Yep, that explains it. For the last couple of years, a close neighborhood couple with whom I've had exactly one conversation in 14 years has been leaving small gifts on my porch every 2-3 months, including Christmas presents. They would always leave a note so I knew who left it, but as far as I know they never rang the bell. At first, I would send them a thank you note through a neighborhood website that we both use, but the truth is that I am downsizing and had no use for their gifts. Sometimes the gifts looked like decorations made by a child and almost always I put them directly into the trash. Eventually I stopped acknowledging the gifts, yet they continued.
In November, they left an xmas wrapped box on my porch. I forgot about it for awhile and opened it a couple of days ago. There were a few small gifts that I couldn't use and a blanket just like the one they gave me last year. There was also a small leather bound book entitled, "The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth". I was surprised that a jaded old gal like me did not see this coming. Over a couple of years they had stealthily hoped to create a perceived obligation on my part by seemingly giving me gifts for no reason, so once the hook was set they could reel me in to participate in their ridiculous religious fantasy.
I sent them a note through our community website about the fact that I am downsizing and the fact that I am a lifelong atheist who doesn't agree with distributing religious literature to strangers. I insisted that they stop leaving gifts and religious literature at my home and wished them a happy new year.When I received not even confirmation of receipt, I was relieved that I had finally taken the bull by the horns and found out what kind of people they really are. Ah, one more of life's great mysteries solved.
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8 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Yes, Jesus of Nazareth but the 'nativity trail" was created to get him to Bethlehem so he could be born in the same city as David. This same King David that also might not exist. The importance of this is to have Jesus become the earthly king he was supposed to be. The biblical narrative goes along the line of convincing the Jews that they had killed their own Messiah. The modern twist on the tale is that his kingdom is in another place and you go there when you die. Believers had to be able to explain his death.
As for the book and the little gifts I would not have thrown them in the trash. Instead, I would have dropped them on the door of a local resale shop unawares and said not a word.
DenoPenno
Level 9
Jan 3, 2022
2
Other than the blankets which I kept, the gifts had no monetary value. I am far too busy to be responsible for other peoples' junk.
And under no circumstances do I circulate religious literature. The less of it there is, the better.
And if I hadn't said a word, the problem would be ongoing. I presume they were offended by how I handled the situation, which makes us even.
There is archeological records of a minor warlord named David, whom it is presumed was the David from the bible.
Personally, I think that the Goliath tale was likely greatly exaggerated, as was his being a great king. I put more credence in the homosexual affair he had with Jonathon, son of Saul.
Crazy how people ignore the feelings of others, insisting they are right
bobwjr
Level 10
Jan 3, 2022
4
Imagine the reactions we would get if we combed neighborhoods distributing The Atheist Bible!
@LovinLarge Yup howls of anguish
@LovinLarge - Especially from those distributing books about Christianity to their neighbors.
@LovinLarge Hit 'em where it hurts ... distribute the Satanic bible.
You could think of it this way: because you were the one they decided to target, they may not have gone after another victim of their recruitment efforts. Now, someone perhsps with less resolve than you will become their new target.
We also should ask, is it really kindness and consideration when there is an ulterior motive? My answer would be no!
RussRAB
Level 8
Jan 3, 2022
1
A true gift carries no strings, so of course their motive was not really generosity. I handled it the way I did, polite but firm, in an effort to spook them from doing this type of thing again but still able to live very close to each other.
@LovinLarge
I should have said it before, you did a great job handling the situation.
@RussRAB Thank you very much, I appreciate your input.
Why would you assume they only targeted one individual? My guess is that they were dropping poop on many doorsteps.
@AtheistInNC - You are probably correct. As a former Mormon, we were encouraged to select a family or friend to recruit, so my thinking may be biased from my particular experience.
Creepy.
Fernapple
Level 9
Jan 3, 2022
6
My first thought, no matter the religious aspect or not.
No is a complete sentence.
They are littering.
BufftonBeotch
Level 8
Jan 2, 2022
6
But this way I got to tell them I'm an atheist so they can tell the rest of our neighbors. Very much looking forward to any Jesus Freaks keeping their distance!
Being in a cult means the end of pure altruism.
racocn8
Level 9
Jan 2, 2022
8
Most of me is pretty sure they were grooming me all that time and a very small part of me feels guilty for not appreciating their gifts. I like your explanation best.
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