Imagine you’re a devout Christian at the dentist, settling into the chair for a routine cleaning. You engage in the customary small talk about the weather and family, but as the appointment progresses and you’re lying there with your mouth open, the conversation takes an unexpected turn. The dental hygienist suddenly shares, “I identify as an atheist. I feel a connection to the universe in a spiritual sense, but the idea of a god judging everyone just doesn’t resonate with me.” You have opinions but can’t respond, as her tools are busy navigating your mouth. She continues, “To me, being a good person should come from within, not out of fear of divine punishment. Are you flossing regularly?”
Is this the right time for such a discussion?
This situation mirrored my experience a few weeks ago, where I was the non-religious individual on the receiving end of a faith-based lecture while lying in the dentist chair. It was a vulnerable moment, one that took on a new meaning for the phrase, “shoving your beliefs down my throat.”
Let me clarify: I support individuals practicing their faith. Everyone should have the freedom to engage in a religion that brings them joy, as long as it doesn’t harm or marginalize others based on their identity. The hygienist’s faith was Jehovah’s Witness, and while she didn’t directly invite me to her services or act unkindly, her enthusiasm for her beliefs felt invasive.
During our earlier conversation, she had inquired about my last name, which I kept after my divorce to share the same name as my children. Her sympathy for my situation felt genuine, but I hesitated to disclose my sexuality. Living in a place where acceptance is unpredictable, I often find myself passing as straight, which can be both protective and alienating.
While I don’t presume this woman would treat me poorly if I revealed my identity, the moment of her proselytizing made me relieved that I had held back. It left me with conflicting thoughts: Should I have spoken up? Walked out? It’s complicated to judge someone’s belief system solely based on their religion. Though many Christians are allies to the LGBTQ+ community, I can’t ignore the institutional stance of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which statistically disapproves of homosexuality. According to the Pew Research Center, 76% of their members believe that homosexuality should be discouraged, making it one of the most homophobic religions in the U.S.
Even if the hygienist didn’t personally hold these views, her remarks were inappropriate while performing her job. Religion should not be imposed on others, especially in spaces like a dental office where individuals are in vulnerable positions. Conversations about faith should occur openly and consensually, not in situations where one party is unable to respond.
In a nation that prides itself on religious freedom, we still see religion wielding significant influence in politics, particularly within the GOP, which seeks to overturn marriage equality based on biblical interpretations. Moreover, schoolchildren across the country are required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, which includes the phrase “under God,” often interpreted as a nod to the Christian faith. Those who question this are sometimes labeled as anti-American.
For me, this creates a troubling atmosphere, where a significant portion of the population aligns with a political party intent on stripping away my rights. I can’t even get my teeth cleaned without someone trying to push their beliefs on me. Freedom of religion should also encompass the right to opt out of religion entirely, a concept that deserves more recognition.
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Possible Search Queries:
- How to handle religious discussions in non-religious settings
- Navigating personal identity in the workplace
- What to do if a dentist discusses religion
- The impact of religion on LGBTQ+ rights
- Understanding Jehovah’s Witness beliefs about homosexuality
In summary, while everyone should have the freedom to practice their beliefs, imposing those beliefs on others, especially during vulnerable moments, is inappropriate. Conversations about faith should take place in a consensual context, where all parties are willing participants.
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