Is a Christian carer affected for being open about thier faith?

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   mdawson17posted 14 years ago

   In today's society as Christians we have seen that non believers have become belligerent and some extremely agitated at our presence, do you think that because of our religions preference our professional carer is affected!

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      Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think you're talking about worldly careers, if you are a Christian, and not about carers (who look after others). Am I correct?
      
      I disagree with your premise that non-believers have become belligerent. It seems to me that they (we) have become defensive under the assault from fundamentalists. Anyway, I think your religion tells you to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's - in other words, don't mix your religion with politics/business.
      
      I live in a country where most people spend about an hour per (working!) day preparing to pray, praying, or returning from prayer. And four weeks a year (Ramadan) doing very little work. I'm not saying it's inherently bad, but it isn't good for business (which I care little enough about!)
      
      So, what was the question?

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         Everyday Miraclesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Actually, render unto Caesar, etc, is referring to following secular laws and paying taxes, as well as tithing to God what belongs to God (the first 10% of our income). For many of us this is an incredible challenge. I won't rehash old conversations though.
         
         I do feel that there are situations when it can be difficult, Matthew. For me, at one point I worked in a call center that did telefundraising for a certain political party. Their leanings were the polar opposite of what I believed.
         
         It could have affected me in some very dramatic ways, but it didn't. One can choose, as PG has implied, to check our religion at the door when entering into the work environment. Unless you are being asked to do something that is immoral according to your beliefs as a Christian, then I feel that this is wholly possible.
         
         I also have to agree that even as a Christian I am finding that the deeper I look, the more I discover that atheists really are on the defensive and not on the offensive. It just feels different when it is your group that has been "offending" them for so long.

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            Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            What, God wants a few hundred quid a month?? I thought he could make anything he needed without going anywhere near the shops

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               Everyday Miraclesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               LOL!
               
               I used to feel the same way, to be honest with you. I still have moments where it annoys me because I figure "we need that money to pay the rent, etc."
               
               One thing that I have discovered though my years studying theology is that there is a philosophy (not a theology) that suggests that what we put out into the world comes back to us in abundance. The idea behind tithing is that what we put out (that 10%) comes back to us after having increased.
               
               Many people I have met have stories of how this has worked for them. I can't say that monetary tithing has worked for me, but I have noticed that the more I give out into the world the more joy I get back from it. I haven't had nearly enough opportunity to experiment with cash, but I've got to say that if giving good works out into the world results in joy coming in, I can't wait to experiment!
               
               BTW, when I get paid, I give my money to charity rather than to church. I believe it's the same thing. For me it is usually the March of Dimes.

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      Ivorwenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think it has more to do with how you present yourself, than your beliefs.  My husband lives his beliefs out every day before his co-workers and customers.  Many of them have sought him out when they have a spiritual question.  He is not noisy about his beliefs or arrogant -- he just walks the walk.  People know he is different, but not because he told them, and respect him for it.
      
      A lack of cussing is usually the first thing others notice about him.  A strong work ethic and a love for his family are the other things people respect in him.

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         Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         All of which is commendable but none of which requires belief in God.

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            Everyday Miraclesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            You are right: these things don't require a belief in God (though they changed in me when I became a Christian). I think that it is extremely bad logic to assume that atheists or agnostics are immoral due to their lack of faith in God (or that non-Christians are immoral due to their lack of faith in Jesus).
            
            I cannot imagine limiting myself to friendships only with Christians. There is so much to enjoy and to learn!
            
            I got sidetracked. The reason I chose to respond is the fact that very often when one chooses a moral path, there is something unique about them. Does it require faith? No, not actually. What it requires is often an excellent self-image. Some credit that good self-image to their religion, and if asked, will credit God for the way they feel about themselves. I don't think that there is anything wrong with this, just that it works differently for different people (obviously)

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            Ivorwenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Very true.  My point in saying such was to point out that he is a respected individual for the way he lives, and therefore his beliefs are respected.  Those wanting to know more about Christianity ask him, because they do not see him as a hypocrite.

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         LondonGirlposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Sounds like my Dad. I've never heard him swear, apart from when I was about 10 and he jumped down a flight of stairs and went through a rotten floor board. He never even uses words like "crap".
         
         He has a strong work ethic, too. Last week, he was in court in London on Monday, flew to Hong Kong on Monday night, was in court there on Wednesday and Thursday, and flew back on Thursday night. On Friday he had an all-day conference with a client and solicitor.
         
         His family is central to him, too.
         
         But my Dad believes passionately in the Church of England, that it should exist, the music, the architecture, and not at all in God.

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      Lady_Eposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      No. If you are a true Christian and behave like one then your career shouldn't be affected. I know of Christians that when people at work are talking round them, if they use a swear word they would actually apologise to the Christian of their own accord. 
      
      Also, as the world is changing, Xtians need to use wisdom before they start talking about their faith at work. Sometimes its not a good idea. However, if you don't practice what you preach then your career might be affected.

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   \Brenda Scullyposted 14 years ago

   you know what I am a religious person, I practice my religion, but this site almost puts me off god and I love him...
   
   I just cannot understand why people put up so much trash, it is obviously going to totally turn people away.....  If anyone wants to ask a biblical point, they know the ones who to ask. If a person is mad about cars, do they come on here lecturing others about cars no of course not....
   
   People like to see a sermon rather hear a sermon, so act kind and lovingly to fellow hubbers, and maybe that would help everyone on here.  I really dont understand the ranting that goes on....

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      Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Who is dreadful? Me? Probably, as I am the only one on this thread not patently religious. But 'dreadful' is the first insult on this thread. Be glad that I'm not easily offended

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         Everyday Miraclesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Funny -- I actually thought she was talking about me. Talk about being self-centered and egotistical! LOL

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            Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I thought we were having a good humoured chit-chat. Come to think of it, I still think so!

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            \Brenda Scullyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I have sat and read lots and lots of things you have written, it is not my religion, but you put it all accross in a nice pleasant way, that makes me want to read more, though not convert..... You are always helpful, and respectful sorry I did not mean to be personal....

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               Everyday Miraclesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               It's alright. I think that was more my ego than anything else. The day started off with an argument with a friend and has kind of snowballed from there

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   \Brenda Scullyposted 14 years ago

   sorry i will rephrase that, some of the points people make are good but some are dreadful........  I just mean they are over the top a bit....... people from Manchester are not great at forming sentences...
   
     nobody is dreadful

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      Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      No worries. Nice classic rose too

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