How can I tactfully say no to a Mormon

[TyeDye75]

Two weeks ago some Mormons knocked on my door...one from Iowa and one from Canada...I'm the kind of person who finds it hard to say no to people so I invited them in and listened to what they had to say...they left me a copy of the book of Mormon and asked if they could come back sometime... they were nice guys and.... well being unable to say no I agreed.

Im actually an atheist and I was never christened...I don't believe in God and I doubt I ever will...but I'm sometimes too polite for my own good.

So their coming back on Wednesday and I need a tactful way to say thanks but no thanks.

Any suggestions?

[hippiechick]

1. Make sure there's a Marilyn Manson poster in your living room

And Black Sabbath playing on your cd player when they arrive.

That should do it. :evilgrin:

[TyeDye75]

6. actually I was wearing a Led Zep T shirt when they came

[FreedomAngel82]

18. My brother suggested something like that

as well. If they ever came back around he would answer the door and say I have an Ozzy Osbourne poster on my wall (I do). ;) We usually just keep our curtians closed and don't answer the door.

[Momgonepostal]

36. Nah, I've been a Mormon missionary and that wouldn't even

...raise an eyebrow.

The things that worked best to get rid of me fast and creep me out were:

1. A young woman invited us in and showed us a bulletin board with photos of lots of different people. She then said they were all people who had died and told us how they all died, and that she talks with them on a regular basis, and they give her messages to tell the living.

2. A very fat man answered the door in a Speedo.

3. A man told us he hated Mormons and asked us to stand right there, because he was going to get his gun and shoot us.

Of course, there's always the old standby, just say no. I appreciated those the most. :)

[barb162]

83. number 3 is hilarious!!! Did you run?

[Momgonepostal]

134. Not just walked, but RAN!

He kept screaming at us too. He was probably kidding, but just didn't look quite mentally balanced. We weren't taking chances. :-)

[LittleClarkie]

93. As a Dungeons and Dragons player

I have friends who have swords, who have threatened to have one handy so that they could answer the door with it in hand, and say simply, in a voice two octaves too low, "Get. Out."

I wonder it that would work. Perhaps combined with the speedo.

[JanMichael]

120. I ALWAYS wanted to walk around Salt Lake City with a six pack

and a bottle of wine, and knock on doors---and say, "I am here to talk to you about the Episcopal Church...are you familiar with the church? Can I come in?"

[fudge stripe cookays]

126. Bwa ha!

I might join you for that.

You know what they say-- any time you see four Episcopalians, there's usually a fifth!

FSC

[Momgonepostal]

135. SLC has a lot of non-Mormon residents

You'd probably get a lot of yeses. :-)

[saltpoint]

2. Pick up the phone and cancel the gathering --

-- then go see a good film.

[Momgonepostal]

22. I like this the best

If they gave you a phone number, call and cancel. Odds are they won't be home when you call so you can leave a message, which is probably less ambarrassing for you.

If they didn't leave you a number, leave a note on your front door saying you've decided you aren't interested, and leave for the evening. Be polite. They hear "no" all the time, they won't take it personally or be offended.

[SharonAnn]

3. Just say "No, thank you".

That's tactful enough.

Don't engage in talking with them.

Just say "No, thank you."

Besides, why worry about being tactful?

[blondeatlast]

123. Thanks for the sanity.

They really don't want to waste their time either.

We constantly get missionaries of all types at our house. They ask to speak to me, I say I haven't the time now. They then ask if they can return, to which I reply,"It's really unnecessary. I have my beliefs and they will not change. Don't waste our precious time. Thank you."

Works with pushy (don't attack me, not all are) atheists, too, in social settings.

Politeness is in short supply nowadays. Life's hard, we all feel that we have a "mission." It really doesn't hurt to be nice--and assertive.

[Ellen Forradalom]

4. "Thanks, but no thanks."

You don't owe these guys anything except common courtesy. They don't need to enter your house or spend your time trying to convert you to their religion. Just politely say, no thank you.

[HereSince1628]

5. well, thanks but no thanks _is_ pretty good.

Believe me they get turned down with a lot worse
And you can give them back their book.

[TyeDye75]

10. thats partly the reason I listened to them

I saw them go around the grove..from my bedroom window and they got turned away from every house...I guess I felt sorry for them.

[SoCalDem]

7. Never let them into your house.. and Just say No Thanks

when you answer your door.. or you could post a sign like mine in your window :)

If you are selling:

newspapers
magazines
books
cookies
candy
meat
seafood
lawn services
windows
siding
tamales
religion

Do us both a favor, and trot back down to the sidewalk, turn right or left, and keep going.

Do NOT knock or ring the bell

No one here is interested, in the least, in buying anything you are selling.

[porphyrian]

8. "No." - n/t

[fudge stripe cookays]

9. Tell them...

"You know, I've been reading a lot about this Angel Moroni guy the last few days, and I have to say....truthfully guys.... I think Joseph Smith was full of shit."

See if their jaws hit the carpet.

:D
FSC

[TyeDye75]

16. Well

I actually do think the Joseph Smith storey is a big crock of shit.

[saltpoint]

28. Me too.

[fudge stripe cookays]

37. Well, there ya go...

Hanging out at FH centers a bit, I've picked up a bit of the Mormon philosophy, and morbid curiosity did the rest. I couldn't believe that people believe this stuff.

Smith was a huckster. But I love them for their genealogy records!

