is it socially unacceptable to openly speak about God in professional settings?

Question

I have a coworker who openly talks about her faith in God at work. She'll discuss it with coworkers, our boss, clients at times. i'm a christian myself so I don't mind it at all but I can't help but wonder if she is bothering people ever with her style of openly sharing her beliefs. she'll say things like 'this one time i really felt God wanted me to do this thing' etc or 'I've been praying alot about this" etc

she'll say it to anyone really.

Answer 1

If anyone complains she may be told not to talk about that in front of that person or not at work etc., HOWEVER how is her saying that different than a person talking about getting drunk over the weekend, or owing a family member money, it is just talk about her personal life, and if it gets folks interested they can ask questions

Answer 2

I don't know about whether it's "acceptable" or not, but it's clearly unprofessional.



Sure, if you're at lunch that's one thing, but talking to a client? Definitely not.

Answer 3

Yes, that's very unprofessional. Your religion has nothing to do with your work. Why would you ever discuss that with a client?

Answer 4

After 1838, most definitely, when the Know-Nothing movement was at its peak. In the days of the founder until then the major two topics on Saturday night at the local "taverns" was politics and religion. Christians also faded from their commitment to bring to Light of the world to all.

Answer 5

Playing pretend is unacceptable for any professional. It removes the professional standing when they prove to be superstitious instead of professional. Professionals (other than clergy and politicians, who are "professional" liars) deal strictly with reality. No professional should mix their personal fantasies with their job.

Answer 6

No, but that is the main point of topic, expect fairly brief, to-the-point conversations with people who don’t share those views.



Atheists I know generally only bring up religion if they say they “hope no one is offended by that”, so it works both ways...

Answer 7

No. The surest way to NOT get hired is to mention God during your job interview. In a professional scientific environment, mentioning God during a department meeting will cause your peers to avoid you and could result in a reprimand or even termination for creating a hostile work environment.

Answer 8

It's annoying to deal with coworkers like that

Answer 9

Depends on the setting, but generally yes, it's socially taboo to discuss religion or politics in the workplace, because these subjects have a tendency to divide and inflame.

Answer 10

I admire such people and believe God will greatly reward her when she gets to heaven. People who silently believe in Jesus and let those around them head towards hell are not going and making disciples as Jesus commands.

Answer 11

When my time is my own, eg. lunch, breaks, before or after work then I exercise my rights to mention what's important to me. On my employer's time? I'm there to work.

Answer 12

it depends on the group of people you're with.

Answer 13

It can be very nice if other people will show you their real feelings (and that feeling not being anger or irritation, but something better).



If she's doing it in a considerate way, noticing if the person she is talking to wants to hear, that's really sweet.

Answer 14

I think that really depends where you are. In the UK definitely, and that attitude seems to outdate the plurality of today. Even those who share your beliefs will find it distasteful. In the US that would seem to change by region or even workplace.