Has anybody here converted after having a Mormon come to their door?

[Kanalua]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

What alternative is there to evidence?

Man, this question made me seriously laugh. I guess I'm a jaded. In my profession its who can tell the best story that matter, regardless of the evidence.

Anyway, I told you my reason why I stayed a member of the LDS church.

Otherwise this getting really off-topic.

 

[Kanalua]

Originally posted by: Leros

I've known a few Mormon guys and they've always been very nice people. I've never had a problem with the missionaries either. They've been very nice, although I do find the concept of being harassed at home a bit intrusive. No reason to be rude, you just doing what you guys think is right. And as long as thats not hurting anyone, no big deal.

I'm glad for that. These Mormon missionary thread always bring out the worst e-penis stuff in people...

Yeah, when you're out there as a representative of your Religion and in effect your God, you try to generally act nice. People are gonna base their perception on your religion on how you act and treat them. this is the same thing in the business world. It's the Jim Halpert's that help a company and the Dwight Shrute's that can make a company fail...

 

[Born2bwire]

Originally posted by: Leros

Originally posted by: Kanalua
one more thing before I go to bed (gotta do deposition in Maui tomorrow! One bad thing about being an attorney in paradise, Business trips to Maui and just business trips, arrive in the morning and go home in the evening, like any commuter).

Whenever these Mormon missionaries threads arise, there are always posters with big e-penises that talk about how they "to violence" or smack the mormons when they come to the door, or some other hide behind their computer in their mom's basement macho talk.

Hardly anyone ever threatens or show violence towards these guys. I was a LDS missionary in Ireland, and if anywhere there would be violence, it would be in Northern Ireland in the hardcore Ulster Unionist Protestant or Nationalist Catholic areas. No one did anything violent. Most people were very nice and we returned the kindness, not wanting to waste too much of people's time who are not interested.

So stop with your stories of the pranks you pulled on the LDS kids who knocked on your mom's door. We all know you wouldn't get out of your chairs to answer the door, because that's what mom is for.

I've known a few Mormon guys and they've always been very nice people. I've never had a problem with the missionaries either. They've been very nice, although I do find the concept of being harassed at home a bit intrusive. No reason to be rude, you just doing what you guys think is right. And as long as thats not hurting anyone, no big deal.

I agree. The Mormons I've met and worked with are pretty stand-up people.

 

[Toonces]

The small town in northern Japan that I worked in had two Mormon missionaries stationed there (on 6 month rotations). A town of 50,000 with another 8 foreigners or so; they really stood out. Good guys, but their 'mission' work was proselytizing to the locals; there was no charity going on there, just recruiting.

I was surprised at the amount of LDS/JW in Japan; I've probably had them knock 10 times in the past year or so - and unlike other solicitors 90% of them spoke English 😀

 

[zerocool84]

When I moved in highschool, my neighbors were Mormon and I was Catholic at the time. I got drunk with friends and came home and they had set up a meeting with a missionary with me so I was drunk when he was giving me the talks. He said God would forgive me.

Almost every Mormon person I've met have been really good/nice people. I may not believe what they believe but they were all awesome people and I always went to breakfasts with them and other things and they didn't care. They were all good people.

 

[Mo0o]

I think it's more about the effort than the results.

Mormons are generally pretty nice but I know are few that are uberconservative/political to the point where they're really abrasive

 

[meltdown75]

i usually listen to these folks on the street for a minute or two. none have ever come to my door though.

Jesus loves me? Thanks!

that's about the extent of our convo. no need to get all uppity and militant.

 

[Homerboy]

.

 

[Linflas]

I'm not sure that the idea is all about converting people as much as it is introducing people to Mormonism and answering questions. Obviously the ideal end result of this would be to gain converts but there are other benefits to them other than conversion. I have always found them to be polite and accommodating when they have come to my door and don't have any problem telling them I am aware of Mormonism and the basic tenets and they generally thank me for my time and move on.

 

[Punter]

I ask the mission people where one would go in Salt Lake City to see the 'golden tablets' that started this whole Mormon religion. From the answers I have received, apparently the things do not exist. The whole thing is based on the credibility of Joseph Smith and nothing else.

 

[Red Dawn]

If I can determine it's one of those Missionaries I just don't answer the door but if I do answer when they come knocking I just say I'm not interested and shut the door.

 

[child of wonder]

The mandatory missionary work for Mormon kids (the 18-21 year olds knocking on your door) isn't for your benefit but for theirs.

If they can go out on their own defending their faith at every turn against strangers and return from the experience still a strong Mormon. Then the church knows they got em for life.

And if a few people convert in the process -- bonus. More income for the church.

 

[Proprioceptive]

Originally posted by: child of wonder
The mandatory missionary work for Mormon kids (the 18-21 year olds knocking on your door) isn't for your benefit but for theirs.

