I don’t think she believed that her husband was being threatened with crucification, but more that his job was threatened if he did not openly proclaim to be the same variety of Christian as his boss. Either way, is it really appropriate for the boss to decorate someone’s desk for them, especially when the “decorations” are not wanted?
I totally agree that the decorations were uncalled for, but the way she worded her post seemed a little over the top. I just wanted clarification that she didn’t really think her husband’s boss was going to crucify him for being an unbeliever, which seemed to be what she was implying with her wording.
I don’t care what they decorate with so long as they don’t witness to me. It doesn’t come up here much, but I have seen it.
Just last week I needed to order an oddball part, and found one of the only places where I could get it online. I emailed a question about it, and the helpful reply came with a signature line that included a bible verse and an a wish for God to bless me or some shit.
I was put off enough to consider not buying it from them. The only reason I went through with it is because I really needed it soon, and I didn’t know any alternatives. I really don’t like to be witnessed to, and even as relatively un-imposing as this was, it was enough to cross my line.
Even mentioning religion has no place in normal religious transaction, unless you’re buying a Bible or something.
Christian images on their signs, email signatures and such don’t bother me. I equate it to my preference for supporting gay owned/gay friendly businesses which often display the pride flag.
What is it with dentists? Why do they always play Christian music? It’s enough I have to be at the dentist without having to listen to bad music.
I have to take a shuttle from my parking lot every morning to my office, and the shuttle driver always says “Have a blessed day” when she pulls up to the curb. That doesn’t bother me. If she said “Christ be with you,” that would frost my flakes. We are a huge organization with many religions represented and it would be inappropriate. I don’t know if anyone is offended by the “blessed day” statement.
At my previous job, my manager had a Ten Commandments doodad on her desk. Too bad she didn’t adhere to #9.
No. Good grief. Why isn’t there a sarcastic smilie on here for those times when one must draw a picture?
At least it’s just your dentist. That one doctor I went to with all the glurgy music and doo-dads was doing the annual vaginal spelunking while the stupid music was on. :eek: I really didn’t want to associate Jesus’ love for me with some random stranger, a speculum and a breast exam. Even if I did love Jesus, I’d be a bit put off with those associations. At least there wasn’t something like this staring down at me. Yecch.
It’s two dentists in a row! My first dentist retired so I started going to my husband’s dentist, who is lighter on the Christian paraphernalia hanging around but still plays the music. I think the dental hygienist profession must be the most Christian of all careers. More than priests!
Here’s seven pages of this topic from last August:
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=431879&highlight=businesses+religion
Meh. I’ll roll my eyes if it’s used prominently in advertising (I mean, really; I don’t see the point of it, and it seems kind of self-righteous), but it won’t keep me from patronizing a place. If objects are displayed in a place of business, it won’t bother me at all, unless the intention is to, say, infer that I’m going to hell, or express a particular belief that I find morally repugnant (for instance, if it had one of those “Marriage = Man + Woman” stickers displayed).
People are entitled to hold and express whatever beliefs they want, and I’d be pissed off if I walked in wearing a pentagram or a Star of David and was denied service based on that. Do unto others. . .
I don’t really care much unless it gets shoved down my throat. I was checking out at this little corner store/deli once and the man behind the counter GOD BLESS YOU!!! in an annoyingly heartfelt way.
I said, why thank you, and may she bless you too.
Next time I went back he barely muttered anything to me. So that worked out for me.
Helps thinking folk know which pharmacies to avoid
The guy that makes duplicate keys for me has those frikkin’ Chick tracts on a bulletin board. But I just ignore them because he never says anything except what the price of the key is, his prices are good, and he’s nearby.
If he were to start preaching at me, that would be a different story.
There’s a storage place down the road that has one of those signs with letters/numbers they can change; they advertise different specials, etc. But no matter what else it says, the sign always has an icthus on it. If I needed a storage facility I would avoid that place only because I’d wonder what, if any, kind of proselytizing I’d face inside – and if there were any, it would be my own damn fault for walking in there.
As much as I’m not a fan of Chick-fil-A’s fundie owners, I can’t bring myself to boycott them. Those chicken sandwiches are just too good. The price of my standards and integrity is apparently a perfectly done southern-style chicken filet.
At least there aren’t a lot of carmmed-down-your-throat religious messages in their stores. It’s just too bad they aren’t open on Sundays.
Roger that. As long as I can get my chicken fix and a mocha/caramel shake, I don’t care if they’re fundie Mithraists. 
Not quite a business exactly…I try to be nice to those whose luck is even worse than mine, so if a beggar hits me up, and they’re not obvious dirtbags, I’ll give some change, if I have any to spare.
Unless they say some shit like “In the name of Jesus, PLEASE!”
Go to a fucking church and hit them up for bucks, asshole. I don’t think this, I say it. Loudly.
I don’t have any problem with it as long as they don’t expect customers to agree with them.
There was a minor to-do here when they decided to put crosses in all the classrooms (we are an independent college, but it was founded by Franciscans and still have friars teaching classes and having a presence on campus).
My rule of thumb:
When religion is an inherent part of the business: no problem.
Examples:
- Kosher delis
- Halal meat markets
- Religious bookstores
- Catholic school uniform stores
When the religious expression is part of the religious practices of the owner, and not intended as a means to proselytize: no problem.
Examples:
- Mezuzah on the doorpost of the business entrance
- Bloody-Jesus-in-agony crucifix at the business of a devout Catholic
- Closing for religious holidays, Shabbat, Sundays, etc
- Shrine to Ganesh, the Buddha, St. Joseph, etc.
When the religious expression is intended as a means to proselytize at an otherwise secular business: problem.
Examples:
- Bible verses on bags, receipts, and so on
- Background music consisting of the local “Fish” or “Spirit” radio station or something similar
- Tracts placed in bags or prominent locations throughout the store
When religion is used as a marketing tool, or used to imply that non-practicing customers are unwelcome: problem.
Examples:
- Jesus fish prominent in advertising
- Business promoted as “Christian Real Estate”, “Christian Used Car Sales”, “Christian Home Improvement”, etc.
- Businesses with names like “Christ Is Lord Trucking”, “Jesus Is Coming Soon Towing And Wrecking”, etc.
- Wearing secular dress, and getting the stinkeye at businesses owned by and patronized mainly by Muslims or Orthodox Jews