FSC

[ghostsofgiants]

92. Dumb-dumb-dumb-dumb-dumb

[TyeDye75]

118. Thats been stuck in my head ever since they came.

Joseph Smith was called a prophet, dumd dumb dumn dumb dumb

[porkrind]

100. I agree with your opinion

that it is a bunch of shit, but these missionaries are really just brainwashed kids. Just be nice and honest to them and tell them you don't believe it and you are not interested in knowing more. They probably would like to talk about sports, movies, or music just as much.

Don't be too harsh on them. They are really victims of years of religous brainwashing, and they are just kids. Be nice to them, and you will feel good about it later on.

[fudge stripe cookays]

125. I know.

Honestly, I was just being facetious. I have to be nice to Mormons so I can keep using them for their historical data! It involves much biting of tongue.

I'm not really that mean. Usually.
FSC

[SmokingJacket]

11. I used to be like you.

Proselytizers must have had a secret mark on my door -- they wouldn't leave me alone.

I don't know what changed. Now I'm almost rude. I say, "SORRY NOT INTERESTED" and close the door on them, don't let them get a word in edgewise.

Life's too short to let them waste your time and theirs.

[Downtown Hound]

12. Well, you already let them in the door

so be prepared for them to be pushy. As of this moment their mindset is, "Okay she's interested, so if she's reluctant to join we have to figure out just where she's going wrong and try and convince her of that." Your only option is to say no, and when they push, say no again, and when they push some more, say no again. Of course, feel free to get mad at any time, that's what I do, but you sound like a nice person who wants to remain nice, so that's what you're going to have to do.

Don't take anything from them. They may offer you some more literature and then say, think about it some more and we'll come back in a week. Say no. You're doing yourself a favor by simply closing the door on them now. Don't leave them any more opportunities.

When they come to my door, I simply say, "I'm not Mormon, I don't want to be Mormon, you have nothing to say that I want to hear." I say it with such a finality that they usually get the point and leave right then. If they offer to leave me some literature or push at all, I say, "I told you nicely you have nothing to say that I want to hear. Keep pushing me and then I'm not going to be so nice." After that, they usually leave me alone.

[TyeDye75]

17. Nice post but Im a 'he'

[Downtown Hound]

19. Oops, sorry about that!

[TyeDye75]

Belive it or not it happens all the time.../nt

[lukasahero]

13. I had a similar problem - a friend helped put it in perspective

It wasn't with the Mormons but with some girl who used to come hear me sing. Then she started calling me at home (I hadn't given her my phone numer). Anyway, the point is when I told a friend about it she asked why I didn't just tell her to leave me alone and I responded "I didn't want to be rude". My friend played that back to me - "You don't want to be rude to a stalker?????"

Here's my point - personally, as a religious person, I find these people that come to your door and invade on your space and time and make assumptions about your personal, spiritual, private life are being much more rude to you than you would ever consider being to them.

A polite, thank you, but I'm not interested is much more polite than what they are doing. I also agree with someone who suggested calling to cancel the appt. It's alot easier to do this on the phone than in person if you are uncomfortable with it. Be polite, but be firm and "just say no". ;)

[Nimrod]

14. What I do

I start with "No thank you", and if they press I just say that I have my own unshakable religious beliefs and therefore don't want to waste their time. If they press after THAT, then they're asking for it.

[5thGenDemocrat]

15. My experience was a bit different

I'm a Catholic (not a particularly devout one, but one nevertheless). I just told the missionaries that I was happy within the RCC and had no intention of switching mindsets.
With that out of the way, I invited them in and we spent an hour or so discussing BYU football. I got the Book of Mormon too (which is strange to me -- but no stranger than some of the stuff we Mackerel Snappers were indoctrinated with (virgin birth, transubstantiation, etc.). We had a lovely, non-doctrinal chat and I haven't seen them (or their successors) since.
John
But, short answer, I'd suggest you tell them what you just told us.

[rkc3]

20. Invite them in for a bath - we can discuss it in the tub.

I forget which comedian said that, but it's worked in the past for me. Just make sure your spouse is around and expresses his/her interest in joining in.

[Old Mouse]

32. Good one!

I used to have massive Halloween parties in my home back in the late 70's. We had a big pentagram with signs and symbols painted on the floor of our living room for decoration, and we got in the habit of leaving there all year.

That made religious evangelists knocking on the door an enjoyable event.

[Itchinjim]

21. My GGGgrandfather was part of the mob that lynched Joseph Smith in

in Carthage Ill. This is nothing that I am proud of mind you, in fact I find it very shamful, but it sure chases the Mormans away from my door pretty quick when I tell them.

[Hamlette]

23. tell them you're an atheist

that tactic usually works with Mormons. don't know why but they just leave. I live in Utah, we get them all the time here, believe it or not. I think we do have a mark on our doors. (They get the list from the local mormon church of who doesn't belong.)

If saying you're atheist doesn't work, say you have read what they left you, you understand what it says, you understand the religion and have no questions but you are not interested.

They don't necessarily need to convert you, they just need to spread the word.
(edited to add this warning:)

Don't accept their offers to help you. Sometimes missionaries will say: "that's okay if you don't want to talk about religion, but is there anything you need done, that I can help you with? Yard work, errands?" I think you would feel indebted to be nice.

Treat them like telephone solitictors. Politely send them on their way.

(Speaking of which, isn't life so much better with the "no call lists"?)

