Imagine you’re at the dentist, a devout Christian, settling into the chair as the dental hygienist engages in the usual chit-chat—discussing the weather, your children, and their ages. The conversation naturally slows down as you lie back, your mouth open, drool pooling, while the hygienist uses various tools to clean your teeth.
Out of the blue, she says, “I identify as an atheist. I feel a spiritual connection to the universe, but I just can’t wrap my head around the idea of a God creating everything and judging people.” You might want to respond, but it’s difficult with her hands in your mouth. She continues, “I believe being a good person should come from within, not just from fearing divine punishment. By the way, are you flossing daily?”
Would you consider this appropriate?
A similar situation occurred for me a few weeks ago, but I was the one on the receiving end of a religious lecture. As I lay there, unable to speak, I felt the weight of her beliefs pressing down on me, bringing new meaning to the phrase “shoving your beliefs down my throat.”
Let me clarify: I wholeheartedly support everyone’s right to their faith. You can practice any religion that brings you joy and peace, but my support has limits—it ends when your beliefs harm or marginalize others based on their identity. The hygienist’s faith was Jehovah’s Witness, a religion that, while she was kind, holds views that could be considered harmful.
During our initial small talk, she asked about my last name, which I kept after my divorce to share it with my children. Her sympathetic response caught me off guard as she said it was “a shame.” I thanked her, explaining that it “needed to happen.” I almost revealed that my divorce was due to my coming out as gay, but I hesitated. Living in a community where my queer identity could affect how I’m treated often makes me cautious.
I don’t want to assume this woman would have treated me poorly had I disclosed my sexual orientation. However, lying there with her preaching about her faith made me relieved I had kept that part of my life to myself. I find myself questioning if I should have spoken up or left the room. Is it fair to judge someone based solely on their religion? Many Christians are allies to the LGBTQ+ community, so not all Jehovah’s Witnesses are homophobic. Should we select our healthcare providers based on their beliefs or our identities?
What I do know is that I felt incredibly uncomfortable during that appointment. Afterward, I did some research and found that 76% of Jehovah’s Witnesses believe homosexuality should be discouraged, according to the Pew Research Center. This statistic paints a stark picture of a faith that appears to be one of the most homophobic in the U.S.
While I hesitate to cast judgment on anyone based on their belief system, I cannot ignore what this particular religion teaches about me and my community. Jehovah’s Witnesses assert, “The Bible leaves no room for confusion.”
Regardless of her personal beliefs, it was wholly inappropriate for her to bring her religion into our conversation while she was working on my teeth. Religion should never be pushed on anyone, anywhere. Not everyone shares your faith, nor do they want to. Conversations about beliefs should be consensual and mutually agreed upon.
In a nation founded on the principle of religious freedom, I find it disheartening that religion has such a powerful grip on the government, particularly within the GOP. Their stance on same-sex marriage aims to overturn the ruling that guarantees the right to marry for same-sex couples, all based on Biblical teachings that label homosexuality as a sin.
In schools, students of various faiths pledge allegiance to a flag, concluding with “under God,” typically representing the Christian deity. Parents who challenge this practice often face accusations of being anti-American, as if opposing a religious inclusion is a rejection of patriotism.
For me, this reality highlights that half the nation aligns with a political party that seeks to strip away my marriage rights, while I endure unsolicited religious lectures during routine dental visits. Freedom of religion must encompass the freedom to reject religion entirely, and I wish more individuals would recognize this.
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Search Queries:
- How to handle religious conversations in professional settings?
- What to do if your dentist discusses religion?
- Understanding Jehovah’s Witness beliefs on homosexuality.
- The impact of religion on LGBTQ+ rights.
- Navigating personal identity in religious discussions.
In summary, it’s essential to respect the boundaries of personal beliefs, especially in professional environments. Religion should not be a topic forced upon others without consent, and we must advocate for the freedom to choose our beliefs or to remain non-religious.