I'm curious, how do you feel about people having bible studies in the conference room at work?

There are about a handful of people who get together every week and do bible studies here at work.

Several other people are not too happy yet no one is willing to actually complain to HR about it.

Is this something that should be allowed at work?

Don't have a problem with it if they reserve a separate room.

Big problem if it's in a lounge or public cafeteria.

not sure. my initial reaction is, no problem. but what if these people were in a position to affect raises, bonuses, promotions, etc and didn't care for my religious kneel? tricky

Wouldn't care at all if I couldn't hear them. They have as much right as anyone else as long as the company condones it.

Is it during lunch?

If so, I'd not be too worried.

If they take time out of work for it, I'd want equal time to study whatever I want.

Good point.

No problem as long as they let there be Qu'ran study groups, and Torah study groups, and allow people to practice pagan rituals, because you can't pick and choose, or its discrimination...I'd like to see someone go up to them and ask to sacrifice a goat in the conference room.

They're currently in the conference room watching a video about the Da Vinci Code, and apparently a discussion will follow.

I just find it odd and inappropriate for work.

At Chris's place perhaps.. but if it is a *private* company, they could pretty much do what they want.

Yeah. They can get together later for stuff like this. Get to work, bitches!

We have a group here that does stuff like that, and they reserve a conference room, close the door and bring their own lunch. I'm okay with that.

Its kinda comical, like watching animals at the zoo

I don't get this holy crusade over the Da Vinci Code, its a fiction novel, and most of it is unsubstantiated crap anyway, i'm tired of Christians freaking out over it. Guess since the Church decided to play nice they have to do something to keep busy. Why can't I just feel guilty like any other normal Catholic and not have to deal with this crusading b.s.

so they're taking hours out of their work day to study the Bible? or is it during their lunch break?

did you want to use the conference room? are they making you attend? do they keep the door open or shut? i'm just curious what exactly it is that bothers you, that religion is being discussed at work?

Are they on a lunch break?

If not, then it's not a work related task and should not be done at work, let alone get paid for it.

However, I think there is a drastic difference between having a bible study in a conference room and sacrificing a goat (as per whatever religion that might be) in the conference room. There are other issues besides religious freedom that are brought up in that issue.

If some muslims wanted to meet and pray or study the Koran in the same fashion then I see no problem. But, if a professed satanist wanted to sacrifice a small child to the prince of darkness (not Phil) then the issues of law and such would come into play.

It really isn't much different than spending time "at work" on Obner. Wouldn't you say? If they aren't getting paid during the bible study then I think they are doing a BETTER job than someone who is getting paid and spends a quarter of their work day on a message board (myself included).

For me, it'd be that religion is discussed at work. Period. If they want to discuss their religious beliefs, then they can do it at home or at church following mass. I wonder what would happen if the 5 gay guys who work here got together in the conference room and started a gay and lesbian support group?

The goat thing was an exaggeration actually, but what say if a Native American tribesman decided he wanted to convene with the spirits using peyote in the conference room. Thats religious and also covered by the law...?

And I am tired of being bombarded with adds about how it's the most enlightening movie and biggest most thrilling movie of the summer. I really don't see that much "reaction" from the christian community. I think the outspoken don't go see it or you'll go to hell response is ridiculous too, but it is by far less than the incessant marketing about how the movie will change your life.

I"m just saying that there should be limits or go to the logical conclusion of this all, cuz either there is space for everyone or no one, that was jsut the point i was making.

i dunno. i guess if it's in the participants' spare time and they wanted to do it, i don't see the problem. might be beneficial for the interested parties, just as a Bible study might be beneficial for the interested parties. i don't understand the problem with religion being discussed at work if you don't have to hear it or participate...

Around here people have been organizing these ridiculous, let's debunk the facts laid down by a fictional novel meetings(thats my take on them, not their name) and there's been a bunch of b.s. i agree about the hype too, its just a bad movie...please let it die peopl.

People have the right in this country to gather in worship or bible study freely, unlike many other countries. Unless they are breaking any work regulations or imposing on your rights (not opinions) there shouldn't be a problem.

not unless the conference room is on a reservation, as far as I know. I know you were exagerrating. That's why I tried to point out that I think it would be just as valid for a muslim employee to reserve a conferrence room to pray if he wanted. I don't see much difference. I think it's up to the employer really, if it's a private business. And, if they didn't allow a gay and lesbian support group and did allow a prayer meeting for Christians, then get a new job man. It's not an absolute.

I'd prefer not to hear about my coworkers sexual escapades at work, but all I can say is keep it to yourself if they do it in a common area. However, if they are behind closed doors on a lunch break then I don't have to hear it. I don't sit and get all up in arms and irritated just because I KNOW they're talking about all the women/men they slept with over the weekend. I, frankly, just don't care.

just book the conference room for a "conference call" or something. then post a large cock on the wall of your cube and worship it.

you should probably be doing this anyway.

sure, i agree with you Hegel