Catholic Programmers in the Workplace

[Jeremy S.]

I love programming and I enjoy my job for the most part. However, I was wondering how other members of this community handle being Catholic in a society where many of the Church's teachings are contrary to public belief.

Recently something has been really weighing on me. More and more each day I hear my co-workers or customers who come in to the business that shares an office space with us talking about things that are completely against my values. I hear co-workers and customers talk about abortion, birth control, and casual sex as though they are no big deal. When I try to bring up how these are wrong, they resort to accusations of my being backward thinking, ignorant, and even dumb.

Has anyone else run into these problems? What have you done to overcome them? Are there any Catholic-friendly work environments out there?

[Allen Choong]

I didn't meet this type of problem.

IMHO, as a Catholic or Christian, there must be some accusations from others for our backward thinking, or conservative thinking. But, this is also what a true Christian will always face. Because the worldly people live in the world, but we live in Christ. We know what is right and wrong, that is why we need to follow the truth. However, worldly people only follow their own will, that is the difference between Christian and others.

Since, we are not priests, we are working in a worldly environment. Surely, we will meet those worldly friends. However, in my opinion, we should not talk about religious with those who does not believe in any religious. Normally, there will be negative effect. We can act like a priest, but do not always talk like a priest. Just let them know why we have "conservative thinking", because we know there is God. And let them know how is the God we know. These are what I personally will do.

[Jeremy S.]

Allen,
Thanks for your reply. I agree that we will face this because of our faith and have found, like you have, that this will be the situation everywhere. I just have been frustrated with the situation I face at work, where co-workers and customers alike bring up topics like this that make me uncomfortable. I have just started letting them preach to me about their beliefs and keeping quiet, but it drags me down. I only wondered if this is the environment everywhere. Maybe I need to be looking for a new environment. Any ideas? :)

[Jonathan Aquino]

Jeremy - I've been thinking about this a bit over the last year. It's incredible how the thinking of the world is so at odds with the reasonable and wholesome thinking that the Catholic faith espouses. I just throw up my arms in resignation; meanwhile, Jesus says "You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22).

So to answer your question, yes, this is the environment everywhere, alas.

[Jonathan Aquino]

YouTube video: Pope: Be bridges of dialogue and constructive cooperation

[Jonathan Aquino]

Another relevant short YouTube video: Pope Benedict XVI on diplomacy.

[Bill McDonald]

Oh, where to begin... As 'Maria' from the Sound of Music would say, "Let's start at the beginning, a very good place to start."

In the beginning, God (pause for dramatic effect).

It all starts with Him. Life really isn't all about us, but about Him.

It's interesting that you bring up these subjects. I have encountered them too, and have asked a lot of questions and some people for their advice - but as usual, we always pray to the one who knows all - pray about it to God and then listen (eg. look in His word and let the Spirit speak to you). The gossip and talk about things that we don't believe in and are against from co-workers is challenging enough, but when it becomes the company's policy to endorse beliefs upon us that are against our beliefs, then it gets even more serious.

For example, I will take the subject of homosexuality in corporate America. You can call it something different, if you don't share the Catholic Church's position on the subject. Call it abortion, etc. But this one you may have run across. I can't think of a company, especially med to large ones that have not gotten on the band wagon of this political tiger. Most of us 'good Americans' would say, 'well, let people have the freedom to do what they want - who am I to impose my beliefs on others.' In fact, this is the standard 'rationalization' to not interfere or take a stand. Others say this to us. It sounds reasonable and just and right. After all, as much as we love Christ and want others to know Him, we don't want to beat them over the head - that's not 'the way' anyway. But I have worked for a company, that while in a mandatory corporate training class about diversity (which covered all kinds of things like discrimination for sex, race, creed, etc as well as homosexuality), was given a scenario regarding homosexuality and the company's policy. It said that if there was a company party (even off site at a home) and there was a homosexual coworker who brought their partner to the party that we should engage in conversation like we would with anyone else and their spouse. Now that I think about it, it would be a good opportunity to share Christ. What I didn't like about it was what they were saying - which was that there is nothing wrong with it, and you have to believe that too. That you have to behave that way and believe it (or else). I don't think they were saying just to act like it - for to act like you don't have a problem with it, would not be honest either. How can I be Christian and pretend that it doesn’t bother me (even if I don’t express it in a distasteful manner). I didn't like the agenda being pushed upon me. I also felt that if I didn't do this, that I could be fired. In practice, I could respond to this in various ways, but I didn't like the idea of it being forced upon me to go against my beliefs.

