Mormons at the door

[Lauxa]

So I got visited by another pair of evangelizing Mormons yesterday. I would say in the ten years I've lived here I've been hit 5 or 6 times. Do other parts of the world have anything like this? What do you do when they come to your door? Does anyone actually look forward to talking to these guys?

[supertom]

They usually come to my house maybe once every 3 months sometimes more, I just politely accept their pamphlet and avoid engaging in a discussion.

[t4488]

I get some Jehovah's Witnesses who come to the door 7 or 8 times year. They are pleasant and knowledgeable about the Bible. I talk to them for a few minutes and they leave, although they are starting to suggest they should come in and stay for 15-30 minutes. That's not happening. They have always had a bad reputation for being pushy so I think they have learned to be very un-pushy.

[Angela]

I LOVE it when those guys show up!!! (It's always guys, never girls. Hmm.) I love they're fresh young faces, they enthusiasm, their commitment, and their sunny dispositions when they must get some pretty unfriendly reactions. Plus they're usually just adorably cute. And they're happy to answer all my most invasive questions! I just love 'em.

[LoveLightLaughter]

I respect everyones beliefs and their right to believe whatever it is that they choose, however I do disagree with people marketing their beliefs.

Religion and Spirituality is a personal thing. It is our own path to happiness and fulfillment that we make for ourselves - and it should be kept as such (personal). If someone wants to learn about one dogma or another, then they should seek it on their own and not have it forced upon them.

The reason I feel this way more than likely has to do with personal experiences.

Once I had two Jehova witnesses come to my door about 5 years or so ago - a male and a female. they were a younger than I was, possible around 18 or so years of age. At the time, I was living with my partner/boyfriend of 3 years. I greeted them warmly and we spoke for a few minutes. The male did most of the talking and the female only interjected once or twice. Although I had already found my path, I enjoyed learning about others'. I asked them how they felt about homosexuality. They were quick to snap back that it was against gods laws and that "all homosexuals would burn in hell for eternity". Of course, I replied, "Well, I am gay. Could I still attend your church?"

They replied, "You are more than welcome to attend. And we can offer counseling sessions to help you get rid of this spiritual disease".

"But it's not a disease" I said. "Furthermore, what if I'm not Christian?" I continued.

"You don't believe Jesus Christ is your Lord and savior?" they asked.

"No, I don't." I replied.

What they said in next few parts of the conversation really threw me for a loop. "I feel much pity for your soul. You will burn in hell unless you change who you are. Here's a pamphlet on our church and if you'd ever like to seek help and learn about the miracles of Jesus and the miracles he has in store for you, then you are welcomed to attend."

"I can assure you that you will not see me there. But I thank you for taking the time to answer my questions."

They didn't answer and so I said, "Alright. Well, have a nice day" and began to step back to shut the door. As my hand gripped the edge of the door and began to move it to a close, I distinctly heard the female say, "You too, faggot".

Never being one to back down from a confrontation, I immediately opened the door again and asked "What did you just say?"

As she was going down the front steps, she stopped and turned and repeated herself slowly, "You....too....faggot".

At that point the male was trying to get the female continue on their merry little way. He obviously didn't want any conflict.

I told him that if they knew what was good for them that they had better leave now and that I would be calling their church.

Of course, I called the church about an hour later. I spoke with one of the ministers there and had given him a detailed description of my encounter, as I have given here. The minister apologized, though far from sincerely.

I explained to them that their church was no longer welcomed to come to my house.

I later found out from a neighbor that the female was arrested a few months after. Can you guess why?

1) Our neighborhood banned soliciting. 2) After getting into a verbal confrontation with a lesbian couple in the same neighborhood, she threw a rock through their car rear window.

I don't have a problem with any religion, but I will bring up this quote that represents how I feel.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." - Mohandas Gandhi

[moonrambler]

I enjoy it when the Jehovah's Witnesses come to the door. Here, they are always women, and all they want to do typically is read a passage from the Bible and sometimes they ask me to read one too. Then they give me a pamphlet and talk about what a nice day it is, and off they go. It's a very relaxing moment.

[Angela]

Yeah, I love their little pamphlets, too -- my favorite was when some people came to the door to talk about Krishna, the blue god. They had the best art! And I loved the bit about how Krishna had 50,000 wives and he satisfied them all every night before the **** crowed.

LoveLightLaughter, I'm sorry you had that encounter with the hypocritical psycho nincompoops.

**** hee hee! that got bleeped. "rooster," I meant.

[Lauxa]

Originally Posted by Angela

I LOVE it when those guys show up!!! (It's always guys, never girls. Hmm.) I love they're fresh young faces, they enthusiasm, their commitment, and their sunny dispositions when they must get some pretty unfriendly reactions. Plus they're usually just adorably cute. And they're happy to answer all my most invasive questions! I just love 'em.

