Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ChopChaeJoe]

I can't understand why it would be rude. If you have a religion, then you believe that you know a truth. Is it rude to ask where the post office is? What are people, ashamed of their beliefs? As for Xtians and some other religions, they are commanded to spread the word, so they should already be in your face about it without you asking.

Just saying.

[proustme]

Richard Dawkins and Samuel Harris wouldn't be offended. I understand your annoyance at the question and the person himself/herself, but there shouldn't be any qualms on your part to espouse your belief in Reason. Admittedly, it's hard to reason with such persons.

[Hyeon Een]

[tomato]

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

I voted for 'it's always okay' but I don't see why anyone should be 'proud' about their faith. I thought the key was to be humble, no....?

Anyway to me, as an atheist, asking someone about their religion is the same as asking them about a philosophical or sociological standpoint or something like that.

Shouldn't be a big deal if you ask me.

And guys take a ganders at Michio Kaku's book 'Parrallel worlds.'

The astrophysicist himslef had simmialr qualms about their either being a universe created out of the void (his school in the USA was Christian and he had to go to Sunday school) or that it;s always existed (his mother was a buddhist...)

Some modern day QED therories suggest that universes are continually born and dying and budding off of one another - a kind of continual big bang style creations amidst a sea of timeless creation. Or whatever.

[OiGirl]

I would never ask a western person, but I ask other foreigners all the time, not on first meeting, but in order to find out if I can offer them a ride to church, where we can go to eat, or where to send them when they need help.

There are polite ways to ask and appropriate contexts in which to ask.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

[tomato]

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

[tomato]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

Oddly I am not usually asked about this by Koreans. I think I just have a missionary look to me, whether I like it or not. Maybe I need to look more like my avatar.

>There are polite ways to ask and appropriate contexts in which to ask.

Exactly. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." I don't force it into the conversation, but if it comes up, fine. I might mention I go to church, but I would not ask others outright. I expect the same with others; if it feels like blitzkrieg evangelism, people get uncomfortable.

My advice is to know a little about other religions (or secular movements). If you can deflect someone who is being pushy into talking about their beliefs or nonbeliefs at an abstract level it can avoid some unpleasantness. Or talk about beer. Everyone likes beer. That's probably why you're at the same table... But if someone just won't give it up, I don't feel obligated to be polite.

[OiGirl]

In a Western context, it feels inappropriate. So if you are Western and want me to give you a ride to church, you're going to have to ask me outright.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

Man, sorry to be faecetious, but you religious types have weird hang ups.

To me asking that question is no different than asking what you think of a political leaders new policy or whatver...

Touchy, touchy... no wonder they're always fighting each other....

(toungue half in cheek)

[ChopChaeJoe]

I've really no dog in this fight. I gave up Christianity a decade ago. Personally I think almost all of these religions have been made moot by science. I guess I'm not so interested in social niceties as in making meaningful connections with people. All i can say is i don't find it rude, which is how I voted. How you feel may be different, and that's ok.

[chris_J2]