How would you interpret a message about a short religious experience?

[SereneRoseCat]

I’ve just got back from the USA with work, went for some drinks with some colleagues and subsequently had a messenger message 2 days after the drinks asking if I wanted to go for a short and effective religious experience.

It was 10pm at night, am I being crazy or was this a euphemism for something else? How would you have interpreted it?

Who said it and what do you know about them?

Know very little about them only met them that night for drinks, they aren’t a day to day colleague. Recently divorced around 6 months.

“Thanks, but no thanks” would seem an appropriate response.

I absolutely did politely decline, but I’m just trying to understand if I misinterpreted the situation and maybe it was all innocent.

It was probably some mad fundamentalist speaking in tongues thing.

Or, I suppose, an orgy?

I would absolutely interpret that as a euphemism for sex, yes

I also think they expressed it like that to give themselves just about enough plausible deniability, should you complain about being propositioned. I'd block them.

I'd find all possible interpretations of that message completely inappropriate in a work setting.

I'd actually be more uncomfortable at the thought someone was trying to convert me and/or get me involved in one of those weird TV evangelist things than the alternative!

My minds been spinning overtime thinking that I’ve misinterpreted and I’ve over reacted in my feelings. In a way it’s settled slightly knowing that other people also genuinely read it the same way. I haven’t raised it with my manager or workplace, I’m due to fly out next month again so hoping we don’t cross paths then.

Well if you didn’t have the ick before that message ….

You were either being taken to church or being taken to CHURCH

Hallucinogens?

You don't need to work this out because whatever the offer was, it was inappropriate of a colleague to text you at 10pm (or at any time of day or night) offering either a sexual or religious experience.

It doesn't matter which it was. Doesn't matter how long you've been divorced.

I agree. Just ignore it.

I don’t think I would interpret it as a euphemism, my perception of the US is that they have a lot of these evangelical churches, almost cult like and are probably looking for a recruit.

Just tell them you’re an atheist.

Think I’d prefer an invitation for sex than a ‘short religious experience’ OP!! 🤯 Although I would have turned down both…just to be clear! 😂

At least you know what you’d be in for with sex 🤷‍♀️ Religious experiences on the other hand…that’s all kinds of weird shit!

You haven't overreacted in your feelings.

A person you barely know, but who you might have to be around in the future in a professional setting, has sent a message that you can't interpret, and both interpretations are creepy. I would find that unsettling.

You also haven't overreacted in the way you have dealt with it - you have politely declined. It would not be an overreaction to raise this with your manager, especially if you're worried about bumping into the colleague again. On either interpretation it's inappropriate behaviour which could amount to harassment.

If you don't want to raise it, you could just save a screenshot in case anything else happens in the future and then put it out of your mind

Was it crucifixion?

Thank you. This is what I needed to put it to rest.