Engagement and Restraint in Post Secular Society: Identity Disclosure as Christian Professionals

Abstract

Religious identity is often, although not always, hidden and people choose what and when to reveal this aspect of themselves to wider society. In this article we report findings from a qualitative research study carried out in 2021. Our central research question was concerning how Christians navigate their faith at work. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 17 Christian social service practitioners (such as counsellors, social workers, nurses, teachers) who were practicing in secular organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. In this article we reference Jurgen Habermas’ ideas about the ‘extra work’ that people of faith carry out to make themselves understood. We argue that in Aotearoa New Zealand society, there is a growing acceptance of spirituality and religion in what may becoming a post secular society. The participants showed that rather than discrimination or alienation, their values, behaviours and beliefs were not only accepted, but often welcomed in their workplaces.