Humm, what kinds of invasive questions do you ask them? I spent most of the time answering their invasive questions.

I told them I don't believe in God. They said they know that God is real and He has His church here on earth. They told me that instead of debating intellectually, they would invite me to come to church and experience God and His effect on my life. I responded that I believe them that I would experience the effects they were describing, but I think that there is a different cause for it, a more general principle at work, i.e. LoA.

They asked how I felt when my daughters were born. I said relieved! They were like... uh... so you mentioned "love" and the reason we love our children is because we're in the image of God and the family is an institution of God. EVERYTHING you see is PROOF of God they said. I said that I don't see it that way but I would hope people can learn to get along despite theological differences. They seemed kind of disappointed. They ended with a prayer asking that everyone present could "know whether God exists or not".

Amen.

I wonder if they noticed my black eye? (juggling accident)

[desertrat]

The Mormons and Johova witness are fun to get in to discussion with . My mom read me the bible stories growing up . I have read the King James Bible. I have pointed out the parts of the parts of the Bible that dont make sense to Johova witness , they told me " you cant read every part of the Bible " . Another one told me about " armagedon " I told them it was a vally in the middle east, har megedo, where a number of battles took place , not the end of the world. In the book of Mormon a small group left Isreal 600 years before the birth of Christ and came to North America . After a while one group turned evil the other stayed good . They became the North American Indians. Indians look more like Asains tho. desert rat

[Savage]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

So I got visited by another pair of evangelizing Mormons yesterday. I would say in the ten years I've lived here I've been hit 5 or 6 times. Do other parts of the world have anything like this? What do you do when they come to your door? Does anyone actually look forward to talking to these guys?

I try to sell them a copy of my book.

[Lakshyayidhi Lakshmihi]

They come to my door about 3-4 times a year. I try to engage them in a theosophical debate about relativism. Usually they are woefully undereducated even in the bible as a literary work. Flaccid.

[ssandra]

I'm usually (read: always) too lazy to walk the four flights of stairs down to engage in a discussion with them...

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by Savage

I try to sell them a copy of my book.

Ha! What a turn around!

OP: I bring my brother out and he makes them extremely uncomfortable with his extensive knowledge of Satanism.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

Humm, what kinds of invasive questions do you ask them? I spent most of the time answering their invasive questions.

Believe it or not, I have kind of a take-charge approach in conversations with them. I'm genuinely curious about the experience of living the lifestyle of these people -- they seem like gypsies to me, and very bold to come around knocking on people's doors to talk about their beliefs. I want to know how it is for them: do they ever feel deprived or constrained by the rules? Do their kids? How do they address that? What's it like meeting all these people door-to-door? Are people generally welcoming? Do they get discouraged when people are less than kind? Tell me more about the legends of the religion (I'm especially interested in Mormon's take on the origination of their beliefs -- the Joseph Smith stories -- because those stories sound particularly outlandish to me, and they are from such recent history).

Like that.

[RomanHD]

Originally Posted by Savage

I try to sell them a copy of my book.

LOL!! Did you ever get a sale this way?

[Savage]

Originally Posted by RomanHD

LOL!! Did you ever get a sale this way?

No, not one.

I think next time I'll ask them to send Mormon women to convert me.

[ChrisGinsburg]

Originally Posted by LoveLightLaughter

I respect everyones beliefs and their right to believe whatever it is that they choose, however I do disagree with people marketing their beliefs.

Religion and Spirituality is a personal thing. It is our own path to happiness and fulfillment that we make for ourselves - and it should be kept as such (personal). If someone wants to learn about one dogma or another, then they should seek it on their own and not have it forced upon them.

The reason I feel this way more than likely has to do with personal experiences.

Once I had two Jehova witnesses come to my door about 5 years or so ago - a male and a female. they were a younger than I was, possible around 18 or so years of age. At the time, I was living with my partner/boyfriend of 3 years. I greeted them warmly and we spoke for a few minutes. The male did most of the talking and the female only interjected once or twice. Although I had already found my path, I enjoyed learning about others'. I asked them how they felt about homosexuality. They were quick to snap back that it was against gods laws and that "all homosexuals would burn in hell for eternity". Of course, I replied, "Well, I am gay. Could I still attend your church?"

They replied, "You are more than welcome to attend. And we can offer counseling sessions to help you get rid of this spiritual disease".

"But it's not a disease" I said. "Furthermore, what if I'm not Christian?" I continued.

"You don't believe Jesus Christ is your Lord and savior?" they asked.

"No, I don't." I replied.

What they said in next few parts of the conversation really threw me for a loop. "I feel much pity for your soul. You will burn in hell unless you change who you are. Here's a pamphlet on our church and if you'd ever like to seek help and learn about the miracles of Jesus and the miracles he has in store for you, then you are welcomed to attend."

