different beliefs...what would you have done
By ladybug565
@ladybug565 (2216)
United States
April 1, 2009 7:57am CST
Yesterday, I was working, I work in a very busy deli/meatshop. anyway a lady came in and bought a couple of things when she got to the register and paid for her things she introduced herself, told me she was a 7th day evangelist and presented me with a bible as an easter gift. I had a long line of customers and my boss was not too far away. I accepted her bible and thanked her while continuing to cash out the other customers, who were slightly uncomfortable. I didnt want to be rude but I am a member of The United Methodist church. Should I have told her this or did I do the right thing by graciously accepting her gift? I didnt get in trouble with the boss and I continued to do my job so no one had to wait longer.
6 people like this
23 responses
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
1 Apr 09
I think you handled that very well. I would like to think that I'd do the same, but one just never knows until they've been in that situation. I've had people on the phone (I deal with customers on the phone) talk about their religions and churches, but's it's done in such a way that they don't just come out and say it like the woman at the register did.
So, yes, you did to the right thing in accepting and them moving people right along.
1 person likes this
@ladybug565 (2216)
• United States
1 Apr 09
thanks. I generally try to be friendly to everyone even when I am not at work. she seemed like a really nice lady and the little bible she gave me is nice.
1 person likes this
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
1 Apr 09
i tell people who comes around my house knocking on the door or stop me on the street sorry but i am a cathlic have a nice day
1 person likes this
@ladybug565 (2216)
• United States
1 Apr 09
I havent had anyone knock on my door at home. I would probably let them in but I would defenatly tell them that I am a Methodist and have already been baptised. Just the whole being at work with the boss watching and customers waiting that was a little uncomfortable. thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@billgatexp (912)
• United States
2 Apr 09
we serve but one God and as such any gift is acceptable from any other deomination. so there should be no discrimination, because we are all one body in christ
@OneEyedGiant (181)
• Indonesia
4 Apr 09
God needn't to serve, God never want the people to become his slave or other slave, he want us to know ourself, and love each other, and bring us about peace in the world.
@Bevsue (251)
• United States
2 Apr 09
A truly loving christian person would not put someone at risk for getting in trouble on her job to foist their own personal beliefs on them. She was thoughtless and rude to you. She put her need to 'feel' good above your best interst at the moment.
@simplyshawn (650)
• United States
3 Apr 09
I think I would have done the same thing. When you're working like that you do have to keep things moving along and they should respect that about your work as well.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
2 Apr 09
She was being rude to push her religion at you while you were at work and especially while you were busy and also without knowing what religion you might be. I've had them give me literature but never a gift like a bible. I usually do tell them that I have other beliefs but I'll look it over when I'm not working. This lady will be back to talk to you, I'm sure. Is she a regular customer? Just tell her that you have your own religion and you aren't interested. Some of these people that push their religion are so rude without realizing it.
@bayernfan (1430)
• Canada
4 Apr 09
It sounds to me like you handled the situation like a total professional. Someone enters your workplace, makes an imposition on your time while putting you in a tight spot and you defuse the situation without letting things delay or upset the other customers. Job well done. So a Seventh-day Adventist offered you a bible that you accepted. Who cares? That doesn't constitute acceptance of a contract and it doesn't mean that you have converted. Am I missing something? Are Methodists not Christians? Do you not use the bible? A Seventh-day Adventist gets to feel like they fulfilled their duty and you get a free bible. It's win-win.
@didnotask4it (118)
• Philippines
2 Apr 09
I'm surprised that someone who's as busy as you even had the gracefulness not to be rude with that lady. Although, we can't really question people's faith, still, we are living in a world where religions vary and life works on rather controlled norms. The lady should have taken the hint that your boss was there and that the queue of people at the counter is getting restless. This has even turned the people away from what she wanted to achieve. Instead of getting people to belive in what she's teaching, she gets frowned at. You did just the right thing. Your customers I'm sure felt helpless but definitely understood you in that situation.
@OneEyedGiant (181)
• Indonesia
4 Apr 09
consequently it's better have no religion or other group, or other things which can devided people, even nationalism, in fact religion can't help you to find the truth, if you never know yourself.
@feathers26 (865)
• Philippines
2 Apr 09
I have experience they were knocking at the door,
I always treat them with respect, there is nothing bad with
with listening but we should be respectful.
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
1 Apr 09
I think you did the right thing. Even though you have different beliefs, you were polite to the customer (which is the main point of customer service). You did not offend her or embarrass anyone. You can always donate the bible to someone who might have a need for it.
@HelScream (2822)
• Philippines
2 Apr 09
good day ladybug565
What you just did was admirable and sets a good example to those who have seen you do this In every action you make you don't only realize the great impact you gave to yourself as well as to other persons. I salute you for handling the situation well, there's a kindness in you and what you did that made me appreciate people like you. Keep up the good work.
@renemouche (843)
• United States
1 Apr 09
I would have done thet same thing, just to keep things moving. Eventhough your a member of a different denomation, it still is good manners just to take the bible.
The customers probally weren't meaning to look at you in an uncomfortable way for taking the bible but they were probaly just uncomfortable with the situation as a whole. Eventhough it happens its not everyday that a stranger hands out bibles while your waiting in line.
@erica1221_112 (275)
• United States
2 Apr 09
I probably would have done the same thing & you probably made her day. If you would have told her you couldnt accept it, she probably would have stayed there & asked you questions & held up the line & then you probably would have gotten in trouble with your boss so i say good call.
