Faith-linked activities in workplace recognized

The growing presence of religion in the workplace, or at least, the outward displays of religion, has become the subject of a number of publications, as well as the focus of studies both in the secular and religious areas of academia.

For most working Americans who are not employed by religious organizations, the only evidence of religion at work has been the seasonal display of symbols for Christmas and Hanukkah, or Easter and Halloween, and, of course, St. Valentine’s Day. However, in recent years, some companies have permitted and even encouraged employees to form Bible reading groups or hold Christian prayer meetings before work starts.

One Jewish employer reported that he was motivated by his Christian employees to set aside time every day to start saying the three required daily prayers that he hadn’t offered since his Bar Mitzvah at age 13.

Overall, this turn toward the spiritual would seem to be an innocent enough, even admirable exercise. However, there are some observers who feel that overt displays of religion in secular settings can be intimidating to those who do not follow these religions. And even co-religionists who disagree with the practices may feel coerced into joining them.

Those who are studying this workplace trend see no reason for alarm. At some point, they note, someone who does feel intimidated, or sees it as a threat to the separation of church and state (although that probably wouldn’t work unless it took place on government property) will file a lawsuit, and unlike other places where religious differences are settled with violence, the whole thing will be resolved in a typically American act of compromise.

Meanwhile, have you found a growing display of faith-linked activities in your workplace? How do you feel about it? Let’s hear from you.