Holding back, I learned what sort of things he must go
through when I talk about astronomy or physics or
history and so on. I didn't like the experience, but it
was educational in its way. At least I've learned that
I can sit silently and listen when I hear an actual
person state these things as if he really believs them.

At work, I sit just beside what I like to call a Deep Fundy. I'm talking
a 6-Day, 4004 B.C. CREATIONIST religious nut. Nice enough guy, I
suppose. Pretty professional when it comes to work, but he does spend a
fair amount of time discussing religion. Of course, I get into my share
of discussions on the subject myself, when time permits. Which brings me
to the subject here.

I make no secret about my attitude toward religion in general and
Christianity in particular. If someone comes into my cube and the
conversation rolls around to religion, science or philosophy, I don't
lower my voice. I speak my mind. I seriously doubt that my neighbor
hears much to his liking during those conversations, but he doesn't
stand up and put in his two cents' worth at those times. Frankly, I find
it a little surprising. But I don't worry about it much.

Today, I heard someone come to his cube and start talking about a show
he saw about evolution, apparently trying to see what sort of reaction
he had to what was said. Well, he started talking about the chances that
evolution could have happened "at random," and the 2nd Law of
Thermodynamics, and all sorts of standard tripe that his ilk will trot
out when evolution is discussed.

I'll tell you, I was sorely tempted to stand up and tell him just how
bloody laughable his statements were. But... I recalled his silence when
I hold forth toward my friends and visitors. So I bit my tongue. After
all, in the grand scheme of things, shooting him down in logical flames
wouldn't have made a bit of difference. I feel pretty sure it wouldn't
have changed his mind. We would have lost maybe 10 minutes of work (as
if that makes any difference), and the implied contract of mutual
silence would have been broken.

Holding back, I learned what sort of things he must go through when I
talk about astronomy or physics or history and so on. I didn't like the
experience, but it was educational in its way. At least I've learned
that I can sit silently and listen when I hear an actual person state
these things as if he really believs them. Apparently, the folks on TV
who say that stuff aren't actors. That's good to know, I suppose...

Subject: Biting my tongue
From: *Nemo*

I'll tell you, I was sorely tempted to stand up and tell him just how
bloody laughable his statements were. But... I recalled his silence when
I hold forth toward my friends and visitors. So I bit my tongue. After
all, in the grand scheme of things, shooting him down in logical flames
wouldn't have made a bit of difference. I feel pretty sure it wouldn't
have changed his mind. We would have lost maybe 10 minutes of work (as
if that makes any difference), and the implied contract of mutual
silence would have been broken.

Holding back, I learned what sort of things he must go through when I
talk about astronomy or physics or history and so on. I didn't like the
experience, but it was educational in its way. At least I've learned
that I can sit silently and listen when I hear an actual person state
these things as if he really believs them. Apparently, the folks on TV
who say that stuff aren't actors. That's good to know, I suppose...

At work, I sit just beside what I like to call a Deep Fundy. I'm talking
a 6-Day, 4004 B.C. CREATIONIST religious nut. Nice enough guy, I
suppose. Pretty professional when it comes to work, but he does spend a
fair amount of time discussing religion. Of course, I get into my share
of discussions on the subject myself, when time permits. Which brings me
to the subject here.

I make no secret about my attitude toward religion in general and
Christianity in particular. If someone comes into my cube and the
conversation rolls around to religion, science or philosophy, I don't
lower my voice. I speak my mind. I seriously doubt that my neighbor
hears much to his liking during those conversations, but he doesn't
stand up and put in his two cents' worth at those times. Frankly, I find
it a little surprising. But I don't worry about it much.

Today, I heard someone come to his cube and start talking about a show
he saw about evolution, apparently trying to see what sort of reaction
he had to what was said. Well, he started talking about the chances that
evolution could have happened "at random," and the 2nd Law of
Thermodynamics, and all sorts of standard tripe that his ilk will trot
out when evolution is discussed.

I'll tell you, I was sorely tempted to stand up and tell him just how
bloody laughable his statements were. But... I recalled his silence when
I hold forth toward my friends and visitors. So I bit my tongue. After
all, in the grand scheme of things, shooting him down in logical flames
wouldn't have made a bit of difference. I feel pretty sure it wouldn't
have changed his mind. We would have lost maybe 10 minutes of work (as
if that makes any difference), and the implied contract of mutual
silence would have been broken.

Holding back, I learned what sort of things he must go through when I
talk about astronomy or physics or history and so on. I didn't like the
experience, but it was educational in its way. At least I've learned
that I can sit silently and listen when I hear an actual person state
these things as if he really believs them. Apparently, the folks on TV
who say that stuff aren't actors. That's good to know, I suppose...

At work, I sit just beside what I like to call a Deep Fundy. I'm talking
a 6-Day, 4004 B.C. CREATIONIST religious nut.

Today, I heard someone come to his cube and start talking about a show
he saw about evolution, apparently trying to see what sort of reaction
he had to what was said. Well, he started talking about the chances that
evolution could have happened "at random," and the 2nd Law of
Thermodynamics, and all sorts of standard tripe that his ilk will trot
out when evolution is discussed.

I'll tell you, I was sorely tempted to stand up and tell him just how
bloody laughable his statements were. But... I recalled his silence when
I hold forth toward my friends and visitors. So I bit my tongue.

Holding back, I learned what sort of things he must go through when I
talk about astronomy or physics or history and so on. I didn't like the
experience, but it was educational in its way. At least I've learned
that I can sit silently and listen when I hear an actual person state
these things as if he really believs them. Apparently, the folks on TV
who say that stuff aren't actors. That's good to know, I suppose...