Hi J.,

Thanks for the question.

You said:
I have been out of work for several months. A contact of a family member sent me a job detailing art work to be done. I could use the money, but I feel it may be wrong to work on this project since it involves Buddhist teaching.

I would agree and politely pass on this offer.

One could argue you are just providing the art, which has nothing to do with the Buddhist teachings themselves, but you would still be indirectly supporting their faith. A bigger issue is:

• dealing with family members, your contact, and
• dealing with the person that has the work to offer
  

Dealing with family members and the contact

I would thank the friend of the family for forwarding you the opportunity, but tell [him/her]
that you would feel uncomfortable doing project work that would indirectly be supporting a
non-Christian faith you don't believe in. Yeah, you may get some counter complaints from
family members, but it goes with being a Christian and standing up for what you believe in.
Hey, it's better than being thrown to the lions like St. Ignatius of Antioch was in 107 A.D. :)

Dealing with the person that has the work to offer

I would thank the person for offering the work but honestly tell [him/her] that you would feel uncomfortable working on a faith-based project that wasn't centered on your own faith. I would also make this an opportunity to share with [him/her] the Christian Gospel of Jesus Christ and how important it is to you, personally, and to all mankind.

Initially, make it short and simple. If they are further interested in Jesus and His Church, they'll come back with more questions. Your witness will make them think. As Blessed Pope John Paul told us,

"Be not afraid!"

If the person offering you the work has any character at all, [he/she] will respect what you are saying and won't be offended or upset.

Maybe my colleagues have a different take on this.

If you *really* need the money, stop by the parish and get some counsel from a priest.

That's just my two cents.

Hope this helps,

Mike