How do you handle unwanted evangelists who knock at your door?

[un-named]

Quote:
Thanks guys, I know how irritating it can be too, believe me- but I have to take a step back and try to realize that their just doing what they feel is the right thing for them to be doing, they have no idea how many people have bugged me before, and they've probably had the door slammed in their faces a million times that day. I like to think it blows their minds to think that the person who really doesn't even believe in religion has been the nicest to them all day!

I was joking of course. But I totally agree with your approach. You don't have to be religious to be kind and tolerant, in fact, it has been my experience that non-religious people are usually the most tolerant.

I never thought of that but it sounds logical that there is no faith of their own to become defensive about not do they want to convert anyone, therefore tolerance is easier....

 

[aubreynoramarie]

Quote:
I was joking of course. But I totally agree with your approach. You don't have to be religious to be kind and tolerant, in fact, it has been my experience that non-religious people are usually the most tolerant.

I never thought of that but it sounds logical that there is no faith of their own to become defensive about not do they want to convert anyone, therefore tolerance is easier....

There are plenty of thongs to be defensive about, especially when it comes to human rights and/or belittling people who don't believe what you do, but if someone is just politely preaching that such and such is the wrong way to live, then I can politely reply that no, I disagree and I live my life like such and such and you aint changing me and I ain't changing you so would you like some cold water before you trek home in this heat?

Eta this iPhone changes the spelling of everything I write! Makes me look like I am ad-libbing!

 

[CupOJoe42]

Old way: Answer door with a shotgun

New way: Politely tell them that I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and that I am a devoted Christian. If that doesn't work, I grab the shotgun.

 

[ruthless]

You can do it nicely, usually. Tell them your father is a minister of whatever religious denomination you choose and that you are not interested in changing religions.

Ask them to please put you on there " Do NOT Call" list.

Or tell them you are a devout Catholic, Buddist, Southern Baptist and you will pray for them but don't want to here their doctrinal beliefs.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

When I was younger and single, I'd happily chat with them and offer water. I really value the (waking) time I have with my husband though. Unless I know it is a friend coming over or calling, I usually don't pick up the phone or answer the door. I used to always rush to get the phone or answer at the first knock. I asked then boyfriend why he did not. "Do we have voicemail?", he pointed out. Well yes. And we have a door to pin a note on if something is actually important, and ears to hear if the knock sounds urgent. No more bruising my shins to run and answer the phone and hear, "DO WE HAVE A DEAL FOR YOU". I used to feel it was my duty to answer anyone, but when it is usually people intruding on our rare home time to try to sell us something, I had to start questioning that. My friends all know how to get ahold of me. Solicitators may find that more frustrating.

 

[newchickgal]

If you won't try to convert me to be a christian I won't try to convert you to be an atheist.

 

[KristyHall]

Quote:
militant agnostic. "I don't know and you don't either!" I know that was a non-sequitor but I love that bumper sticker

 

[Sword]

Quote:
Back when I was in the Teen Group at my church, we did a door to door food drive a few weeks before Christmas. Everyone in the neighborhoods we visited were nice, whether they donated food or not, except this one guy.
*A trio of teenagers walks up to a door and rings the bell. The door opens a tiny crack.*
Girl: Hello sir. We're the St. Peters Teen Group, and we're conducting a food drive. Would you like to donate a nonperishable food item for-
Guy: GET OFF MY PROPERTY OR I'LL SHOOT YOU ALL!!!!!
*Guy slams the door and yells expletives from behind the door*
The three of us just stand there dumbfounded for a few seconds, then head tword the next house.
Merry Christmas to you too

 

[foxinachickenhouse]

With smile interrupting them: "Oh, no thank you." and then quickly add "Will you kindly make a note that this residence is no longer to be visited by you all or anyone else from your church." and then again quickly "thank you, have a nice day." Nobody ever comes back. I used to talk with them, have friendly debates, pretend to be on the phone, hide, ask if I could talk with them at their home about Buddhism etc. Now I just don't want to waste my time or theirs.

 

[KristyHall]

a friend use to draw a pentagram on their walkway with chalk. you would be surprised how many people wouldn't walk over that