Hiring/future termination based upon religion? (State=Oregon)

[FabianN]

I'm not an employer, but a possible employee, and was woundering a little something on religion and the work place.
First, State is Oregon.

Now, there is this great job at a Christian Book Publisher that I'm applying for. Now, I am atheist(but fully respectful of everyone's own choice in beliefs). I am wondering if they would have proper grounds to fire me if it did come out that I was not Christian?

I am sure at most work places, such grounds is not alright, but at a Christian based company, I am unsure.

I of course wouldn't "wave it around" or anything. Mostly keep that side of me to myself, but if it did happen to come out for what ever reason it did, what can happen that is legal?

[ecmst12]

It depends whether the company feels that being christian is an essential component of the work duties (possible) and whether they can back that up in court if it came to that (doubtful).

[pattytx]

Have you asked whether being a Christian is required or preferred? I know for religious-based schools, for example, being of the same faith can be a BFOQ (bona fide occupational qualification), but that would be because they are instructing children. I'm not sure that simply clerking or stocking or driving in/for a Christian book store would be enough to reject you because you are not a Christian.

I'd be interested in other points of view, however.

I'd also be (puriently) interested (although this doesn't make a difference to your legal question) in why an atheist would WANT to work for a company that garnered their income from selling Christian materials.

[You Are Guilty]

I'd take the bookstore's case. An employee of a store like that will frequently be asked questions about specific books, and for referrals and recommendations. I suspect it would be hard, if not impossible, for someone who did not "toe the religion line" to give the employer's desired responses to such requests. Would you expect a Satanic Bookstore to hire a biblethumping Christian?

On the other hand, if you are an expert on Christianity despite your own beliefs, you might be able to squeeze by after some long, protracted litigation. Is it worth it over a bookstore job? (That's up to you.)

[xylene]

Why is everyone reducing the job to a warehouse clerk at a bookstore.

The OP is plaining talking about a job in publishing.

Originally Posted by pattytx

I'd also be (puriently) interested (although this doesn't make a difference to your legal question) in why an atheist would WANT to work for a company that garnered their income from selling Christian materials.

Because book publishing is a tough career to crack.

Let's reverse the question.

Could a publisher of science fiction refuse to hire a devout 'Xtian'?

[You Are Guilty]

Hmm, not sure where I got the bookstore idea from, but, depending on the specific job being applied for, my reasoning could still hold water. If it's some managerial/marketing position, then espousing the "proper" religious beliefs is essential. On the other hand, if it's running the press in some sweatshop, then not so much.

[pattytx]

Originally Posted by You Are Guilty

Hmm, not sure where I got the bookstore idea from, but, depending on the specific job being applied for, my reasoning could still hold water. If it's some managerial/marketing position, then espousing the "proper" religious beliefs is essential. On the other hand, if it's running the press in some sweatshop, then not so much.

Probably from me not catching that it was a publisher. Sue me.

Now that it's been pointed out to me, though, I'm leaning toward this opinion also.

[FabianN]

Well, actually it's a computer tech position. The main reason why I want it is, well, it's got great pay. It's what I currently do, only at a $6 pay raise with more hours. And being as young as I am(under 21) and soon to be living on my own, a job like this at that pay is just what I need to support myself.
And like I said, I am very respectful of other people's beliefs. I don't mind that it's a Christian book publishing company. It's a bit much to get into here, but lets just say that things like this doesn't bother me that much based upon my beliefs in the interactions that various belief groups should have.

[Beth3]

I think it would be very difficult if not impossible for the publisher to be able to demonstrate that being Christian was a BFOQ for a computer tech position. Being an editor, a sales/marketing person, etc., quite possibly, but working in the IT department, no.