[TyeDye75]

25. I think Ill use that

thanks :hi:

[spanone]

24. Tell them you read the book and it's utter bullshit.

[Old Mouse]

26. Just tell them "no thanks"

most of them will respect your decision after a few firm "nos". Tell them "I'm not interested, sorry. " and close the door. Ignore any further comment they might say. You're not being rude, they get much worse and will be grateful for the kindness you did show them.

Or ask them why Smith's angel was actually a golden salamander.

[leftofthedial]

27. One word:

"No."

Then shut the door.

[Cleita]

29. Don't be that tactful. Tell them the truth. Be gentle. Tell

them you read their literature and just aren't interested and would appreciate them not bothering you again. If they persist, then you need to file a complaint with their church. I don't think they will persist with a polite but firm no.

Young Mormons must do this as part of their missionary requirement to advance in their church, or so I understand. Many ex-Mormons that I have talked to said that they really didn't want to and were just as happy to know if they were wasting their time or not.

[thinkingwoman]

30. I usually say...

I'm Jewish.

But last time I told my husband (who was raised Mormon) to "get those people off my porch."

They haven't returned.

[Stop_the_War]

31. Just say "fuck off"

It works every time.

[seito]

45. I guess it would

:eyes:

[Walt Starr]

33. Tell them you read their book and it was like a third grader wrote it

They'll never come back or ever bother you again.

[Walt Starr]

34. Tell them you read their book and it was like a third grader wrote it

They'll never come back or ever bother you again.

[ernstbass]

35. My college roomate couldn't say no to Mormons

so we left a note on the door apologizing that we weren't home and asking them not to come back.

[Abies]

38. These work well.

I have one on the door and visits to my house have dropped substiantially. But, it doesn't help if you happen to be working in the yard.

[zann725]

97. That's great! Can I buy that somewhere? Home Depot?

n/t

[Abies]

129. Yup -- right next to the spackle.

Or, you can go to evolvefish.com

[fishwax]

99. great sign

welcome to DU :hi:

(Where in WY are you from? I lived there myself, in a former life.)

[Abies]

130. Thanks Fishwax

I lived in Laramie for 6 years before moving to Colorado for a job 2 years ago. I miss Wyoming a lot, but I do get to work/play up there from time to time and I'm only 35 miles from the border now.

How about yourself? Where were you from?

[fishwax]

132. I grew up in Sheridan

spent plenty of time in Laramie, though, as I had relatives there and friends who went there. Now I go there a lot more often than I go to Sheridan, since my bro-in-law is still there with his family. Laramie is a little too windy for my tastes though ;)

If you live in CO 35 miles from the border, I'm guessing you live somewhere in the Ft. Collins/Loveland area, which ain't a bad place to live either :) I've got tons of family there.

[Abies]

136. Sheridan is very nice...

I've just passed through there a few times and I've always wanted to explore the Bighorns more, but I didn't get up there very often. It seems like that area is becoming the retiree capitol of the state now.

Yeah, the Laramie wind is an acquired taste, but the sun is always out. I live in Fort Collins (good guess) and I like it here, but getting away from people is a little harder to do and everything is more expensive. On the other hand, you can grow some nice gardens here because it doesn't snow in mid-June.

[ChairOne]

39. Tell them; "I don't care how you bring 'em, just bring 'em young." /eom

[LittleClarkie]

94. Bad-dum-beesh

Wokka wokka...

[ChairOne]

105. i giggle my ass off everytime i hear that - lol - i'm so immature... /eom

[Technowitch]

40. "Thanks, but no, I'd prefer not to continue our discussion."

Then say goodbye. Politely, but firmly.

My spouse and I live pretty far down a private drive, so it's only very rare that we have to deal with any kind of solicitors -- and I count missionaries as the same thing. They're trying to sell you their religion.

So... you're an athiest. Just say that, if you feel the need to explain any further. But DON'T let them draw you into a discussion or argument about WHY you have that particular set of beliefs.

As for us? The last time someone came to the door, I said to these undeterminate Evangelicals (I didn't talk with them long enough to find out exactly which branch of pseudo/quasi-Christianity they followed), "Not only am I a Wiccan, but I'm married to another woman. If the first of those isn't enough to dissuade you, the second is sure to do so."

Then I said goodbye and wished them a pleasant day.

They were lucky. If my wife had answered the doorbell, she'd have said something regarding how people like us were burned at the stake by these folks' forebears. Then slammed the door shut in their faces. She's never had a problem speaking her mind. ;)

Anyway, there's power in these words, "Thanks, but no, I would prefer not to." They cannot be argued with, reasoned with, or refuted. Learn to use them, else people will walk all over you.

-Technowitch

p.s. Those words also work with people selling magazines door-to-door.

[bush_is_wacko]

41. I told them, truthfully, I was a Catholic, but loved to read about other

religious beliefs. I told them there was no chance I would change my religious beliefs but I found their version quite interesting. Really, I was thinking this =fairy tale" doesn't agree with my version of the "fairy tale" but I thought I'd be nice. They were fine with that. I think they may have been back once or twice, but my standard response sent them packing

I am "technically" a Catholic. I just don't really practice the religion any more. I have come to realize the only path to God is the one that works best for you. I pray when I feel like someone needs my prayers. I think He provides guidance to everyone if they just pay attention. If you read the Bible there are some answers there, but for the most part the answers you find there should be intuitive if you are a loving human being. I think MOST people are and I think a lot of the ones that aren't are following people that they think makes them look good. They are lost souls who really aren't forgiving themselves for being born to the human race, with all it's flaws and inadequacies.

