but god

[PW_Elle]

Christian or not...

Christian or not, tips should NOT be replaced by tracts.

I am a Christian and I am appalled when this happens.

And, let me say... the way to bring someone to God is not to throw tracts at them, and not to constantly flaunt how "Christian" you are. The only way that works is to build a relationship with them first. As a friend. And NOT for the purpose of saving them, but for the purpose of being a friend. In time, if they are willing, you can share the Gospel with them. If they are not willing, or if they pull away after the first time you share, then you leave it alone.

In the end, it's their choice whether to accept it as truth or not. But, if I condemn them and throw their sins in their face, how likely is it they are going to listen? And what does that make me?

For those of you who have dealt with SCs like this (and I think they are being SCs if they throw it in someone's face), then I apologize on behalf of non-confrontational Christians everywhere.

[BookstoreEscapee]

If that law is almost 43 years old, why are people still violating it is my question?

Because they can. If the applicant was an adult he probably wouldn't ask such a question, but figures a teenage kid isn't going to say anything, or even that a kid wouldn't know he's not allowed to ask.

in other notes wahoo five pages

hehehe...my first thread went to 6 or 7 pages i think. it was very exciting

[Spiffy McMoron]

mods feel free to bansih that last part if it violates any rules

Don't worry, we will.

Me: Oh yes, certainly. It's why I am a Catholic.
Paul: Oh, you're Catholic....so you're not a real Christian.
Me: *raises eyebrow* Actually, the Holy Roman Church is the One True Church, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
Paul: And what do you think of Southern Baptists then?
Me: *solemnly* I think of them exactly like I think of all other heretics - Devil-sent deceivers of the faith who need to repent of their heresy or be purified by flame.

It's always amused me when people equate one particular Christian denomination as being "less Christian" or "more Christian". We all have different nuances, beliefs and subtlies between the different churches, that much is true; but we all believe in God! Accept this, and chill out, Paul!

BTW, I love your responce.

[CurlyLocks]

this story is a few years old. my brother...<SNIP>

Please edit quotes

Sailornight, since the story is second-hand, is it possible the details may have become clouded? As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I can assure you that it never has been nor will it ever be our policy to abduct anyone!

Of course, since I was not there I can't say for a certainty that it wasn't one of Jehovah's Witnesses. All I can say is that I've never heard of something like that happening and if it did, it was certainly a serious aberration. Further, if it was actually one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I can also assure you that it would have been dealt with in a disciplinary way inside the congregation, and the person would not have been shielded from any legal consequences of such actions. It makes absolutely no sense to try and physically force your beliefs on anyone else. We try to follow closely the example of Jesus and the early Christians - reasoning from the Scriptures with those who are willing to listen.

If anyone has any questions about Jehovah's Witnesses or our beliefs, feel free to PM me or check out http://www.watchtower.org/e/beliefs_and_activities.htm. Again, if the mods feel that this post is any way inappropriate, feel free to do that voodoo that you do.

Mod Note - Don't worry, rest assured we will remove comments we feel are not appropriate and don't require permisssion from the OP. I did however, say already that, if you aren't sure of a comment, to PM a mod before posting. That would save us a lot of trouble with edits, and make comments like, "mods feel free to delete," completely unnecessary. Thanks. ~Ree

[HowMayIHelpMe?]

But the bottom line is this: preaching doesn't belong in the workplace. Ever.

That's so right on and correct it's just awesome, Captain. No one could have said it better. I liked your whole post on this topic, but especially the sentiment above.

Rock on.

[counterjockey]

I'm plenty familiar with the types who like to thump others with their bible, but I've been lucky enough to avoid most of them at work. Not that I haven't had some fun with it myself.

One of these types pestered me for free merchandise, and tried telling me it would be the Christian thing to do. "Actually, the Christian thing to do would be to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," I said. "I believe it's in Matthew if you want to look it up. (Matthew 22:21, in fact.)

Working one Saturday night, listening to Prairie Home Companion, busting a gut at Guy Noir, Private Eye. Customer asks me what I'm listening to. "Prairie Home Companion," I said. "It's what Lutherans do when they stop going to church."

Working Christmas Eve night, a lady comes to the store and asks me if I'm the only one working. <yellow alert! shields up!> "Yeah..."
"Then this is for you." She hands me a card. <???>"Merry Christmas!"
"Thank you." I open the card. <Ready phasers!> Inside is a gift card to the new ribs joint in town and a message. "Remember that the innkeeper was working on Christmas Eve."
Turned out the Methodist churches in town got together and gave cards to all kinds of folks working that holiday, nurses, cops, clerks etc.
If you ask me this speaks to the positive aspects of religion far more than some sanctimonious prick with a television studio and operators standing by to take your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

[Sailornight6]

"Remember that the innkeeper was working on Christmas Eve."
Turned out the Methodist churches in town got together and gave cards to all kinds of folks working that holiday, nurses, cops, clerks etc.
.

dude that is awsome i wish that happen to me. ^.^

[April]

Working Christmas Eve night, a lady comes to the store and asks me if I'm the only one working. <yellow alert! shields up!> "Yeah..."
"Then this is for you." She hands me a card. <???>"Merry Christmas!"
"Thank you." I open the card. <Ready phasers!> Inside is a gift card to the new ribs joint in town and a message. "Remember that the innkeeper was working on Christmas Eve."
Turned out the Methodist churches in town got together and gave cards to all kinds of folks working that holiday, nurses, cops, clerks etc.
If you ask me this speaks to the positive aspects of religion far more than some sanctimonious prick with a television studio and operators standing by to take your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

That is one of the coolest religion stories I've ever heard! I wish there were more of them.

