I just had two Jehovah's Witnesses come by. I know people handle them differently. I don't usually mind them (don't let them know that) but I guess it depends on what is going on. I know some people are vehemently (sp?) opposed to them, but I kind of admire people willing to put themselves out there like they do.
I agree with what I agree with and disagree with what I disagree with, and take a brochure usually. What do you do??
A friend of mine has a sticker on their door with a no sign across two people who look like evangelists. I've never asked if that stops the visits.
Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.
Usually of they come to the
Usually of they come to the door, the dog is barking and jumping and the kids are running around trying to see who it is and what they want. So I usually dont get much of a chance to talk with them. The other day I was waiting for my son at the bus stop and I was more willing to talk to them. I would not change my beliefs or anything but I tell them I am polite. I dont really know of anyone that has joined the church of met with them again to learn more.
I tell all missionaries who
I tell all missionaries who come by, regardless of the faith they represent, that I am (or we are) comfortable in my faith, and wish them good luck. If it's hot, I advise them to try to stick to the shade because of the heat.
I'm never rude, and I never take any handouts. I just say "No thank you" if pressed for why I just say that I wouldn't want them to waste the paper. The implication is that it's just going in the trash.
I really am comfortable in my faith, so it's not even BS that I'm telling them.
I told a couple of them once
I told a couple of them once that I simply didn't have time and one said, "you don't have to time to plan for the fate of your soul?"...I said, "not today!" and closed the door.
In the 12 years I've been
In the 12 years I've been out here I've only been approached once by them and it was at a gas station of all places. They literally stopped, got out of their car and came up to me while I was pumping gas and I just told them politely I wasn't interested. Back east they are by far worst; seems like they're knocking on your door every other week. I remember plenty of times when I lived back east having to tell them I wasn't interested. I personally don't appreciate anyone peddling their religious beliefs, I think I'm intelligent enough to find out about a particular religion if I'm interested enough in it. I don't know why they find it necessary to do the door to door salesmen stuff, not to mention down here where you never know who's door you're going to knock on.
I am usually polite and
I am usually polite and respectful but tell them that I am comfortable with my beliefs and don't have time to chat at the moment. They have a right to their own religous beliefs and feel that they are helping others by spreading those beliefs. However, I get very angry when they knock on the door around dinner time on Easter, Christmas or other holidays and interrupt what they know to be an important day to Christians.
I pretty much do the same. I
I pretty much do the same. I also respect people who have strong convictions. I usually won't listen to a sermon, but I'll take a pamphlet. I'm interested in knowing what others beleive--especially if they beleive something enough to walk around in long shirts and skirts during an Arizona summer. Being informed about others beliefs never hurt anyone.
Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.
I was raised in other
I was raised in other religions, but my grandma is a Jehovah Witness. I sometimes love reading her brochures but she knows that I do not believe their beliefs. I am not going to mistreat anyone due to their religion, but I do know that the Jehovah Witness are really nice people. I am like you if they visit. I always accept gladly what they have to give and if I get time, I may read it, that is, if it catches my attention.
I do believe they have great intentions, and they are taught to go out and pass the word on to others.
One Happy Mom in Arizona.
This is a tough one. We get
This is a tough one. We get Jehovah Witnesses all the time in our neighborhood. I understand where they are coming from but honestly, it's kind of annoying. I try to be nice but firm, but I have a hard time cutting people off when they start their spiel. Is it better to just not answer the door? (But then I feel rude if I don't answer the door).
Lattemom is the mother of three energetic kids ages 6, 8 & 11 and a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com.
I think I avoid a lot of
I think I avoid a lot of people coming to my door because I'm at work all day. If you come at night, I won't answer the door if I don't recognize you. Some people may think that's rude, but I'm home alone with my small child every night, and just don't feel comfortable opening the door to strangers. If someone does manage to catch me at home (like on the weekends), I politely tell them I'm not interested before they start their speech.
I told them this time that
I told them this time that I'd take their literature only if that didn't put me on some kind of follow up list. I swear I took something once and had weekly visits for a month after.
The visitors did imply that yes, accepting something did sometimes cause a follow up visit, just in case I had questions.
Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.