Mormons really do help each other immensely. As long as they don't push their faith on me and they are happy about their choice who am I to judge?

There is also the option of making an educated comment on why our president deserves to be impeached and telling them you don't support any religion that supports the president. Of course, then they really want to convert you!

[LiberalinNC]

42. Nothing irks me more than someone trying to "push" their faith on me..

one way I get rid of someone at my front door pushing their faith is to say "I have my religion and you have yours, let's keep it that way!"..and I close the door. But since you have had a "nice" chat w/ these guys, I would just tell them, look I read over the papers you left, and find that it's not in my best interest to follow you in your faith. It was nice talking w/ you, I appreciated the time you spent w/ me, thanks, but no thanks!

[seito]

43. I read through the replies

It was refreshing to see so many people suggest a simple "no thanks". That is all that is needed. There is really no call to be rude. There is no call to offer threats and intimidation tactics.

For those that had more creative ideas, perhaps an internal review is in order. Tolerance is one of the values that we embrace, is it not?

I have been a Mormon all my life. I currently do not attend church,and I have missionaries call me, and knock on my door too. They are never pushy, and I hope that I am never rude.

You know, you can take charge of the discussion. If a conversion is in order, why not covert them to the Democratic party :).

[thinkingwoman]

59. an internal review is in order?

because people don't want to be disturbed in their own homes by someone trying to sell them something?

Oh pu-leeeeeeeeeezzzzeeee.

I've internally reviewed quite a bit and discovered that life is short. I don't go to the local LDS church or members' homes and bother them with literature about my belief. They have no right to invade my personal space.

If they want to stand on street corners and pass out literature or make new friends I have no problem with that. But my doorstep is private property.

I get precious little time at home as it is.

Being creative is not necessarily being rude, especially given how rude it is to knock on somebody's door and presume you are qualified to talk to them about God.

[seito]

64. Is tolerance one of the values that we profess to hold?

If it is not, then please disregard my statement.

If it is, then being polite to someone, even though they dare to step upon your private property and interrupt your personal time, might be warranted.

I do not like getting called by sales people, and I do not like uninvited visits, but I do not threaten, berate or belittle the messenger. A simple "no thank you" seems to do the trick most of the time.

[Djinn]

70. Maybe Australian Mormons are pushier

although half of them seem to be Americans, anyway over here a simple and polite no often doesn't suffice. I am atheist and they're just wasting their time but I, like you, would prefer to be polite. Unfortunately this often results in a mini sermon. The Jehovah's Witness' are more prominent here but both lots have their fair share of pushy "salesmen" after politely refusing a few times I think you're well within your rights to tell them to bugger off.

I have never knocked at Mormon's doors and asked them if they like to talk about atheism.

[ultraist]

102. Tolerance?

They are free to believe whatever they like but it is rude for them to come onto my private property, uninvited, and push their religion on me and my children.

Tolerance does not include putting up with intrusiveness.

[thinkingwoman]

116. We?

where in any of my posts on this thread did I advocate that anyone "threaten, berate or belittle the messenger"?

You completely mischaracterized my post. How tolerant is that?

My definition of tolerance, btw, centers on a live and let live philosophy about religion. I don't have the right to push my religious beliefs on others and they don't have a right to push theirs on me. Invading my personal space and property in an attempt to convert me is true intolerance.

As for your "we"...I have no idea what "you" profess to hold. What I do know is that you are the first person, in my nearly 40 years of life to accuse me of being intolerant, which, I think, says more about you than me.

P.S. As I stated in my first post on this thread...I am Jewish and my husband was raised Mormon. That, of course, makes all of my inlaws Mormon as well. Not a one of them ever accused me of being intolerant, but more than a few of them had to learn that tolerance means accepting that I am Jewish, wish to remain so, and would certainly NOT appreciate being baptized posthumously. My experience with Mormons is that they are the ones that need to do an, how did you put it? internal review?

[Momgonepostal]

65. Some of them are already democrats

You wouldn't have needed to convert me. :-)

ITA with the rest of the post.

[seito]

84. Me either

:)

Some people here have the stereotype set in their head that all Mormons are right wing wackos. That is as ludicrous as saying that all Texans support Bush.

My family has voted Democratic for generations.

[REP]

108. I've Yet to Met a Republican Mormon

I know they're out there, but some of the most progressive, liberal people I've met have been devout Mormons. True, they've all been outside of Utah.

I don't enjoy attempts to convert me, but Mormon missionaries are almost always polite and courteous. A simple "no thank you, I've changed my mind" would probably be enough, and they'll probably let you keep the book if you want.

[TyeDye75]

119. We did talk politics

and they were both democratic voters and both said they opposed the war and Bush.

[ultraist]

101. That's fine and dandy, but polite doesn't get them off your porch

Those people can be pushy and rude. I've had to shut the door on them because they insisted on talking AFTER I told them politely I am not interested. They don't always just take no for an answer.

I've told my kids NOT to open the door to them because they'll start talking to kids, without the parent's permission. That is highly inappropriate.

I think for a stranger to come to someone's house uninvited is rude. Perhaps some "internal review" is in order.

[LiviaOlivia]

107. Thank you seito. Use tolerance and history.

The majority of Mormon "missionaries" are nothing more than scared kids far from home. I know. I was raised Mormon and my brothers, cousins, nephews were sent on missions.

Just say nicely: No thank you. I could never believe Joseph Smith was anything other than an egomaniac and a sex addict. Good-bye.

