How bad would it be--

[wildswans24]

to apply to a religious university when I'm not religious? The job application has a section where you are suppose to "briefly relate your personal relationship with Jesus Christ". I don't have a relationship with Jesus. I did once, a long time ago. But now I pretty much consider myself agnostic.

It would be horrible to pretend I'm religious, right? I'm pretty sure it would be pretty horrible.

Bummer too, b/c the jobs look awesome.

For the record, if I were able to get a job at a religious school I would never discuss my beliefs (or lack thereof). I'd def. be respectful.

[Deleted]

If you don't have to sign a piece of paper regarding your beliefs (they should have it on the HR site I think?) I'd apply and be vague about that answer.

I applied to teach at a Jewish high school and I'm not Jewish. I also worked at a Hebrew school library -- still not Jewish.

I wouldn't sign the paper if you didn't believe.

[TrickyBob]

I guess it would depend on what the position is. If it's something like Bible Teacher 101, I'd pass.

If it's something non religion related; I'd just write down "I have a personal relationship with Jesus and would like to surround myself with those who can help further my faith".

It isn't out and out lying but it isn't lying and saying you do all these religious things when you don't. Generally, most people don't pry into what "personal relationship with jesus" means. They just assume you're inward about your faith.

That'd be my take on it. I'm religious but not very overly so. And I'd have no problems with someone using the bare basics.

[Deleted]

Jul 27, 2012 11:56:20 GMT -5 @cse1960 said:

I would write "I consider my religious beliefs to be very private" and finish up the application and send it in.

I tho l this is perfect.

As long as you would toe the company line with the students, I don't see anything unethical about it.

[Deleted]

.

[wildswans24]

Even though it's a private school, they can't not hire me b/c of my religious beliefs...right? I imagine that's a stupid question.

I figure they'd find another reason not to hire me. But perhaps I'll still send out the application and be vague in my answer to the Jesus question.

[wildswans24]

Jul 27, 2012 11:57:38 GMT -5 TrickyBob said:

I guess it would depend on what the position is. If it's something like Bible Teacher 101, I'd pass.

If it's something non religion related; I'd just write down "I have a personal relationship with Jesus and would like to surround myself with those who can help further my faith".

It isn't out and out lying but it isn't lying and saying you do all these religious things when you don't. Generally, most people don't pry into what "personal relationship with jesus" means. They just assume you're inward about your faith.

That'd be my take on it. I'm religious but not very overly so. And I'd have no problems with someone using the bare basics.

Def. not teaching or direct religious care/services.

[TrickyBob]

Jul 27, 2012 11:58:34 GMT -5 wildswans24 said:

Even though it's a private school, they can't not hire me b/c of my religious beliefs...right? I imagine that's a stupid question.

I figure they'd find another reason not to hire me. But perhaps I'll still send out the application and be vague in my answer to the Jesus question.

I'd send it and be vague. The worst they can do is say no. I'd imagine they could only turn you away if you wrote "I'm atheist and want to teach anti-religion to everyone". In that case, why apply. lol.

[wildswans24]

Jul 27, 2012 12:00:45 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

Jul 27, 2012 11:57:38 GMT -5 TrickyBob said:

I guess it would depend on what the position is. If it's something like Bible Teacher 101, I'd pass.

If it's something non religion related; I'd just write down "I have a personal relationship with Jesus and would like to surround myself with those who can help further my faith".

It isn't out and out lying but it isn't lying and saying you do all these religious things when you don't. Generally, most people don't pry into what "personal relationship with jesus" means. They just assume you're inward about your faith.

That'd be my take on it. I'm religious but not very overly so. And I'd have no problems with someone using the bare basics.

It IS lying for her. She said she has no relationship with Jesus.

Yeah, I wouldn't be able to say something like that.

I don't know. The more I think about it, the more I worry it isn't a good idea. I mean, what if a student approaches with with a religious concern or issue...and I can't respond. Or if it's a position where I inform people about the school and I have to pretend I'm all into the religious aspect of the school. Not that I'm against it. But it seems like lying to play that part up when it's not a part of who I am.

Thanks for your responses though.

[TrickyBob]

Jul 27, 2012 12:00:45 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

Jul 27, 2012 11:57:38 GMT -5 TrickyBob said:

I guess it would depend on what the position is. If it's something like Bible Teacher 101, I'd pass.

If it's something non religion related; I'd just write down "I have a personal relationship with Jesus and would like to surround myself with those who can help further my faith".

It isn't out and out lying but it isn't lying and saying you do all these religious things when you don't. Generally, most people don't pry into what "personal relationship with jesus" means. They just assume you're inward about your faith.

That'd be my take on it. I'm religious but not very overly so. And I'd have no problems with someone using the bare basics.

It IS lying for her. She said she has no relationship with Jesus.

Alright. My thinking was going a different direction. But you're right.

[wildswans24]

Jul 27, 2012 12:03:54 GMT -5 TrickyBob said:

Jul 27, 2012 12:00:45 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

It IS lying for her. She said she has no relationship with Jesus.

Alright. My thinking was going a different direction. But you're right.

I understand where you are coming from. And if I did have somewhat of a belief in Jesus (and as I mentioned in my post I def. did have religious beliefs at one point) I'd feel ok using your statement.

But, at this point I'm probably closer to atheist to agnostic. Granted, I wasn't all that clear in my op.

I really do appreciate the feedback

[codec]

I would think the experience working at a religious institution as an agnostic/atheist would not be a comfortable or enjoyable one.

[CheshireGrin]

My mom is Jewish and worked for several years as the school nurse in a Catholic school. One of the questions they asked her was, "Will it make you uncomfortable to have a crucifix on the wall in your office?" Her answer was: "Only if it makes you uncomfortable to have a nurse who once worked in an abortion clinic." They hired her, and it was a great job.

Don't lie about your religion; don't pretend to be something you're not. I guarantee it will come back to bite you if you do. But it is certainly possible to work for an institution where the beliefs differ from your own without it being an issue. I like the answer of keeping your beliefs private.