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How do you deal with Door-knockers?

Whether they be Witnesses, Mormons, or another proselytizing religion, how do you deal with people coming to your door to spread their religion?
I just had my first experience since getting a place of my own and had a decent conversation through the crack in my door. After I told him I was an atheist he tried to use apologetics; when I told him I was familiar with his arguments and didn't find them convincing further explaining that I take a scientific route of belief and chose not to believe until there is evidence for a god. He understood and thanked me for explaining and listening to him and he left with a handshake. I was surprised at myself for how civil I was to him but how does everyone else usually respond?

Nicsnort 6 Oct 14
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783 comments (376 - 400)

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1

I love them coming to my door. Several years ago I had a kind of friend with the JW's. I was not non-religious at the time, but I told him that I had no problems having a conversation with him, but that he should know from the beginning that I was not open to the JW's, but If he was in the neighborhood, he always would be welcome for a cup of coffee and a chat. That's what happened for years, until he got married, got children and got another area.
Nowadays, I love to challenge them (well, they are coming to my door) with all kind of questions.

Gert Level 7 Jan 27, 2018
1

I keep a besom at the door. If I'm not in the mood for a time waster I tell them what it's for and then sweep them out of the area. If I'm feeling feeling like a chat I'll talk to them and THEN use the broom.

1

I always invite them in... then murder them. Just kidding lol

I typically have great conversations with them! They are usually polite, they try their best, and eventually realize it is a waste of time and they should move on. But generally they have been really kind and polite. Kindness goes a long way with me, even if I don't agree with what you are doing.

1

Years ago, while living in Africa, Religious nuts were always hanging out at the post office handing out "The Upper Room". I just told them that their little booklets were the best beer coasters I ever had. (I was not lying. As one page gets old just rip it off and have a new page.) Needless to say, they stopped approaching me. Thank God. LOL

1

Depend whats on the tube!

2

I blast Marylin Manson's Antichrist Superstar before I open the door!! Works like a charm!

Type O Negative, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, or Body Count also work.

I worked for MM for awhile.

1

Happens all the time because I live less than a mile from a JW Kingdom Hall. Usually I engage them. For the most part I've had pleasant conversations, but neither of us have changed our minds!

2

My ex-husband is Hispanic. When we first moved here some came to the door and he told them "I no speakin english" so they would leave. They were back a few hours later with Spanish speakers. I thought it was hilarious when he told me, but then I was mad that he let them in and talked to them. Admired their persistence though..

MsAl Level 8 Jan 24, 2018
4

I tell them "I grew up in the church. That's where I learned that there is no god. It's been nice talking to you. Have a nice day. Bye"

I'm never rude, especially to the children on a Mormon mission. They have been brainwashed their entire lives. They don't know any better.

1

Last time I poked my head out the door and said not interested, and I'm not wearing pants

1

Last time I poked my head out the door and said not interested, and I'm not wearing pants

1

Last time I poked my head out the door and said not interested, and I'm not wearing pants

1

I usually try to engage these people in conversation, (It's good practice at thinking on your feet) but as soon as I reveal my lack of belief, they seem to lose interest.

1

Once upon a time I lived with my brother, we stripped down and answered the door naked. Good times!

Usually (if I have time, at least) I invite them in, hit the bookshelf, and pull out all my books on the topic of religion, including the Bible. More than happy to chat about it, I'm never mean, and shortly they wind up excusing themselves out.

3

Happened once. I invited them into the kitchen for coffee which seemed to stun then as though they had never had someone invite them in before. We sat down and had a very interesting conversation as they fumbled over what their church was about, (mormons I think, been a while) As they stumbled over each section I easily shut it down with logical questions and by the end of the hour long conversation I had them questioning their faith out loud. I suggested that they read from cover to cover the book they were forced to drag around, (which neither of them actually had,) and in the mean time, continue being good people. If they come to the conclusion that God doesn't exist then they will have all the proof they need that being a good person isn't about what faith you carry but more so what values you hold.

"If they come to the conclusion that God doesn't exist then they will have all the proof they need that being a good person isn't about what faith you carry but more so what values you hold."

This is something I try to get ppl to understand. You shouldn't need book to tell you how to be a good person.

1

We try to be very quiet and hope they don’t knock. If they do we don’t open the door. I once had a man bother me in my car as I was eating lunch in a rush about to go take an exam. I am always friendly but I rip their pamphlets to shreds when I get home. I find it very rude to ambush me in my own car where I can’t really escape.

1

If I am not expecting anyone I might not answer the door. My kids know to call before they head my way, and they know how to get in. And then if I do answer the door I'm pretty good with saying "get the hell off my porch."

2

I also try to be civil, as much as possible. Usually when I say, "no thanks, I'm an Atheist" they politely move along. No hard feelings.

One Witness didn't want to stop bothering me so I just told him that his day would go a lot better if he didn't try to have a conversation with me. Their promotion of sexual abuse just sickens me.

2

NAKED is how I deal....I must be on their "list", NOBODY cums anymore....

2

I take off my clothes, put a towel around my waist, tell them I have just finished showering and invite them in for tea.

3

Depends how much time I have, my grandmother used to make 'J.W,s ' tea and biscuits and sit down with them and let them do their spiel, took their leaflets and when they left said, thats my good deed for the day I let some other poor person in peace for a bit longer. I am capable of this but now live in sheltered accommodation and they wouldn't get in to the place.

3

I told some Mormons, one time, "Aren't you guys racist?" Turned them red in the face.

3

I invite them in and offer them wine. Then I sit inappropriately and ask lots of questions about how their religion deals with sex and orgies. They’re usually ready to leave immediately. And they NEVER come back. I think they have a “no-visit” list and I get added. I’ve only tried his with Mormons. I wouldn’t do this with baptists.

1

That's strange to me. I grew up in a town that didn't have them, at least not to my knowledge. I don't remember anyone ever coming to peddle religion. I moved around a lot in my late teens and early 20s so I don't think I settled long enough to have anyone come knocking. When I finally did settle it was out in the country where they generally didn't go. Before I lived where I am now, I was in an apartment for 4 years where it wasn't allowed. It wasn't until this last 3 years that I've been in a place smack in the middle of a handful of Baptists that I've had the door knockers. I'm pleasant, and tell them I'm not a church kind of person and really don't like crowds. I think I've had 4-5 visits but only one got a little pushy. That one I had to tell them I wasn't Christian and wasn't interested. When the person percisted I fell back to a quick talking assurances method, that I was secure in my own faith and I'm pleased they had their own but that I had some things to attend to. If I ever get some inclination I'd be happy to stop by. A smile, a nod a handshake and a wave if there is anyone in the car, then the closing of the door. I never invite them in though. That's commiting to a chat I really don't want to have.

AmyLF Level 7 Jan 17, 2018
1

If I have the time I invite them in and offer a beverage. never give up the opportunity to tell the religious folk that I'm simply not buying.

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