Queue: close the door and go about your life. Do not get into any conversion with them.

Don't scream or shout. Just send them on their way politely.

Many of these kids return home fucked-up needing psych help. Have pity on them but do not engage in any conversations.

[Skidmore]

44. I politely tell them that my spouse and I have our own

belief system and we are happy with it and to please not return to our home. I don't want to waste their time.

[NV Whino]

46. If you want to be nice just say No.

Leave out the fuck.

[MsTryska]

47. You could always answer the door naked

and invite them in for tea.




I had a friend who did that when Jehovah's Witnesses came knocking.

[WI_DEM]

48. Just say No

[SW FL Dem]

49. I just tell them that I am familiar with the Mormon church and it's

teachings and that I am not comfortable with them. I say that I respect their choices in their beliefs and ask them to give me the same consideration. I use the same with the Jehovah's witnesses that show up occasionally. When they try to leave me their reading material, I tell them that I won't read it and that their leaving it with me a waste of one of God's valuable resources.

[Dude_CalmDown]

50. Robin Williams: "I like to answer the door naked"

"Hello, come on in and help me find my pants."

[idiosyncratic]

51. Read "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer

If the missionaries come to your door, make sure you are holding it so they can see the title.

[freeplessinseattle]

52. I grew up in SLC, so as a child I was constantly

having the BoM tossed at me, I just learned to say that "God told me he has his own plan for me" and smile mysteriously.

[Ilsa]

53. Ask them if they'd like to come in for a drink!

Offer to make them some martinis or cosmos, and if they accept, I bet you can convert them to atheism in no time!

My dad, a part time baptist minister, used to invite Mormon missionaries in and he'd try to convert them. It was pretty funny stuff.

[MADem]

69. Yeah, rum and red bull!!!

Put a porno tape on the VCR...then again, they may never leave!!!

I can understand not being rude to people, but I'll tell ya, I had a bunch of Jehovah's Witnesses who used to bother me on the ONLY DAY I HAD TO SLEEP. And damn, I needed that sleep. I started out politely, with no, not interested, do not bother me again...but they kept coming. I tried "I'M JEWISH!" and "GET LOST!" I got progressively pissed off as the weeks wore on, and they'd bring a LITTLE KID with them to ensure that I wouldn't beat the crap out of them, I guess--that was the only reason why I didn't use the "Martha, where's the goddamn shotgun?" bellow. Can't scare the shit out of a little kid because their parents are assholes.

I finally got them gone for good by opening the door, taking their picture, and telling them I had called 911 and the cops were enroute (I lied). They ran like hell. Never saw 'em again. Sleep, peace, bliss!

[BikeWriter]

54. Ask them why Blacks and Native Americans were unfit for Priests...

...until 1978?

[GarySeven]

55. "Come in. Let me tell you about my personal relationship with Buddha!"

[Dookus]

56. The mormons are easy

They're usually nice young kids. I just tell 'em I'm not interested, but wish them a good day.

Jehovahs Witnesses, though, get an earful from me.

[Swamp Rat]

57. I have shooed away many a religion peddler, improvising a new method

each time.

Be creative and have fun. :D

After all, they are stealing your time on Earth, so why not enjoy the moment. :)

Next time I'll say, "here, put this on your mountain bike or your backpack" and give them this bumpersticker before I shut the door:

[notadmblnd]

58. I sent some Mormons off crying once

Same thing happened to us. We were working around the yard one day and two young in white shirt and tie, riding bikes. they stopped and offered to help. We declined their offer but my husband being the Mr Sociable that he was carried on a conversation with them and accepted a copy of their book. They left and said the would stop back by sometime. Well sometime came less than two weeks later and in the meantime I had gone out to the Christian book store and got me some fundie material and studied up on them.

One thing I learned was that these boys are not allowed to watch television, listen to the radio or read any newspapers or books while they're doing their mission. So when they came back the next time, I had some fundie anti Mormon propaganda playing on the TV for them. They wanted to steer the conversation toward their book but I kept talking to them about their rituals in temple (that only members in certain standing can attend), the undergarments they are required to wear and the fact that their religion totally controls them by cutting them off from the rest of the world.

One of the boys was a convert and the other boy was raised Mormon. I could tell the convert had never heard of some of the things I had spoke about and seemed quite surprised. The other boy started crying and said that he thought he better leave. They've never been back to my house again.

[idiosyncratic]

63. Good for you. I once got a missionary to yell at me

I was sitting outside when they came over to me. I was familiar with all the information you learned. As I mentioned those things point by point, the primary missionary raised his voice so loud that my elderly neighbor came over to see if I was okay.

I think this missionary's partner might have been a convert and he didn't want him to learn the dark truths of Mormonism.

[Momgonepostal]

66. Probably the reason he didn't some of those things is ...

that not everything you presented them is correct. For one, your statement that the religion totally controls them by cutting them off from the world is totally false.

You wouldn't value information about the Democratic party or any major Dem candidates that came from a fundie book store or any anti-Dem source, would you?

[gollygee]

60. Look at it this way

You're wasting their time. You aren't going to be converted. The time they spend with you could be better spent elsewhere. You aren't doing them any favors by having them hang out with you when they are trying to convert people.

There, does that make you feel like you have permission to tell them to go away? LOL

[TyeDye75]

62. Thats what my mum said

you and her are both right...Ill tell them I dont want to waste their time.

