"I saw the surprise in the man's face. He was speechless for a few beats. Then he said " I thank you for your candor, most people are not honest in that way" "
I would have told them maybe if your fellows didn't treat people who atheist like shit we could be more honest....

You indeed struck a rarity on that one.
Usually, in my experience, once being an Atheist is mentioned, they get very uppity/condescending/confronting,etc, and even, at times, aggressive even though I've been quiet, calm, courteous and respectful.

That's great. I always try to start that way, but I've never had them take no for an answer. Maybe you can teach a class

Try going to their house and see if you could convert them to Atheism, how would they respond to that ?

It would be nice if they were all that respectful of others! Most of the ones I talk to won't stop talking or accepting that I'm not interested. They continue to harangue until I slam the door or get irritated. I try not to, but fail often.

You need to get you one of those realistic looking plastic alligators, and a sign saying 'Solicitors Will be Eaten!'

I will join in with the "well done" bunch......spread peace, not anger.....after all.. I was once as mis-guided as they......tomorrow they might be allies.

You just wasted a big opportunity to convert them and help the humanity.

That's a nice exchange. Most of mine go that way but sometimes they still want me to "look at the trees."

Once I've said "atheist" they don't pay me any attention and launch into their pitch anyway.

When they give me a chance reply, they hang their head in shame and wander away to the next house.

I to would have said the same thing except I would have said if you want to talk about it I have a few minutes. And as for respect, no I don't respect there beliefs. Especially when I can google hundreds of examples of what their religion is doing wrong.

Nice job!

There ya go!

There may be less of them about, because the churches who did send them out, are running scared from the legal and insurance problems that could occur if they are hurt in any way. The JW have certainly stopped door to door in the UK for that reason. Perhaps they are not sure that their god will protect them ?

I’m glad he was respectful of your honesty and walked away without trying to convert you.
That’s how it should be.

Good for you! That is my choice - to state my belief and allow them to leave me alone without engaging in an argument or any rudeness.

Well done .

The last time someone came to my door trying to push their religion I told them I’d give them 15 minutes to spew their bullshit as long as they give me 15 minutes to tell them exactly why what they spew is bullshit. They immediately apologized for bothering me, turned and walked away.

Nice! I am more used to the "But Whhhyyyy?" response, lol.

that wasn't too bad.

I attempted to check yes, for someone’s post and accidentally disappeared it...sorry! Hope you know who you are and can excuse me?

Well done.

I will try that myself if you don’t mind. I don’t wish to waste my own time either!

Sounds like a group of nice folks having a pleasant exchange. Being civil to one another should be the norm. Well handled!

Well said