The ongoing story about religious freedom and discrimination at the Air Force academy is worth wideer attention. It gives us a chance to discuss what is - and isn't - a proper expression of spirituality in the workplace. In this morning's news, Brigadier General Johnny Weida is under review for improperly promoting his religion.
If you've been following this blog, you read about this on June 9 and May 16 and were referred back to my story in Spero News on limits to witnessing at the Air Force Academy.
One of the good reasons for teaching and practicing etiquette is that it avoids or resolves conflicts before the lawyers get involved. As I quoted Norman Augustine in my June 9 post, "people win bull fights but lawyers win people fights".
It seems to me that it is proper to advocate some religious values on the job. For example giving false testimony Mt 19:19. This is a value which reinforces the purpose of the Air Force Academy.
Teaching values that do not relate to the purposes for which we are employed ought to be done "off the clock". If I were to explain, for example, why I value James Madison University football games over those of the University of Virginia, I'm using time in a way for which I'm not paid. An employer should have no problem if this discussion occurred outside of working hours.
Teaching other religious values ought to occur only when an officer/employee is clearly speaking in an unofficial capacity. Most proselytizing falls in this category.
Comments