[ElaineinIN]

61. We had them as regular dinner guests.

I was raised RC as well. The kids were always on their mission --18 or 20 or so, and always really polite. My mom always felt bad for them, as they really didn't have much money. So she would invite them in and feed them. She told them she wasn't going to be converted, but she would let them do their thing for 10 minutes so they didn't feel like they were getting a hand out. And then they'd visit for a while and leave. And come back next week.

We had a succession of them after one would finish his mission (always guys). Mom was a good cook.

I always admired my mom for that... it was a very Christian thing to do, regardless of denomination I always though.

[MissB]

67. Your mother sounds wonderful

What a nice thing to do.

[diplomats]

72. I would also ask them about polygamy-

There are still some sexual predators who practice it in remote parts of the west. And the taxpayers have to support the families of these satyrs because the husband can't afford all those kids and they have to go on welfare! Jerks. I would definitely send them to jail (and make them get a vasectomy first)!

[seito]

80. I grew up in the Mormon church,

subjects of polygamy, denying the priesthood to blacks etc. are all discussed openly in church. The church does not attempt to hide the dark points of history from the young people.

Polygamy is grounds for excommunication from the church today. Those that still practice it, would be doing it in secrecy. To watch an anti-mormon tape and accept it as the full truth is not any different from listening and accepting Faux news reports as truth.

If you want to discuss Mormon history, how about the discussing mass murder of Mormons in the state of Missouri, where the governor declared that it was legal to hunt and kill them. How about discussing the way they were driven from their homes after Joseph Smith was taken from prison and lynched? One poster in this thread actually admitted to telling missionaries that his GGGrandfather participated in that lynching. :wtf:

I really love DU, but I find the anti-Mormon sentiment very disturbing. I have been a Democrat my entire life. Just because a group of people tend to vote Republican should not make them "fair game" for attacks.

I say again, I thought that one of the founding progressive ideals is tolerance. Religious tolerance should fall under that umbrella. With very few exceptions, the Mormons that I have known have been genuinely good-hearted people.

[ultraist]

104. Don't Mormons think Gays are sinners who will burn in hell?

Why should we be tolerant of those sorts of beliefs? Wrong is wrong and I don't give a flying fuck if it's cloaked in Bible quotes or a Jim Jones manifesto.

If people choose to have hateful beliefs, they need not impose them on others or spread them. They should keep those things to themselves and not attempt to spread the hate by converting people.

[seito]

115. Mormons do not believe in the "burning in hell" doctrine

But they do believe that homosexuality is a sin. They also do not believe in abortion.

Listen to the tone of your post. My personal belief and the belief of most of the Mormons that I know is that both are personal issues. While I probably would not choose to have an abortion myself, I would not condemn anyone that made that choice. Do you condemn me, because of the church that I was raised in?

[murielm99]

114. I didn't know anything about Mormons until I visited

Nauvoo, Illinois. It is quite an interesting museum community.

I started reading and learning about the church after my visit. I found that there are a lot of Reorganized Latter Day Saints around Illinois.

I don't believe the way they do, but they have their place in American history and the development of the West.

The first time Mormon missionaries came to my door was about two years after my first husband died. I would never have let them in because I lived alone. My brother was visiting. He let them in. We all had a very interesting discussion about the differences between our take on Christianity and theirs. They were very polite and open. We declined their offer of the Book of Mormon.

Later, my brother moved to an apartment building where the apartment across the hall from his is rented permanently for Mormon missionaries. There is a new pair of young missionaries every two years. He calls some of them "morons," and he likes others.

Sometimes, when I visit my brother, I cook for both of us. A few times, I have invited the missionaries in, if they are at home. They know that we are just being sociable, and are not open to conversion. They are usually homesick, callow young men. I have no problem being nice to them, as long as they leave religion at the door.

[allalone]

68. I too had this happen

they were very nice young men and I did talk with them a few times, but I didn't want to waste any more of their time or mine. I came right out and told them I am not interested in converting and that I appreciate their interest and time. I thanked them. They told me if I chaged my mind to give them a call, left me their number and off they went. Wasn't a problem at all.

[MrSlayer]

71. You have to toughen up a little.

Or people will walk all over you. I find that exclaiming my love for Satan or simply laughing at them works best. My brother finds feigning anger and slamming the door on them to be effective as well.

Can I borrow a thousand dollars?

[TyeDye75]

121. $1000, kiss my ass

hmmmm...looks like Im learning..lol:) :)

BTW whats the conversion rate now...would that be £500...oh well the answer is still KMA...lol

[MrSlayer]

143. LOL! Very good.

That's the spirit. :hi:

[allalone]

73. why be mean?

Mormon missionaries are invariably clean, nice and polite. If you need something done around the house they will do it as part of their service requirement. I've never had any turn salty on me for turning them down. One of my pet peeves about our country today is the lack of manners and common courtesy. bush and his family have very poor manners. Do you really want to be like them?

[seito]

82. Thanks for your sentiment allalone

We really need to practice what we preach. Why be mean?

[proud2BlibKansan]

74. Tell them

you like your underwear and don't care to wear theirs.

[maxsolomon]

75. never had the mormons come

but the jehovah's witnesses, hoo boy!

i can't believe i had the wherewithal to tell them i was Druid (i'm not. it just popped into my head. i didn't even know what Druidism was in the 70's). it stopped them dead in their tracks.

i was 15 i think.