[Amethyst Hunter]

If that law is almost 43 years old, why are people still violating it is my question?


Power really does corrupt. Laws don't mean shit if people aren't willing to follow them. Particularly if it's in an area that's rural enough and ruled over by a person or group of persons able to influence (through fear or other means - and yes, this includes violence or threats thereof) the rest of the town. Think of any 'good 'ol boys' network and you'll see what I mean.

Case in point: I once lived in a town that's home to an influential government official who is known in those parts as a former football coach. He's been in office ever since I was a little kid. I'm in my 30's, so that right there should tell you why he's stayed so long. As anyone who's ever lived in a small town knows, football = godhood. Because of this, in most of the townfolk's eyes this guy can do absolutely no wrong - even when it's painfully obvious that he IS. Those that criticize this guy in public are either ignored or mocked as disrespecters of a fine upstanding moral character. /sarcasm

Another instance is one of my mom's ex-bosses, but that is a saga unto itself. Suffice it to say that this SOB repeatedly gave perks and raises to the shittiest employees - his family members - and fucked over his best ones (i.e., my mom, and I'm not just saying that because she's my mom; she singlehandedly ran that joint more often than not because bossman was out goofing off) before eventually canning them for one bullshit reason or another (and yes, I am VERY bitter about this because it's partly what sent my family into the rough times we're having now). Sometimes, it really is who you know that can make the difference in your job.

[Enjis]

Christian or not, tips should NOT be replaced by tracts.

I am a Christian and I am appalled when this happens.

And, let me say... the way to bring someone to God is not to throw tracts at them, and not to constantly flaunt how "Christian" you are. The only way that works is to build a relationship with them first. As a friend. And NOT for the purpose of saving them, but for the purpose of being a friend. In time, if they are willing, you can share the Gospel with them. If they are not willing, or if they pull away after the first time you share, then you leave it alone.

In the end, it's their choice whether to accept it as truth or not. But, if I condemn them and throw their sins in their face, how likely is it they are going to listen? And what does that make me?
.

You are so right! I have had a good friend for 30 years who is a Christian (I'm Jewish)
She and her family invite me over for Christmas every year, and came to my wedding. They have chosen to LIVE their life as evidence of their faith, and NEVER preach it to me. I have not chosen their faith as my own, but I love and respect them, and admire them in many ways. (And I married a Christian)
THAT'S the way to win people to your views. Not hellfire and damnation talk.

[AFpheonix]

One slow day we were doing a bit of extra cleaning in the kitchen area, and I was in a silly mood. I blame it on all the espresso shots I had downed an hour before. For whatever reason, I start composing a hymn to the cleaning rag I was using, praising it for it's cleaning powers and thanking it for helping me to get rid of dirt and germs. My manager had her back turned to me at this time, and I could see her tense up as I continued to praise this bit of cloth.

My grunge came off, and now I'm cleeaaan. I scrubbed, went forth, and followed up with bleach......

Oh, sorry, wrong hymn

Being that I travel around the campus often, I see all kinds of people who are preaching more than just Jesus. Had a few monks handing out copies of Buddhist literature a few times. Most often, those were guys in plain clothes who were awfully cool about it. But it seems like once a week, since my university a big open courtyard in the park blocks of my town (think "the land of ports" in the Pacific Northwest...), there's always someone ranting about Jesus. Not preaching, ranting. The things I've heard before...

But on the bright side, the Hare Krishnas stay down by Saturday Market.

I don't really get proselytized at work, but boy howdy, JWs find me at the farm and at my apartment like nothing else. Can I please just use the air compressor on the horse trailer tire and go on my merry way? Kthnxbye.

[gregmaddux17]

You are so right! I have had a good friend for 30 years who is a Christian (I'm Jewish)
She and her family invite me over for Christmas every year, and came to my wedding. They have chosen to LIVE their life as evidence of their faith, and NEVER preach it to me. I have not chosen their faith as my own, but I love and respect them, and admire them in many ways. (And I married a Christian)
THAT'S the way to win people to your views. Not hellfire and damnation talk.

I think you have it exactly right and I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Gurndigarn]

My grunge came off, and now I'm cleeaaan. I scrubbed, went forth, and followed up with bleach......

Oh, sorry, wrong hymn

Oh, thanks. Now I've got Olde Tyme Religion (filk version) running through my head.

[BlackIronCrown]

Trust me, we will

Actually, it's not over the top, but a great comeback to someone who was pushing it badly. It's more appropriate to Cursing out Coworkers, so if you want this splitting and moving to there, let us know.

Rapscallion

Thanks, but let's just leave it under here. Topical and all that; saves time.

-BIC-

[trunks2k]

Working one Saturday night, listening to Prairie Home Companion, busting a gut at Guy Noir, Private Eye.

Dork.

<_<
>_>


(I listen too it as well if I happen to be driving around on a saturday)