Indeed, like many other things, we are to witness to others and spread the Gospel. Interestingly enough, your posters said that we are not priests. Firstly, yes we are. Check you catechism. We are all called to be priests and to a royal priesthood. Also:

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

The 'priests' at mass, are professional priests (which is what I think you meant). But don't let that be an excuse not to spread the Gospel. Remember, they are not at work with the people who will never hear the Gospel message at mass because they are not Christian. (Our paster, this being the year of the priest, actually said this this past Sunday). Therefor, WE, not them, are in a position to do more spreading of the Gospel than they are. Understand that Jesus came for the sinners, not the righteous. He came for those people at work (and you and me) more than he did for the 'priests'.

Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Luke 5:32
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Some other thoughts. Do not be silent. Witness with you life, but also with your words. Better yet, use His words.

Matthew 10:33
"But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
1 John 2:23
Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.

Don’t be surprised to be persecuted for your beliefs. EXPECT them to happen.
1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you

These are your opportunities to be Christian. Faith without works is dead.
Matthew 5:11
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Matthew 10:39
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

This is where the rubber meets the road. “Do not be afraid I am with you.” Do all things in the Spirit which will guide you. Now is your chance to share the Gospel. What? You thought it would be easy? Lets see, how can I describe with a word picture that will express what you are in for and what you are being called to do. How bout a job description? Go read the Passion of our Lord, or better yet watch the DVD (we're such a multimedia culture). How bout the Cross? Does that convey an idea of what we're in for? Reflect upon His Passion and then the words our Lord spoke:
# Matthew 16:24
[ Discipleship Is Costly ] Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
# Mark 8:34
And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
# Luke 9:23
And He was saying to them all, " If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
# Matthew 10:38
"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.


I’m much more ‘preachy’ on this site with you because I presume that you are open and comfortable with talking about Jesus, His word, etc. I do not think, and I would not suppose that the Spirit would lead you to witness to others in this manner. ALWAYS seek the Lord’s guidance and then, no matter what, trust in Him. (I'm still working on this too).

On the practical side of things, I invite anyone who has not read it, to order a copy of Theology of the Body for Beginners. Keep a copy at work in case anyone wants to read it. All these things that you mention – abortion, sex, homosexuality (I added this), birthcontrol, etc – are addressed in this book. The genius behind it is that it isn’t presented as a bunch of rules or theologically based dogmas. The pope’s brilliant move was to simply take the human body, which everyone knows because we have one, and see what we can learn about God by examining our body and drawing upon the experiences that we all have had with it. From these, and His word, the pope lifts the veil and we see the reasons behind the body, sex, etc. We see the plan and how good it is. Don’t fight against sin with ‘the law’ (aka rules and dogma). This is what kept mankind in bondage before Christ came (Read Romans 4 & 5 - good stuff). We have the Truth – Jesus. Fight with reasons FOR doing the right thing. People don’t loose weight by trying to stick to a diet – they loose weight when they pursue health. If you don’t replace an evil spirit that is driven out with something good, it will return with 7 more (can’t find reference in Gospel – John?) – see I’m not perfect ;-)

In fact, use ‘sex’ as a conversation starter. Listen. Ask a probing question that reveals WHY that person thinks what they do. Where are they coming from in life that has brought them there. Get to know the person. Above all, pray and listen to the Lord. Most of the time, we speak too much (case in point).

They will know we are Christians by our love – which is His love. Everyone is a blessed creation of our Lord. Our job is to simply point the way to Jesus and let Him do the rest. But we are his hands and feet.