[IdaBriggs]

76. I *love* the Mormons. I think they call us "Permanent Explorers" --

or something like that, because I very much enjoy discussing religion, but won't ever convert. One of my hobbies is comparative religious / biblical studies, and there aren't a ton of people who are comfortable discussing this type of thing. The Mormon kids who are on their missions have made a decision to devote two years of their life to their faith; whether you believe the same as they do or not, I personally have a lot of respect for them, and the sacrifices they make -- and no, I'm not a Mormon.

We hooked up with them about thirteen years ago when they were in the same apartment building as my live-in boyfriend (now husband) and myself. They were always helpful and courteous, and I took shameless advantage of them -- when I needed heavy objects moved and my beloved wasn't available, or jars opened (I'm a wimp!), I would trot downstairs and ask them for the favor, which they always graciously did. In return, I fed them on a regular basis, and tried to be supportive. My husband-to-be also played the occasional board game with them -- Risk, Axis & Allies, that type of thing -- when they got the occasional break. I was always sad to see them get transferred....

We picked up the "new ones" when we bought our house about nine years ago, and started the same routine. Ice cream on the deck was the favorite food stuff for a couple of summers, as they couldn't come into the house if I was home alone, but they were always willing to join in on the philosophical discussions. (Yes, I've read the book of Mormon, as well as the Quran, and several different versions of the bible, etc.) We have always been clear that we aren't willing to convert, but our door and table is always open to them. I haven't seem then in the last year or so, and frankly, I kind of miss them. Ah, the good old days....Sigh....

I guess my point is that there is nothing wrong with making new friends, if you have an interest in the subject. I talk the same way with the Jehovah's witnesses when they come to the door (although some of them have a tendency to run screaming when I ask which version of the creation myth they choose to believe -- Genesis Chapter 1 where He creates the world in seven days, or Genesis Chapter 2 where He does it all over again in two days in reverse order?), because I enjoy the intellectual stimulation.

In other words, I get something out of the experience, and I hope I give something back, even if all it ends up being is a nice dinner. :)

[Stirk]

77. Just tell them "no". It really isn't hard.

"I'm not interested. Thank you anyway, and good luck".

Ta-da. Spare yourself the subterfuge. Believe me- it doesn't work with people who are spreading the gospel. They're like vacuum cleaner salesmen. They'll keep coming back until you expressly tell them no.

[theorist]

78. Last time this happened to me...

They had woken me up. I went to the door, saw who they were, and said, "No thanks. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't come back." I then proceeded to close the door. With telemarketers, I just hang up.

[LiberallyInclined]

79. laugh in their faces...

and ask them if they really believe the stuff about the guy and the hat, and the book of moroni....(actually "Moroni" is what you call more than one mormon)

[seito]

81. That's cute

:eyes:

[LiberallyInclined]

88. THANKS!

:hi:

[barb162]

85. call them and tell them that they have to listen to you talk about

Catholicism (or whichever religion ) first as you feel it is a superior religion.

[s1rkull]

86. Why not...

...tell them that you've given this a lot of thought, have already made up your mind (you don't have to tell them what conclusion you've reached) and that their further assistance will not be necessary?

[thecorster]

87. Just politely decline

when they come back, say, "listen fellas, sorry I asked you to come back, I felt kind of obligated. It was interesting to hear your philosophy, but it's just not for me." No doubt they'll try to press the issue, but just say "no thanks" until they leave.

That, or answer the door wearing assless chaps and a strap-on.

[pacifictiger]

89. tell them

you're Catholic

[WMliberal]

90. haha. I know whatcha mean. Mormons tend to be some of the nicest

people you'll ever meet. Tell them you're not interested in the religion, but in them as people.

[mod mom]

91. My husband starts reading from the "book of" Darwin. it works. nt

[Lautremont]

95. Say "Mormon" backwards.

It usually works for me!

[zann725]

96. Just leave a polite note on the door... And don't open it!

Just say you appreciate their info, but upon reflection it really is NOT for you, and that WON'T change. In the note you can be firmer than in person. (Sounds like you're a softy.)

Tell them that unfortunately you had to go out. Apologize for not being able to cancel their visit, since you didn't know how to reach them.

Unless you're seriously looking for a new religion...the more of an 'opening' you give them, the more you'll be sucked in.

[buddysmellgood]

98. Answer the door naked.

[Must_B_Free]

103. They're generally very nice folks.

They have to do that to get close to the planet Kolob in the afterlife.

[Lisabtrucking]

106. Shoo, Shoo, you fucking rodent.

[Ladyhawk]

109. I was besieged by JWs at my old apartment.

I put a "No Bible Thumpers" sign on my door and it kept them away.



You can get this at Evolve Fish.

[thecrow]

110. I always say, "Excuse me, you have interrupted ...

...my prayer time with God".
And that seems to stop them dead in their tracks.
In my neighborhood you can always tell the "missionaries" because they drive around in packs of two on their bicycles, dressed in white shirts and black slacks, ties and bike helmets.
They accosted me one day when I was out on my walk.
It was unbelievable!!
But saying this made them back off with "Oh! We're sorry.. carry on!"

hehehe

[DemBones DemBones]

111. Just thank them for their efforts and tell them firmly that

you are not interested in adopting their religion.

But tell them outside, don't let them in the house again because you're too nice not to talk with them when they start trying to tell you why you need God in your life.

Don't feel bad about this. I'd look at it as having helped some young people. I would imagine they were pleased to have you listen to them and agree for them to return -- and I'm sure lots of people just aren't home when missionaries come for a second visit!