"I can assure you that you will not see me there. But I thank you for taking the time to answer my questions."

They didn't answer and so I said, "Alright. Well, have a nice day" and began to step back to shut the door. As my hand gripped the edge of the door and began to move it to a close, I distinctly heard the female say, "You too, faggot".

Never being one to back down from a confrontation, I immediately opened the door again and asked "What did you just say?"

As she was going down the front steps, she stopped and turned and repeated herself slowly, "You....too....faggot".

At that point the male was trying to get the female continue on their merry little way. He obviously didn't want any conflict.

I told him that if they knew what was good for them that they had better leave now and that I would be calling their church.

Of course, I called the church about an hour later. I spoke with one of the ministers there and had given him a detailed description of my encounter, as I have given here. The minister apologized, though far from sincerely.

I explained to them that their church was no longer welcomed to come to my house.

I later found out from a neighbor that the female was arrested a few months after. Can you guess why?

1) Our neighborhood banned soliciting. 2) After getting into a verbal confrontation with a lesbian couple in the same neighborhood, she threw a rock through their car rear window.

I don't have a problem with any religion, but I will bring up this quote that represents how I feel.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." - Mohandas Gandhi

Wow, pretty interesting story. Really sad when someone has to use religion as justification for their hatred and ignorance. It takes all kinds...

[desertrat]

The main stream Mormon church does not allow more than one wife . There are small towns in nothern Arizona and southern Utah that are Mormon run and many wives are ok . desert rat

[supertom]

I love the the art when i was a kid, people of all races sitting down together with lion and lamb.

[t4488]

Originally Posted by Savage

I try to sell them a copy of my book.

That's hilarious.

[t4488]

Originally Posted by LoveLightLaughter

I respect everyones beliefs and their right to believe whatever it is that they choose, however I do disagree with people marketing their beliefs.

Religion and Spirituality is a personal thing. It is our own path to happiness and fulfillment that we make for ourselves - and it should be kept as such (personal). If someone wants to learn about one dogma or another, then they should seek it on their own and not have it forced upon them.

The reason I feel this way more than likely has to do with personal experiences.

Once I had two Jehova witnesses come to my door about 5 years or so ago - a male and a female. they were a younger than I was, possible around 18 or so years of age. At the time, I was living with my partner/boyfriend of 3 years. I greeted them warmly and we spoke for a few minutes. The male did most of the talking and the female only interjected once or twice. Although I had already found my path, I enjoyed learning about others'. I asked them how they felt about homosexuality. They were quick to snap back that it was against gods laws and that "all homosexuals would burn in hell for eternity". Of course, I replied, "Well, I am gay. Could I still attend your church?"

They replied, "You are more than welcome to attend. And we can offer counseling sessions to help you get rid of this spiritual disease".

"But it's not a disease" I said. "Furthermore, what if I'm not Christian?" I continued.

"You don't believe Jesus Christ is your Lord and savior?" they asked.

"No, I don't." I replied.

What they said in next few parts of the conversation really threw me for a loop. "I feel much pity for your soul. You will burn in hell unless you change who you are. Here's a pamphlet on our church and if you'd ever like to seek help and learn about the miracles of Jesus and the miracles he has in store for you, then you are welcomed to attend."

"I can assure you that you will not see me there. But I thank you for taking the time to answer my questions."

They didn't answer and so I said, "Alright. Well, have a nice day" and began to step back to shut the door. As my hand gripped the edge of the door and began to move it to a close, I distinctly heard the female say, "You too, faggot".

Never being one to back down from a confrontation, I immediately opened the door again and asked "What did you just say?"

As she was going down the front steps, she stopped and turned and repeated herself slowly, "You....too....faggot".

At that point the male was trying to get the female continue on their merry little way. He obviously didn't want any conflict.

I told him that if they knew what was good for them that they had better leave now and that I would be calling their church.

Of course, I called the church about an hour later. I spoke with one of the ministers there and had given him a detailed description of my encounter, as I have given here. The minister apologized, though far from sincerely.

I explained to them that their church was no longer welcomed to come to my house.

I later found out from a neighbor that the female was arrested a few months after. Can you guess why?

1) Our neighborhood banned soliciting. 2) After getting into a verbal confrontation with a lesbian couple in the same neighborhood, she threw a rock through their car rear window.

I don't have a problem with any religion, but I will bring up this quote that represents how I feel.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." - Mohandas Gandhi

My Jehovahs don't believe in hell. Are you sure they were Jehovahs? One of the basic tenets of their religion is that on Judgement Day, the believer dead will be resurrected and live in paradise on earth (not heaven) and the non-believers will simply remain dead (not in hell).

