The weather is nice, and so it’s the time of year when some religious folk go door to door with their beliefs.
Today, in the heat, we’re cleaning the house for guests. The bell rang. I was the nearest one, so I went to the door.
It was two smartly dressed fellows who, after I said “Hi” and opened the screen, introduced themselves as LDS church members. I replied “Oh, sorry, we’re atheists. But thank you for your time.” And they left.
That “thank you for your time” was meant to be both polite and final. I don’t actually appreciate being evangelized to. But I like to be polite. I don’t see a need to make myself act rude to get rid of them. Which, as I explained to Maggie, is about me and how I view myself and not them.
Next time I probably ought to say “nice to meet you” instead. I don’t mind meeting them. I just don’t want to talk religion with them.
I have excused these folks in the past, saying that “it’s just part of their religion; they are called to evangelize.” But after some thought, I think I have changed my mind on that. If they are called to evangelize, then they are required to go door to door (eventually my door) to fulfill the requirements of their religion. If that’s so, then they’re using me for their own gain. My annoyance serves a purpose for them, because they need to go out and do this. But it serves no purpose for me, since it’s unsolicited and unwanted. I rather resent being used, though their isn’t much harm in it. A week or two ago, another group was operating on our street. Same deal. So maybe we’re an easy neighborhood to use for their purposes.
I’ll still be polite next time. But maybe I’m a little more interested now. Not in their religion, but in what neighborhoods they visit, where their church is. I’m still not sure I want to waste their time or my own, but now we have something to talk about.
Posted by James at June 17, 2006 1:58 PMThe weather is nice, and so it’s the time of year when I don't answer the door. :)
Posted by: Julie at June 17, 2006 3:06 PMDarn, how come YOU get the LDS? I always wanted the LDS. I get the Jehovah's. They're not as interesting.
Posted by: mjfrombuffalo at June 17, 2006 3:55 PMLet me give a little LDS perspective. When the missionaries come knocking on your door believe me it is the LAST thing they want to do. "Tracting" is not what most missionaries are encouraged or even want to participate in. It is an activity of last resort. LDS members are encouraged to help these full time missionaries do their work by referring interested folks so that their work is targeted an not just random. This is a much more effective approach. Next time if you want to be polite and help two young men or women invite them in, explain you have no interest in their message but would love to help them pass the day in providing service. Then give them some work to do! You can even invite them back next Saturday with more chores and maybe lemonade. These young men have lots to talk about besides their religion and are looking for productive ways to spend their time. It isn't just their job to baptize but to spred good will wherever they go and they've two years dedicated to doing it.
Posted by: Margo at June 17, 2006 5:28 PMOh, and I always get the JWs, too!
Posted by: at June 17, 2006 5:33 PMWhat gets me is the ones who use their little children. When you answer the door and an eight year old girl is there while her mom waits at the bottom of the driveway, watching. They figure no one would be rude enough to slam the door in a little girls face. But with me, they figure wrong.
Posted by: DG at June 18, 2006 9:02 AMMargo, thanks for the information about what these young men were up to.
I am at a point in my life that I probably wouldn't mind doing what you suggest if I had more time. Although I wouldn't want to put them to work.
Maybe when I'm retired someday I'll be that weird old guy who talks to everybody.
Posted by: James at June 18, 2006 9:42 AMI can see that. James on the porch in a rocking chair chatting with anyone and everyone to come by.
Posted by: briwei at June 19, 2006 2:35 AMBri you forgot to mention the tasty cocktails he'd be drinkin too :)
Posted by: Hooligan at June 20, 2006 8:45 AMAnd offering to said passersby. "I just made this new drink with gin and Coke Blak. Would you like to try it?"
Posted by: briwei at June 20, 2006 3:21 PMEw
Posted by: Julie at June 20, 2006 3:30 PMKahlua and Coke Blak?
Posted by: briwei at June 20, 2006 3:39 PMHmmm...
Posted by: Julie at June 20, 2006 3:41 PMThat's pretty much a waste of Kahlua. You could just go Kahlua and Coke and be happy, I think.
And you're not missing that much with Coke BlaK, really.
Posted by: James at June 20, 2006 9:40 PMFair enough. I was just trying to think of something uniquely Jamesian.
Posted by: briwei at June 21, 2006 11:53 AMThe Grace O'Malley, I guess, might be.
I really have to hop to it and start coming up with some better recipes.
Posted by: James at June 21, 2006 1:05 PMI get everybody at my door -- LDS, JW, and every other offshoot strange religion that feels it is a CHRISTIAN DUTY to spread "the news." I am Catholic and I am polite and tell them that I am not interested in their religion and they usually go on their way. But at times I get put out and tell them that if God wants me to go to heaven then I will get there with or without their help.
Posted by: liz at June 25, 2006 9:40 PM