co-worker asking why I didn't go to church every monday

I work with a woman who is from Nigeria. She moved to the US two years ago. she is one of the most sincerely kind hearted, wonderful, just awesome people I have met. She would never do anything to hurt anyone. She absolutely worships Jesus, and believes that her life is left in his hands. And I am totally cool with that. She tells me why she believes in him, and what good things have happened to her,I really like talking with her but sometimes it gets strange.

I do not, however, believe in Christianity. I have felt this way since Junior High... and for about a year I tried to go to church, and believe but it just is not my thing. I have kept this to myself except for a few friends and my boyfriend and I just recently told my mom.

I am TOTALLY cool with people believing in what they want. I just wanted to say that.

my question is.... every monday when I go into work, I talk with the woman from Nigeria. And she always asks me if I went to church on Sunday. And I always tell her no. And she starts bombarding me with "why? why? do I not go?" and I always try to think of a reason.

at first I told her I was babysitting or I didn't have time. but then the last time, I told her that I just believe in what I believe, and I don't need to go to a church to do that, she scolded me about how I need to go to church. I could NEVER tell her I do not believe in what she believes in.

I know one. . . she shouldn't be asking me these questions at work. but she doesn't understand these things because she is from a different country. she is such a kind gracious lady(EXCEPT for when I Tell her I don't go to church!) I need a polite, nice way of telling her that I will never go to church. she is begging me to go to her church. I won't even go to church for my lovely grandma who is as much a believer as this woman.

thank you to anyone who can help me. I appreciate it.

 

Here's a thought, be honest with her about your philosophies. If you really respect someone, you dont lie to them to make them feel at ease. If you lie to them, you are not being you and that is not genuine, that is not the way to treat those we care about on any level as humans.

 

Your post mentions why going to church on Monday. I assume that's a typo, but maybe you could tell the lady you go to church on Tuesday and see if it shuts her up!

 

I couldn't have put it better myself, but I'd also add that it's also very unfair to yourself to be dishonest about your beliefs. If it makes others uncomfortable, then it's their loss and not yours.

 

Regardless of what you tell her ,she is going to presist. Christians believe that Jesus commissioned each of them to take the Gospel to every creature.After attending any church that friendliness will fade into a list of rules.That false face of friendliness is a billboard indicating that love abounds within a church,but if love truly abounds she would allow your freedom to your own religious views.

 

them fucking ministries in africa have done nothing but taken the people away from their true spiritual identity.. behead them fuckers!!!

 

I live in the bible belt and have been dealing with these people all of my life. I agree with the others here who say to be honest, but sometimes that only makes things worse, because you now need to be "saved." I've been an atheist all of my life, but I have had to tell some of these Christians that I am a witch. This usually puts distance between them and you and they will not bother you again.

If you really like the woman you can try this. Take her out for coffee and explain to her that in America, religion is a personal matter and is an inappropriate topic for the work place; you would like to be her friend, but you are happy with the church you presently attend. Change the subject to questions of her family or a work related topic.

Or, you could make her a present of "The book of Mormon" or L. Ron Hubbard's book and say nothing.

.

 

I used to work with a few people from Africa and the majority were very Christian and would leave church leaflets and books lying around for others. When they would ask me if I was Christian, I would say no and I would get all the questions and get told that I should have a family, go to church, marry and then I will be happy. As if if I go to church, the world will somehow change and become a perfect place

In the end they accepted that I wasn't Christian, I would keep telling them to do what they want but not to try and convert me and preach to me and would end the conversation - they got the hint!

If that doesn't work, bring in the Equality and Diversity Policy :tongue:

 

I usually tell people on a serious tone that I am polytheist; if they carry on asking, I usually invent gods and pantheons on the spot, I usually talk about the Greek pantheon, which I am familiar with, or I just wonder about in a mix of Norse mythology and Vedic Brahmanism.

It usually shuts them up.

Even when people are kind and good wishing and all you want, I don't have much respect for those who lay their spiritual lives in the hands of others.
You should tell her that; the only person responsible for your spirituality is yourself, not some random priest... Well don't tell her about the random priest

 

"and which church is it that you want to know why i don't go to?
i have never left the church i was born in. we are in it now."