I'm not sure if this belongs here or not.

At least twice a year, someone comes to my door wanting to talk to me about the bible and give me literature to read. I always respond that I am very comfortable with my religion and am not interested in reading their material. While most will wish me a nice day, some keep pushing. I've even had neighbors call me and "warn" me that they were coming and were very persistent. I don't want to be rude, but I can't stand it when someone pushes their beliefs and opinions on me. Maybe this is just a vent, since it happened to me very early this morning. But, does freedom of religion also give others the right to impose their beliefs on me, in my own home?

By Ginnyk on Saturday, June 8, 2002 - 11:05 am:

Sunny, I know what you mean. Some accept a No and some don't, just like some telephone solicitors.

My personal rule is that if someone is rude to me, I am free to be rude back. So if I say no, thankyou and the person persists, I have no qualms about interrupting with another no, thank you, good bye, and I either close the door or hang up the phone, as appropriate.

There are people who count on your politeness and use their rudeness as a tool, knowing that you are too polite to interrupt them if they keep talking ad hoping their talking will wear you down into a response rather than a no. So, I suggest you either interrupt to again say no thank you and then terminate the coversation, or, if you prefer, simply terminate without comment.

By Jackie on Saturday, June 8, 2002 - 07:11 pm:

Sunny I do not like this either. I guess Im kind of rude, I dont even open the door. I see out my front window and just wave them away, or open the front door(screen/storm door is locked)and say "not interested" and close the door. I do that to all people selling something or religious people. For me its harder because Iam Jewish, and I really dont want to get into a religious debate with ladies at the door.

By Trina on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 08:25 am:

OH, this happens several times a year in my neighborhood, and is one of my biggest pet peeves! I say a firm, "NO Thank you, I'm not interested," and shut the door. Grrr! You can't get rid of them unless you do so. I could go on and on but I won't.

By Melanie on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 12:31 pm:

In our last neighborhood we had people come around all the time. We finally hung a No Soliciting sign on our door. If they still knocked I simply told them through the window next to the door no thank you, without even opening it.

Now I live in a rural area where this is not an issue. Woo Hoo!

By Jujubee on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 01:40 pm:

In Matthew 28:19-20 the bible says:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

I think that this is where people get the *inspiration* to go door to door. I haven't done this yet, however I would if I was asked to. Like all of you though, I have had bad experiences with people trying to *force* their religion on me. I don't disagree with it (going door to door), and I know of instances where people were saved because of it. But I think that if the person says * No thank you* then that should be the end of it. Walk away and leave it be.

By Joan on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 01:46 pm:

I'm with Jujubee on this one. I haven't got a problem with them coming to my door. I always open the door, and always take the pamplets that they offer. I'm always nice and explain that I feel I already have a good relationship with God, but thanks for caring.

By Colette on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:14 pm:

The Jehovahs just came by. I just tell them I am happy with my religion and to have a nice day.

By Karen55 on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 05:48 pm:

I don't answer my door. There's one religious group or another going door to door in my neighborhood at least once a month.