Above all, remember His command to love one another. How exactly? As He has love us. For we must keep in mind, at all times, 1 Cor 13:

1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

Don’t do all this for nothing. Love…


4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Don't worry about the outcome. We are more than conquerers through Christ Jesus and...

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

As Pope John Paul II said concerning the Nazi's during WW II, the only way he knew how to fight an abyss of evil was with an abyss of love.

Thank you for listening. My love of Christ and others, especially my closest Catholic brothers and sisters stirs my passions to express my strong desire that we live fully the eternal life for which Our Beloved Lord Jesus paid the price. Forgive me if I have sinned in my words. Remember, Love is patient ;-) Be patient with me.

Praise be Jesus Christ. Via con Dios.

[Jonathan Aquino]

Big comment! Need to find time to read this…

[Jeremy S.]

This is very good, Bill. I agree that it is vital to be evangelizing constantly in all you do. As (I believe it was) St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel always and when necessary, use words." The struggle I often have is trying to find the balance between not saying anything and saying that one little thing that plants the seed. It is our responsibility to bring people to Jesus, but it is He who will keep them there.

I've been doing my best to embrace the cross of working in this secular world while trying to live my faith out loud. It's a struggle to be surrounded by people that think Christianity is a farce and that they can live as they want without consequence. But as a friend of mine recently told me, I've read the last chapter of the book and I know who wins. That alone has been a lot of comfort to me. We just need to keep fighting the good fight and live for Him, after all, it was He who made us and gave us the chance to live for Him.

Thanks for your reply!!

[Bill McDonald]

Jeremy, Thanks for your post.

Indeed, I believe that the Lord has called us, in this time especially as the world slips into secularism and pluralism, to do what St. Francis was called to do. I remember watching one of the movies about him. And I did a paper on him in college. It was said that he received a vision or calling from a cross to 'rebuild My church'. At the same time, the Pope was having troubles. At that time also, the church was looked upon by most as corrupt and no one was really interested in Christianity or the Gospel because of it. They saw them as rich power seeking rulers - not something that would inspire the poor or the common man, but would repulse them. Following God's call, St. Francis mistakenly started to rebuild the little church building down in the valley. (BTW, I've been there, and it is truly amazing. Today, there is a HUGE cathedral built around this tiny little adobe 'hut'. The 'hut', which you can't go into is very small. I've seen master bedrooms bigger than this thing.) It wasn't until later that St. Francis realized that God thinks BIG, and that he didn't mean the building. He meant the church itself - the body of Christ. Through his order of brothers, who took a vow of poverty, they were able to minister to others and spread the Gospel. Others saw the love of God that before seemed reserved for those high priests way up in their holy temples atop high mountains. But now it was here. In the eyes, hearts and spirits of people - poorer than them - sharing a treasure that was more precious and greater than anything the world could offer.

As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Jesus didn't come to earth and (just) write a book and say - here, read this. The word, as wonderful and precious as it is, was with God and was God from the beginning. Yet it was through people and most importantly the incarnation that the Gospel was delivered. Jesus preached the Gospel. It was done IN PERSON. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand - now. It is through us, the body of Christ, that others come to know him. For salvation comes by hearing, and hearing of the word of God.

However, we as Catholics don't get this food (enough) or seek it ourselves (Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God). How much do we read His word every day? Salvation comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of God. How often do we hear it daily? If you struggle with the word not truly coming alive as I do, then I have some recommendations. One thing to do when reading is concentrate on the verbs. The beginning of Ephesians was read last week at Mass. I listened to a man do a teaching for over a month just on the first chapter because it is compacted with so much theology. When I hear the word read at mass, I know what is being said. I don't think it has the same impact on most anyone else there however. I have some other things that really help too, but I can't go into them now.

I confess, that I am a bumbling fool, and am not one who persuades anyone to do anything. I'd die of starvation in a week if I had to live as a salesman. We are to be a light to the world. Salt of the earth - seasoning. I've often wondered if I don't say anything to others because of my own inhibitions, fears, etc. If I'm saying something in a way that is sinful and not loving - not thinking of others - then I need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help me change - to remain humble - to listen and be patient and truly connect with this person. Remember I can do nothing. But I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Its not my strength, words, attitude. When you let go, stop trying to control things, and let the Spirit direct you, He does great things THROUGH us. St. Francis was able to do the things he did because he surrendered to the Lord COMPLETELY. He kept nothing of himself. The Lord uses fools like that. Here I am Lord, send me.