For future reference, there is no law that I know of that says you have to answer the door just because someone knocks on it or rings the doorbell. (Of course, I was probably 40 before I figured this out. More recently, I've figured out that there's no law that says I have to answer my phone, either -- much less break my neck running to do so!)

[Behind the Aegis]

112. Here's one idea

Have Latter Days playing, invite them in and explain it is a movie about Mormons (it is, just the gay kind). :evilgrin:

Seriously, a simple "no" usually works. It is nice and polite.

Worse comes to worse, ask them if they are comfortable explaining it to ALL of your personalities. another :evilgrin:

[LeftyMom]

113. LM: "I'm glad that works for you. I'm comfortable with my religion, too."

Adorable clean cut Mormon boy on my porch: "What religion is that?"
LM: "I'm Wiccan."
Adorable clean cut Mormon boy: Uhhh... (vanishes in puff of smoke)

A friend of mine and her adult daughter find that arguing amongst themselves over who gets which missionary, how to get thier garments off fastest and whether missionaries can do it in other positions also causes the adorable missionaries to disappear, although I suspect those two are more dissapointed than relieved. ;)

[rniel]

117. Get a bunch of friends over for a satanic ritual

on your living room floor where you act like your going to sacrifice a goat. Ask them if they want to drink some blood.

[TyeDye75]

122. Thanks for the replies guys and gals

I called them this morning and just said...I had read the materials and understood them, but it wasn't for me so could they cancel the second visit because I wouldn't want to make them come all the way to my house just to hear this same message face to face.

The lady at the other end said that was fine and that I should hold on to the book and maybe have another look some time.

It was easier than I thought...thanks again DU.

[No Exit]

124. Please---NEVER invite in anyone who comes to your door

whom you don't know. That goes for salespeople, AND religious proseletizers! It's NOT safe, anywhere!

Let someone else answer the door when they return. Or leave them a note telling them you've changed your mind, and you don't want to meet with them again.

If they persist, it may be time to call the law.

[MadHound]

127. Make sure you prominently display this book on your coffee table

<>

Drives them nuts, and drives them away every time.

[BiggJawn]

128. Just Say No.

Practice it in front of the mirror if you have to.
You're under no obligation to continue down this path.

Be firm, be strong. Don't worry about being seen as "not nice".

[shanti]

131. no thanks

and shutting the door has always worked for me...same for JW's.

[theboss]

133. Mormons are typically extremely nice

When they come say that you read the book and are not interested in joinging their faith. Then wish them the best of luck on their mission.

I doubt they will push too hard.

[TWiley]

137. That is my experience also.

They usually are pretty nice folks.

I use the same approach with the Jehovah Witness's. The most important thing is to NOT offer any explanations. If you do, then you are actually initiating a conversation, and they will have something to argue with.

I simply tell them that I am not interested in joining their faith.

Next, they normally want to drop off some literature. I usually politely tell them "I will not read it, why not save it for someone who will?".

[theboss]

139. Jehovah Witnesses have been a lot more aggressive with me

They don't go away as easily. I would recommend being polite with them but you may need to be a little more aggressive to get them to leave you alone. They also typically live near where they go door-to-door and can harass you for a lot longer. The Mormons are usually young guys or gals in for a few months.

[LilBitRad]

138. They're trying to sell you something.

Threat them exactly like you would any other salesperson.

If you're most comfortable with a simple "No thanks" do that. If you're more creative in rejecting unwanted advances that's OK too.

Me, I'm a rude type when some is "selling" their religion, much more personable for other things.

Since you allowed them to talk you into coming back on Wednesday, my advice is to tell them at the door that you had thought about it ( obviously you have, else you wouldn't have posted this), and don't care to discuss it further. Don't let them in; it would be a waste of time.

Good luck.

[Willy Lee]

140. We call our dogs "Satan" and "Lucifer" when the mormons knock.

No, those aren't their actual names... 2 huge mastiffs (total marshmallows if you know them) who bark insanely anytime they hear a knock on the door. We loudly call them off (using the aforementioned names) and kindly tell the mormons we're not interested.

I want to clarify that I am totally fine with religous folks- to each their own, I say- but I have NO TOLERANCE for those who feel it is their divine duty to intrude on my private life to convert me, thus saving me from eternal damnation. Just keep it to yourselves and we'll all get along just fine!

[TyeDye75]

141. I always thought Lucifer was a cool sounding name

shame about the satanic context

[JunkYardDogg]

142. I Have a "No Jehovah's Witnesses" sign in our Front Window

They avoid us like the Plague
The Witness Indoctrination Center (aka Church) is less than a mile away. Our 'hood is their Boot Camp.
The sign is really popular on Halloween, the kids love it.
We don't get Mormies- my wife's grown kids are Mormies and they know not to talk Mormie around me and the rest of'em locally know also-their indoctrination center is 1/2 a mile away
They don't drink wine, asked 'em once didn't Jeesus drink wine at the last supper- they are told it was f'n grape juice-
Ask 'em how some shmuck in the 1800's in the Utah Desert knew what the f Jeesus drank in year 0? And why is wine referred to repeatedly in the Bible?
Answer the Door, with a Pentgram drawn on your palm and forehead, greet them with "Hail Satan" and ask them to come in , you want to talk about Charles Manson

[Donailin]

144. "Angel who?? Maroni??? HAHAHAHA!!!"

and then tell the family, "Kids! Come down here, you gotta hear this!!!"