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I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 1:09:54 PM
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cyndi2005
Posts: 14
Joined: 9/30/2005
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I work in an office where they are all Bahai’s but me.
They constantly make remarks the world is in the shape it is
Because Christians are stupid for waiting for Jesus to return
On a cloud and Muslims wait for him to return up out of a well.
They make comments That my time is running out to accept there way. It’s a hard working Environment to be in. Plus one of the people I work with when she doesn’t Get her way causes problems and of course because she is a Bahai she is Always believed when she does not tell the truth. She is doing damage to my career and my future with this company. Any advice.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 2:30:56 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 1905
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cyndi2005
I work in an office where they are all Bahai’s but me.
They constantly make remarks the world is in the shape it is
Because Christians are stupid for waiting for Jesus to return
On a cloud and Muslims wait for him to return up out of a well.
They make comments That my time is running out to accept there way. It’s a hard working Environment to be in.
I can imagine. You're in a mission field, and it's often this way. Find some missionaries from an organization you trust (or go to Wycliffe's website and ask for help. There's a Christian group that deals with cults, but all I can think of is Creation Research. Who was Walter Martin's group? Anyone know?) and get some help how to survive emotionally and be a shining light in the darkness you work in. This is how God often puts His people so they will see our good works and praise God, inspite of their ignorance. God calls people to light from the darkness, and you're the one He chose for this group of people. Don't let them down! God bless you.
quote:
Plus one of the people I work with when she doesn’t Get her way causes problems and of course because she is a Bahai she is Always believed when she does not tell the truth. She is doing damage to my career and my future with this company. Any advice.
I'd stay there until they threw me out. A person who lies all the time eventually gets outed as a liar, and a person who is always moral is believed sooner or later to be moral. Is your job more important than the job God has given you to be a light to what Jesus rightly called "a dark and perverse generation"? Be strong in the Lord, Christian! Do your duty, and let God pick up the pieces. You won't be a victim of God's mistake because He's never made one. He is able to profit you inspite of trouble (read the New Testament, the troubles Paul and all the Apostles had. People kept trying to kill them, and eventually did, but meanwhile they did God's work and wrote the New Testament and started churches that are still going today! Wow! Do you think they are sorry now, having been in heaven 1900 years? Your faith could probably trace back to one or more of them if we had "faith genealogies." Rock on! And God bless you and profit you. I am praying for you today. (((Hugs)))
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 2:47:09 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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To be very honest with you, have you looked at filing a complaint withing this company that you work for? If these people are continually making rude comments about your religous beliefs, that could easily be construed as creating a hostile work environment. Most companies have policies about this kind of conduct. You should look into your company's policies and see what their rules are regarding employees who make your work place intollerable, and file complaints with the appropriate people.
If your place of employment doesn't have such policies in place, or they refuse to take action in regards to these issues, you could have the groundwork for a legitimate lawsuit.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 2:57:35 PM
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manda59
Posts: 6052
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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Quite apart from anything else, neither they nor you should be discussing religious beliefs in company time. You're all there to work.
So I suggest you ignore their remarks and get on with your own work. It should soon be evident who has the company's interests at heart and who doesn't.
_____________________________
"Once again....drum roll please! Manda is right"
doinkdom, October 2008
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 3:11:23 PM
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TorchHeart
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quote:
ORIGINAL: manda59
Quite apart from anything else, neither they nor you should be discussing religious beliefs in company time. You're all there to work.
I completely agree with this. There's a time and a place for everything, and the work site is NOT the place for discussing religions beliefs. Its a very passionate topic for a lot of people with a lot of different views, and its too easy for feelings to get hurt, and it can cause a lot of disruption on the job.
Ignoring the remarks of the co-workers isn't a bad way to go either, if you think you can do that. I would respectfully ask them, though, to refrain from making the comments that they are. If they can't, and you find their behavior to be extremely distracting and/or offensive, I would go and start filing complaints about this. Also, keep a record for yourself as to when these kinds of comments are made, by whom, and what was said. That way, if you do go the route of making an official complaint about this, you can back yourself up with specifics.
One more thing.... REFRAIN FROM MAKING SIMILAR COMMENTS ABOUT OTHER FAITHS YOURSELF! I don't want to come across as yelling, but I think that is very important in this case. Don't give these people any amo to fire back at you. Be on your best behavior and show what a model employee you can be.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 4:26:20 PM
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cyndi2005
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Believe me I do not bring up religion around here. They believe Jesus has already retured (he returns every 1000 years they say) and because I don't believe that they tell me I am like the Jews of Jesus day who didn't believe who he was back then either , they were blind and so am I . There comments are hurtful and overbearing. They bring up there reglion not me. I think they perfer to have all Bahai's working in here and truly thought I would convert and since I havn't I am an outcast. I understand God puts us in situations to witness but it's hard not to get beaten down dealing with this non sense on a daily bases and having to deal with dishonest people who are only allowed to get by with things because they are apart of the "reglious group" and all family but me, no other supervisor or boss would put up with this. We are a small office Husband and wife and daughter in law and me. I've worked hard to be very good at what I do and feel it is being questioned due to these vendictive attacks by someone who knows she can do because she is family and Bahai.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 7:12:27 PM
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Hislittleone
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Do you live in the United States? I'm just asking because laws concerning the work place will be different in other countries.
Since this seems to be a small family owned/operated business there may not be much you can do as far as filing complaints and other legal action. It does sound like a very stressful situation. Don't have much advice for you except that you find a good support system of other believers so they can encourage and pray for you during this time.
Also, what Deermousie said is true. She gave you some good advice on reaching out to missionaries/organizations that can help support you and teach you how to witness to this group of people. God could very well have placed you in this position to be a witness to them. If that is the case, let them see Christ through your actions.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 7:37:37 PM
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loveleee
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From: Southern Gal
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I agree with Deermousie COMPLETELY! I do not think God would want us to not witness to others just because we are at work.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 7:51:29 PM
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margieb711
Posts: 112
Joined: 7/11/2008
From: Eagan MN
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deermousie
I can imagine. You're in a mission field, and it's often this way. Find some missionaries from an organization you trust (or go to Wycliffe's website and ask for help. There's a Christian group that deals with cults, but all I can think of is Creation Research. Who was Walter Martin's group? Anyone know?) and get some help how to survive emotionally and be a shining light in the darkness you work in. This is how God often puts His people so they will see our good works and praise God, inspite of their ignorance. God calls people to light from the darkness, and you're the one He chose for this group of people. Don't let them down! God bless you.
I'd stay there until they threw me out. A person who lies all the time eventually gets outed as a liar, and a person who is always moral is believed sooner or later to be moral. Is your job more important than the job God has given you to be a light to what Jesus rightly called "a dark and perverse generation"? Be strong in the Lord, Christian! Do your duty, and let God pick up the pieces. You won't be a victim of God's mistake because He's never made one. He is able to profit you inspite of trouble (read the New Testament, the troubles Paul and all the Apostles had. People kept trying to kill them, and eventually did, but meanwhile they did God's work and wrote the New Testament and started churches that are still going today! Wow! Do you think they are sorry now, having been in heaven 1900 years? Your faith could probably trace back to one or more of them if we had "faith genealogies." Rock on! And God bless you and profit you. I am praying for you today. (((Hugs)))
The organization that Walter Martin was involved with is Christian Research Institute.
I think it's a good idea to continue being a witness as well. Why should we suppress our beliefs if someone's bringing up the fact that theirs are better? God Bless You Cyndi.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 11:37:05 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: loveleee
I agree with Deermousie COMPLETELY! I do not think God would want us to not witness to others just because we are at work.
Whether God wants us to witness to people or not, there are laws about this in the U.S. and other countries as Hislittleone said. Turning around and doing the same thing that these people are doing to her can really come back and bite the OP in the butt. Especially if she gets fired and word gets out to other potential employers in the region as to why. These people can make the OP's life a living hell. For this reason, despite the good intent behind it, I don't think Deermousie's suggestion is a very good idea at all. I think its got a much better chance of making the situation far worse before it makes it better.
Besides that, it doesn't make the OP any better than the other people if she goes and starts forcing her religion down their throats the same way they're forcing it on her. Two wrongs don't make a right.
I still have to stand by the idea of either going through proper channels to file complaints or take legal action, or (if this is a small, family run company where this could get you no where) leave and find work at a better facility where you won't have to put up with this kind of abuse. There are other jobs out there where the OP can do their job and NOT have to deal with this kind of harassment, and losing a good employee of their own accord because the people in the office are so intollerent MIGHT give the owner/managers a little more incentive to change things for the better around that place.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/19/2008 11:46:00 PM
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deermousie
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I realize that I assumed a lot of things in my last post, and should explain further:
A missionary has to weigh the culture they are approaching, and find a way to share their faith. At the work place, a bold Gospel presentation is probably going to get them fired, and you can' t be a light in darkness if you aren't there. So they have to find a way to get God's love across in a way that will work for that culture (read "Peace Child" for a dramatic resolution of a missionary working with cannibals whose greatest virtue was lying - God is brilliant!). So study your culture and ask God for wisdom.
Cyndi's situation is a family of cultists, so they are a closed group on two counts. Personally, I think Cyndi should be sending out resumes because this volitile situation looks like it can only go one way. But I'd like to see her keep her antenna up in the meanwhile for any opportunity God hands her on a silver platter. When someone says, "Please tell me why you believe in God" then go wild. And meanwhile pray. Like crazy. And find another job before you have to find another job.
I am praying for Cyndi and these poor deluded people; so close to the Truth and yet not knowing Him. May they do so!
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/20/2008 7:14:59 AM
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manda59
Posts: 6052
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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quote:
ORIGINAL: loveleee
I agree with Deermousie COMPLETELY! I do not think God would want us to not witness to others just because we are at work.
Sure, so long as we don't do it in the firm's time - otherwise that is effectively stealing.
_____________________________
"Once again....drum roll please! Manda is right"
doinkdom, October 2008
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/20/2008 8:47:11 PM
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calrows
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Well all,
My two cents is that these particular Bahais are a little over zealous because, in my experience, most Bahais don't try to convert people. Remember "don't cast pearls before swine"? To me this means....don't witness to anyone unless there is some receptivity. Bahais as supposed to abide by this teaching so, if they are pressuring you, just ask them "aren't you supposed to teach your faith to only those who are interested?". (you can do a little research here into their teachings - so you can know where they are coming from. A good downloadable resource is http://www.bahai-education.org/ocean/ where you can see just about all the Bahai writings as well as those of Christian, Islamic, Jewish, etc)
To be fair....I bet there are many places that are predominantly one religion and if you are not that religion - it can be a bit uncomfortable. I guess the Christ-like approach would be prayer for and forgiveness to an individual who has harmed you. However, if something is unjust and should not happen in a workplace....then appeal to an authority, if possible. Or, if not, and continuing to work there is not going to work out.....get your resume out and make plans to get a job where it will be a better environment for you.
Good luck!
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/21/2008 12:36:09 AM
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loveleee
Posts: 79
Joined: 6/6/2008
From: Southern Gal
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Of course I didnt mean to go to work and all day force your beliefs to these people... I simply mean to the opportunity to witness when the questions come and to make examples out of your actions.
I am reminded about Peter and John in the book of Acts how they were repeatedly warned not to preach. They were beaten and also nearly thrown into jail.
When they were questioned by the Sanhedrin about why they were still teaching to the people after being warned :
"Peter and the other apostles replied: ' We must obey God rather than men!" Acts 5:29
After that discussion they were beaten,
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41
If you get fired because of sharing your beliefs REJOICE!!
If you are mocked or persecuted for your faith, it isn't because your doing something wrong, but because God has counted you "worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/25/2008 2:29:13 PM
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cyndi2005
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They are horribly over zealous. Part of the reason I think is that they have such a low opinion of Christians that they feel like a Bahai working for them is more trust worthy, which is nonsense the last girl that worked for them and converted to the Bahai’s actually called there clients and told them not to do business with this office before she moved to another state. The other girl that is in here, the daughter in law and also a Bahai is a horrible employee. I am the only one that doesn’t use there time for personal. I give them an honest days work. Also, these people are very rich and very spoiled and like being in the Bahai spot light so converting another employee would be nice for them. I am in the United States and they do have laws however I could not pay for the lawyers like they can and would, and it would be all of them against me.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/25/2008 3:01:44 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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1) There are organizations that could help you find an attorney, and maybe even help pay for one, if you inform them that you are being treated unfairly due to your religion. I can try and get you a name of one or two if you'd like (a friend of my mother's is very up-to-date on this kind of thing, and would probably be able to tell me which organization in your state would be the best to speak with if you should decide to go down this route). You might even be able to find a lawyer who would take the case pro-bono (spelling?).
2) Remember that going down the legal route could have its own consequences, too. Such as if other businesses in your field find out that you sued a former employer, they might be wary of hiring you should your former employer brand you as a trouble make. I strongly suggest that you start looking for another place to work, unless you feel the urge to stay at this place and are prepared to fight their discriminating actions with the threat or actual act of legal action.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/26/2008 5:07:58 PM
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cyndi2005
Posts: 14
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
1) There are organizations that could help you find an attorney, and maybe even help pay for one, if you inform them that you are being treated unfairly due to your religion. I can try and get you a name of one or two if you'd like (a friend of my mother's is very up-to-date on this kind of thing, and would probably be able to tell me which organization in your state would be the best to speak with if you should decide to go down this route). You might even be able to find a lawyer who would take the case pro-bono (spelling?).
2) Remember that going down the legal route could have its own consequences, too. Such as if other businesses in your field find out that you sued a former employer, they might be wary of hiring you should your former employer brand you as a trouble make. I strongly suggest that you start looking for another place to work, unless you feel the urge to stay at this place and are prepared to fight their discriminating actions with the threat or actual act of legal action.
I think your comment about not finding another job once it got out that I had filed a law suite is a great point and I probably would not get hired by anyone else. I am looking for another job but at this time my field has been hit hard by the slower economy. In the mean time I am trying to control my stress levels due to my diabeties and to remember God is in control of it all.
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/26/2008 8:20:28 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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If you think that's what would happen with a law suit, then I think your best bet is to go about things as you are and simply try to find a different job in your field. Good luck in your search, and God bless you with it.
And since I don't think it ever came out, what kind of work do you do, anyway?
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/29/2008 8:43:57 PM
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cyndi2005
Posts: 14
Joined: 9/30/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
If you think that's what would happen with a law suit, then I think your best bet is to go about things as you are and simply try to find a different job in your field. Good luck in your search, and God bless you with it.
And since I don't think it ever came out, what kind of work do you do, anyway?
I am an insurance agent and it's hard to find a job in insurance right now .
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 8/29/2008 10:38:51 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 1905
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cyndi2005
I am an insurance agent and it's hard to find a job in insurance right now .
Maybe it's time to switch fields. I'd get out before they threw me out and have a blot on my resume for being fired. You could flip hamburgers for a while... If you can't take the cut in pay, reduce your living costs somehow. If you lost your job/got fired, you'd have to do that anyway. Why not do it on your terms?
I am praying for you. May God bless, comfort and provide for you.
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: She has struck again! - 9/4/2008 4:24:56 PM
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cyndi2005
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She has lied again ,]at my expense and our boss her mother in law did not want to deal with the situation and ignored it. I am praying for God to reveal her evil nature and for a new job .In the mean time it is hard to keep my cool everytime these things happen. I have to work I can not just quit but I am really stressed over this place. They love to be flippant about Christianity and my beliefs ,let me tell you I have not met a Bahai yet that I would want to emulate or that makes me feel like they have the truth. Just venting getting this off my chest. I hope everyone else is having a wonderful blessed day. Cyndi
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RE: I work with all Bahai's - 9/4/2008 5:37:25 PM
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sudden
Posts: 166
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Toronto
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Dear Cyndi:
I've been in a similar situation. I used to work with all gays some of who thought that Christians were stupid and backward. They were not however as nasty as your bunch sounds and indeed not all of them took part in the following example of some of the shinanigans I was exposed to. They would do silly things such as show me gay pornographic photos. HIghschoolish? Yes. I always tried not to give them much of a reaction.
A simple request often worked for me when encountered with same.such as "Im sorry to say that your photographs do not interest me. Kindly do not try to show me any in the future." or "the way you are speaking now is of no benefit to you or myself. Will you kindly stop?" or "Will you please stop speaking as if I were not in the room. I do not appreciate being spoken to in a passive-aggressive manner. Will you agree to stop?" If you have something unkind to say regarding my religious beliefs kindly keep it to yourself". This worked. I would also advise trying not to show how upset you are...if they are as nasty as you say I am afraid this will act as a stimulus.
You can, of course, only say these things if you are not doing something similar yourself.
If it doesn't stop, speak to your boss.
I don't know if you are Canadian but if you are you can always take your complaint to the Human Rights Commission. The company has a legal obligation to provide a working environment that is free of hostility. You can always charge both the individual and the company with harrassment. They will be punished.
Sudden
< Message edited by sudden -- 9/4/2008 5:50:50 PM >
_____________________________
I will lie down in rest and sleep and peace, for thou, O Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety.
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