If they can go out on their own defending their faith at every turn against strangers and return from the experience still a strong Mormon. Then the church knows they got em for life.

And if a few people convert in the process -- bonus. More income for the church.

Missionary work is not mandatory. A lot of the beliefs of our church are misunderstood and often misrepresented. I am a Mormon myself and I did not serve a mission. I also find the e-penis comments in here amusing. If one is so "against" the teachings and philosophy, then teaching them is moot.

 

[Proprioceptive]

Originally posted by: Linflas
I'm not sure that the idea is all about converting people as much as it is introducing people to Mormonism and answering questions. Obviously the ideal end result of this would be to gain converts but there are other benefits to them other than conversion. I have always found them to be polite and accommodating when they have come to my door and don't have any problem telling them I am aware of Mormonism and the basic tenets and they generally thank me for my time and move on.

This is true. Converting is not a missionary's responsibility. Unfortunately, some missionaries approach the teaching process as such. The conversion comes by the Holy Ghost and the individual themselves. Missionaries are simply teachers.

 

[Proprioceptive]

Oh, and to add to the OP's original intentions, yes, I in a way converted. I was born in the church and left when I was 19. I was dating an atheist at the time and over the course of 5 years realized that I didn't agree with her beliefs and that our relationship could be in serious jeopardy if we were to get married and have children under such a premise. After talks, we decided that we were both headed in different directions and that we needed to end our relationship. Shortly after, the missionaries knocked on my door (couple months later), and a few months after that, I started going back to church. I am now married (sealed) and have 1 child and another on the way. My life still has it's ups and downs, but I'm on the right path.

 

[child of wonder]

Originally posted by: Proprioceptive

Originally posted by: child of wonder
The mandatory missionary work for Mormon kids (the 18-21 year olds knocking on your door) isn't for your benefit but for theirs.

If they can go out on their own defending their faith at every turn against strangers and return from the experience still a strong Mormon. Then the church knows they got em for life.

And if a few people convert in the process -- bonus. More income for the church.

Missionary work is not mandatory. A lot of the beliefs of our church are misunderstood and often misrepresented. I am a Mormon myself and I did not serve a mission. I also find the e-penis comments in here amusing. If one is so "against" the teachings and philosophy, then teaching them is moot.

My wife's family is Mormon and I work for the local Bishop. I know quite a bit.

"Mandatory" is a bit too strong of a word, but all members are very strongly encouraged to go on a mission after high school. It is a "calling from the Heavenly Father." To me, that's not mandatory but to the indoctrinated, it's as close as you can come.

 

[Blayze]

I've only had a Mormon stop by once, but about once a year a group of Jehovah's Witnesses stop by. I just tell them I'm not interested. No big deal...

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: Blayze
I've only had a Mormon stop by once, but about once a year a group of Jehovah's Witnesses stop by. I just tell them I'm not interested. No big deal...

Yep, same here. I just tell them I'm not interested and they leave. Are these the same groups of people who I've found on campus before handing out those miniature bibles? I think I dislike those people more because they waste paper; I've found countless bibles all over the campus the following day. 🙁

[South Park]Dumb, dumb, dumb![/South Park]

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I just let my dog bark at those fuckers. Seriously, go the hell away...idiots.

Yes, because the 1 minute it takes to say you aren't interested and shut the door is a life or death issue. Seriously, people act like anybody even trying to talk to them is as bad as killing puppies. Do you chase girl scouts off your property for trying to sell you overpriced sugary cookies? At least the Mormons won't make you fat.

It's not that big a deal to have somebody knock on your door. People seem to think it's right up there with stealing their car.

If I'm not expecting anyone, I don't answer the door. If I see the bible thumpers coming down my street I'll go inside and shut the garage door and not answer the door.

Why should I give them the opportunity to speak to me? They can listen to my dog bark at them but that's all I'm going to give them.

 

[Alienwho]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I just let my dog bark at those fuckers. Seriously, go the hell away...idiots.

Yes, because the 1 minute it takes to say you aren't interested and shut the door is a life or death issue. Seriously, people act like anybody even trying to talk to them is as bad as killing puppies. Do you chase girl scouts off your property for trying to sell you overpriced sugary cookies? At least the Mormons won't make you fat.

It's not that big a deal to have somebody knock on your door. People seem to think it's right up there with stealing their car.

If I'm not expecting anyone, I don't answer the door. If I see the bible thumpers coming down my street I'll go inside and shut the garage door and not answer the door.

Why should I give them the opportunity to speak to me? They can listen to my dog bark at them but that's all I'm going to give them.

What are you so scared of? You are an embarrassment to the human race.

