks in the Bible (I was brought up half in an India Kult as Theist and half atheist, by Hippy Anglo Saxon English Parents), about loving thy neighbour and loving thy enemy. So really if you wanted to get technical with the Christian co workers, you could address their faith, if they treat you any differently due to your differing world view then they are directly going against their faith of loving there neighbours and their enemies. Jesus was about love man! What's with all the name calling / heavy judgement / avoidance strategies???

The other reason that Christians might shun atheist colleagues is due to fear. Religious people tend to be scared of atheists because I reckon they get it confused with anarchist, or something, like an atheist is unpredictable. Perhaps it would be useful, if you do end up disclosing your atheisms, so qualify your position with references regarding your ability to distinguish behaviour that might harm others, with behaviour that is caring of others :) - you could also point out that Jesus was in fact a nonviolent anarchist - aiming to overturn the domination,oppression and abuse of his people, by the Romans, through practicing and advocating nonviolent resistance to the oppressive behaviour of the hegemonic culture.