Mormons were an evil cult whose members were destined to burn in Hell eternally for their blasphemous beliefs until one of them ran for President of the United States in 2012 on the Republican ticket. Ever since, they have been good, God fearing people.

I usually just tell them I prayed at the office.

So, Jehovas don't believe in God? Thea, Deist, god. Doesn't make sense. Wrong language, then?

Never had one knock at the door, but I would invite them in sit them down and tell them why they were wrong.

I had a JW approach me in the parking lot of a store one time, and he wanted to "discuss" our ideas of faith. The thing was, when it we got into the discussion, I realized that he was really just looking for ways around my philosophy where he could insert his own ideologies. That's been my experience with most of these conversations. And the challenge is, churches like JW and Mormons and Evangelicals are on the cultier side of cults. To believe anything other than their doctrine, is to risk ostracism from family and friends, and ultimately... God. There's just too much at stake for them to even consider listening to others.

So when they come to my door I ask them what kind of porn they like and whether or not they have any baby oil. Just kidding, but I don't waste a lot of time. I love a good debate... but not a monologue, which is what these guys usually have. They listen to me only to know how to respond next.

I just tell them I'm not interested and close the door. My then husband used to take the pamphlets until I explained that in doing so I'm left with having to talk to them when they come back (and they always do to discuss them).

I'm afraid I wave them away on the same basis that I don't appreciate vacuum cleaner or Fuller Brush salesmen coming to my door uninvited. This is the 21st century, sales by home invasion should be a thing of the past. Last time this happened I was in the middle of a perfectly peaceful conversation with my wife that was rudely interrupted. My wife is far nicer than me and was uncomfortable that I had sent the proselytizers away so I will probably do it more gently next time. But I'm afraid an aging introverted atheist is not a good choice to bother at home.

Had a JW lady come to the door last year and I suggested that I was a poor choice, being a lifelong atheist and now a taxonomist working at a large museum where nobody believes in a religion. But she launched in with an opening gambit so, as I had some time to kill, I listened and rebutted her statement with some logic and science facts. She acknowledged that my knowledge of evolution and science generally was better than hers ... but it didn't put her off trying. At one point she raised DNA as backing her argument, which resulted in me saying that she'd picked a very weak argument and proceeded to shoot her down in flames. Anyway, after an hour of surprisingly interesting (if not productive) chat she said she had to go and would I like to book an appointment for when she came to my area next? So I said that, as we'd had a very convivial sparring match but hadn't managed to alter the other's opinions it wouldn't be a very good use of either our time and she went away with a handshake

At work we have fresh-faced Mormons who are sent out from the Church of Latter Day Saints building on Exhibition Road. I always feel sorry for them because it is home to Imperial College, one of the best universities in the UK, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, so they have their work cut out. I usually just walk past and tell them "Not a chance!" as they begin to try to engage me in chat.

I am polite and try to think of away to persuade them to leave as soon as possible. They always hand out that magazine called Awake. To bad the magazine can not awake them from their delusional beliefs.

Mum's a JW. She was converted after retiring and well after I went out on my own. She tried once to proselytize but succumbed when I gently steered the conversation to more mundane affairs. Get more LDS types these days. Dew-eyed youngsters that quickly understand my disinterest and find greener pastures elsewhere. I'm polite but curt.

A sense of humour helps. I sometimes explain that I am a lapsed atheist.

I just say, thanks for considering me, I am not interested, wish them a good day and close the door.