If you are out front watering the yard on a hot day and a couple of [JW's, mormons, crack-heads selling magazines, girl scouts] pass by, you're going to allow them to rule over your life by running inside and locking up? Why can't YOU say hi and offer a glass of ice cold water and send them on their way? Your sig says peace and love but obviously that isn't really what you believe.

Those boys are leaving everything they know for 2 years to serve people. Sure you may occasionally encounter one who seems pushy and obnoxious, but that's just because he might be having a bad day or is still trying trying to figure out why he is trying serve A-holes like you who treat him like dirt.

They don't have any selfish motives. They are not trying to reserve a spot in heaven. They are simply trying to pattern their lives after Jesus Christ, who they believe is the ultimate example of living an unselfish life.

Maybe instead of running away next time like a frightened schoolgirl, you could try to put a smile on their face, because that's all they're trying to do for you.

 

[ghostman]

Well, I've had a few people stop me in the streets, come up to me on subways and knock at my door. Many times, they rarely touch on religion and more or less just chat. I'm never rude and I chat if I've got nothing better to do, but when it does turn toward religion, I tell them that it won't work with me.

Several years back, an attractive women knocked on my door. I wasn't home at the time, but my sister answered and mentioned it to me when I got home. I can see that being more effective.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Alienwho

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I just let my dog bark at those fuckers. Seriously, go the hell away...idiots.

Yes, because the 1 minute it takes to say you aren't interested and shut the door is a life or death issue. Seriously, people act like anybody even trying to talk to them is as bad as killing puppies. Do you chase girl scouts off your property for trying to sell you overpriced sugary cookies? At least the Mormons won't make you fat.

It's not that big a deal to have somebody knock on your door. People seem to think it's right up there with stealing their car.

If I'm not expecting anyone, I don't answer the door. If I see the bible thumpers coming down my street I'll go inside and shut the garage door and not answer the door.

Why should I give them the opportunity to speak to me? They can listen to my dog bark at them but that's all I'm going to give them.

What are you so scared of? You are an embarrassment to the human race.

If you are out front watering the yard on a hot day and a couple of [JW's, mormons, crack-heads selling magazines, girl scouts] pass by, you're going to allow them to rule over your life by running inside and locking up? Why can't YOU say hi and offer a glass of ice cold water and send them on their way? Your sig says peace and love but obviously that isn't really what you believe.

Those boys are leaving everything they know for 2 years to serve people. Sure you may occasionally encounter one who seems pushy and obnoxious, but that's just because he might be having a bad day or is still trying trying to figure out why he is trying serve A-holes like you who treat him like dirt.

They don't have any selfish motives. They are not trying to reserve a spot in heaven. They are simply trying to pattern their lives after Jesus Christ, who they believe is the ultimate example of living an unselfish life.

Maybe instead of running away next time like a frightened schoolgirl, you could try to put a smile on their face, because that's all they're trying to do for you.

Nice assumptions. :roll:

If I was doing something outside I wouldn't stop what I'm doing but sometimes I open the garage and keep it open for hours at a time just to let a nice breeze blow through the house. Closing it doesn't mean I'm running inside and hiding you moron.

I just don't want to deal with them. I've dealt with them before and it's a complete waste of my time. I don't believe in god so I don't really care to discuss it with complete strangers while holding my dog back. Same with people selling crap I don't want.

Let my dog bark at them until they go away.

BTW-The peace and love thing is something callers to the Howard Stern radio show say...I just thought it was funny and wondered if anyone here would "get it." Apparently not.

 

[TuxDave]

My one time visit by a Jehovah Witness went along the lines of:

Them: "So who are you voting for the election?"
Me: "Um, I haven't decided yet."
Them: "We're voting for Jesus! <blah blah blah blah> Want a free book?"
Me: "Um, ok."
Them: "Ok, read it over and we'll drop by next week to hear your thoughts"
Me: "Oh, in that case, /hands the book back, no thanks bye"

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: JDawg1536
Thank you.

If you don't have a similar background, basic training in logic and critical thought will suffice.

Not necessarily talking to you JDawg, but certain other posters like GodlessAstronomer are a shame to reasonable atheists everywhere.

Why? Because logically you cannot prove or disprove the existence of a God or gods. Calling a belief in God a "fantasy" and labeling religious people as "delusional" or "stupid" is essentially making a faith statement that there is no such thing as a God or gods (besides being an asshole).

Atheist because you see no evidence for a God or gods? Fine by me. Assaulting other human beings' beliefs by claiming God/gods can't exist without an accurate logical basis? Not cool. "Organized religion" blah blah blah. If that's what they are into, why not let them? If it gives them comfort in life and a support network, what's wrong with that?

Back to the topic... having Mormons/JWs come to the door is creepy. Just politely decline to talk to them and let them pursue their "salvation" elsewhere.

 

[Alienwho]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Alienwho

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I just let my dog bark at those fuckers. