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co worker

orion888
orion888
Has anyone ever had a co worker who aggressively tried to get them to convert to their religion? My co worker is convinced that I need to be a born again Christian. On training on Friday, he gave me some you tube video to watch. He asked me what my beliefs were and he figured out that I was agnostic. I am not sure what this has to do with my working there or my working relationship to him. It really doesn't matter what he says or does, I am not going to convert to anything.
Community LeaderThePepperMan
ThePepperMan
Have you asked him to stop? If so, but if he still keeps up the pressure, then he is creating a hostile work environment. Perhaps give him one last "No means no!" and then get your manager involved.

Let us know how it goes, you should not have to face this at work.
Community LeaderWanderingVet
WanderingVet
Entirely agree with ThePepperMan. This is USUALLY an EMPLOYMENT VIOLATION.
Heidiclark
Heidiclark
I used to work with a woman who was constantly talking about religion. She eventually got fired. I agree that if you can't get this person to stop you need to report it to the manager.
sixtyplus
sixtyplus
If you have told this person to stop and it continues, he is harassing you, could even be categorized as stalking.

But you must be firm, and you do not have to be polite.
bridgie101
bridgie101
People get passing fancies (currently the 'true believer' at my office is panicking about Monsanto, only 7 years behind everyone else...) and born agains generally have it fearsome bad when they get it. With luck in a couple of months he'll be trying to turn you vegan, or start stockpiling for the end of the world, or something. :)

I don't know very many born agains who are still born again five years later. Generally they do a giant 180 at some point.
bridgie101
bridgie101
sorry re-reading the post. so he gave you youtubes. Are you obliged to watch them during working hours?

Is he just a normal co-worker, or does he have some kind of supervisory relationship with you?
Community LeaderThePepperMan
ThePepperMan
I think being polite in a formal way is good. Something like "Mr. Smith, I have repeatedly told you to stop discussing religion with me. This is not a request." works.
orion888
orion888
Last week I finally did tell him very pointedly that I will no longer be talking to him about religion and that's it. He definitely backed off. Going to the boss right away without saying anything would be unfair. Now, after this, it would not be unfair. Having to have these conversations is stressful, but the more practice you get, the better it is.
Community LeaderThePepperMan
ThePepperMan
Good news!!! I am happy that you told this person to back off, and that they have, for now, backed off!

I like your point about it not being fair to complain to management before trying to defuse it yourself. That was a very nice thing to do and I really respect that effort!

Way to go!!!!!
sixtyplus
sixtyplus
Applause Orion888!!!!!!!!!