Especially in these time, we are challenged to be creative in our interactions. Even God is patient and doesn't give us more than we can handle. So spoon feeding is necessary. Plant the seeds. Let the light of Christ shine through you. Be patient and wait on the Lord. Challenge the status quo. Take a stand. Above all, pray and Love.

If you are struggling with the worldly philosophies, you can check out anthropologist material - CS Lewis (Mere Christianity), many catholic writers over the centuries, one of my favorite sites (Rzim.com). I can't recommend the Theology of the Body too much either. Everyone wants to talk about sex - we are bombarded with it. So use that as a conversation starter to get others thinking about this precious gift from God that has been usurpted by the enemy and twisted to his purposes. Rejoice in all things. Look around at the situation as a gold mine. See all the opportunities that surround you and pray to God to give you discernment so that you can do His will.

Even when I screw up, I remember,
Romans 8:28And we know that [a]God causes (A)all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are (B)called according to His purpose.

31(BQ)What then shall we say to these things? (BR)If God is for us, who is against us?

32He who (BS)did not spare His own Son, but (BT)delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

33Who will bring a charge against (BU)God's elect? (BV)God is the one who justifies;

34who is the one who (BW)condemns? Christ Jesus is He who (BX)died, yes, rather who was [d](BY)raised, who is (BZ)at the right hand of God, who also (CA)intercedes for us.

35Who will separate us from (CB)the love of [e]Christ? Will (CC)tribulation, or distress, or (CD)persecution, or (CE)famine, or (CF)nakedness, or (CG)peril, or sword?

36Just as it is written,
"(CH)FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG;
WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."

37But in all these things we overwhelmingly (CI)conquer through (CJ)Him who loved us.

38For I am convinced that neither (CK)death, nor life, nor (CL)angels, nor principalities, nor (CM)things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from (CN)the love of God, which is (CO)in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If we don't feel prepared or equipped to do these things, then we need to pray and ask God to help us to do His will. God can use you right where you are, just as you are to introduce people to Christ and His saving Grace.

Don't try and do this on your own. The enemy has been pushing people around since the Garden of Eden. He's an expert at manipulation. Let Jesus take him on. Christ lives in us. Let the Holy Spirit fight through us - we just need to get our wills out of the way. He has conquered death itself. I like the saying about reading the end and knowing who wins. But even better, we don't have to go the he end of the book. Jesus has conquered death itself. Death where is your sting? We are not just conquerors, we are MORE than conquerors through Christ Jesus. The work is all done. We have ALREADY won. Victory! We're all invited to the party, its already started, and all we're doing is inviting others to our Father, who has adopted us as His children, through the blood of His Son, and to the banquet he has prepared for all of us.

Pray and Love.

Yours in Christ,

--Bill

[Jonathan Aquino]

Actually, working in an environment that is hostile to your faith could be a blessing, so don’t discount it—it’s “for the testing of our patience”, as it says in The Imitation of Christ, Chapter 6:

Whatever a man is unable to correct in himself or in others, he should bear patiently until God ordains otherwise. Consider, it is perhaps better thus, for the testing of our patience, without which our merits are of little worth. Whenever such obstacles confront you, pray to God that He may grant you His help, and give you grace to endure them in good heart.

May God grant you His help, and the grace to endure the anti-Christian sentiment in your work environment.

[Jeremy S.]

As a little update to my situation, I just wanted to say that things are getting better. First of all, most of the gossip and other immoral talk has dried up (partially due to that division being closed). Also, I haven't had to deal with a lot of political talk after recent events in the government that liberal co-workers are not being as proud of the president.

God has answered my prayers and though He loves to test my patience, He always takes care of those who follow Him.

If only there was a programming firm out there run completely on Catholic principles, but until then - things are looking up!