[LoveLightLaughter]

Originally Posted by t4488

My Jehovahs don't believe in hell. Are you sure they were Jehovahs? One of the basic tenets of their religion is that on Judgement Day, the believer dead will be resurrected and live in paradise on earth (not heaven) and the non-believers will simply remain dead (not in hell).

I'm assuming they were. I suppose I could be wrong. Whatever they were, it wasn't your mainstream Christians. Possibly mormons? Who knows. But that is an interesting point you bring. Thank you.

[desertrat]

I know the Mormons believe in returning to live on earth with there same body. Jehova witness believe 144 thound of them will go to heaven . desert rat

[Michael Chui]

A number of Christians regard Jehovah's Witnesses as a spiritual disease, too. And Mormonism, for that matter. It's just not in vogue to care these days.

[Mato Kinze]

I get visits about once every 18 months or so.

Personally, I very much enjoy their visits. This last time - I think it was mid July or thereabouts - it was extremely hot out.

I was in the basement working on something and my wife called down to me, "Honey, the Mormons are here. I told them that I wasn't interested in being saved and that you followed a Native American Tradition. I was hoping they'd take that and go away, but now they're really interested in your Path and want to talk to you. What do you want me to tell them?"

"It's 98 degrees out there with 83% humidity!" I said. "Tell 'em to get the hell in here and get 'em a glass of ice water. I'll be right up."

I put away what I was working on and came upstairs. Two young men were sitting on my couch with fresh glasses of ice water in their hands looking very thankful to be in an air-conditioned environment.

I introduced myself, they introduced themselves and we began to chit-chat about how hot it was and I told them how much I admired them for living their beliefs in such a way.

They told me that my wife had mentioned I followed a Native American Spiritual Tradition and asked what I believed.

I laughed and said that it has taken me the better part of forty years to figure out only a small part of what I believed and could they please be a little more specifc?

Instead they began to tell me what THEY believed. I listened - as I always do - nodded when I agreed with something, kept quiet when I didn't. I found my self nodding quite a bit about the things that they shared with me until they got to the whole "Jesus" thing.

I explained that I could see where they were coming from. I told them that I could easily believe that a man could sacrifice of himself for the betterment of The People, and I told them about the striking similarities between the Wiwang Wacipi and the crucifiction. "The difference," I said, "Is that we don't believe you have to be "special", ie. 'THE' son of God, to sacrifice yourself for the People. We believe that ANYONE can do it."

I noted at that point that they had finished their water. I looked at them and said, "So, you see my friends, many of us sacrifice of our flesh so that we may bring blessings to others. Your flesh today is being sacrificed through your sweat and your labor. I honor that."

They then asked if they could offer a blessing to me and my family and I graciously and gratefully accepted. Only a fool turns down a freely offered blessing after all - no matter who it's from.

When they were done, I asked if I may repay the favor. They accepted and so I offered a prayer - in Lakota - to The Creator for their protection and health as they continued to live their faith and walk their path.

We were all enriched by the experience.

[Neblasian]

Originally Posted by all homosexuals would burn in hell for eternity -[/I

Mohandas Gandhi

Jehovah Witnesses don't believe in hell. However, as a former student of their teachings I found them to be one of the most intolerant of the christian sects. They are indeed very pushy and intrusive.

[Andrew Brunelle]

I remember getting visited by a couple of Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses maybe 8 years ago. I took the pamphlet, and said, "Thank you," and then said goodbye. I didn't keep it, but I did take a gander at it to see what they were trying to get me to believe, and it was out there... But to each their own...

[igorgriffiths]

I remember when I was a lot younger, getting set up by one of my friends that I was visiting. As 2 very attractive ladies approached her house, she asked me to answer the door, which of course I was more than happy to do.

Once the penny dropped and I realised that they were Jehovahs, the enthusiasm soon evaporated. My friend with much laughter, revealed afterwards that she knew who they were.

[ellie]

Originally Posted by t4488

My Jehovahs don't believe in hell. Are you sure they were Jehovahs? One of the basic tenets of their religion is that on Judgement Day, the believer dead will be resurrected and live in paradise on earth (not heaven) and the non-believers will simply remain dead (not in hell).

That's correct, they don't believe in hell. Sounds like they weren't very educated in their own faith if that's the case. That was one thing I learnt from being brought up as one

And I am surprised that the person you rang didn't sound sincere in their apology. Sounds like you just got some crazy JW's

[ellie]

Originally Posted by supertom

I love the the art when i was a kid, people of all races sitting down together with lion and lamb.

Want to hear something funny...at one stage one of the JW artists, secretly added in devils and pagan symbols into the drawings of the artwork. They weren't very visible, so you had to go looking for them, but I thought it was hilarious.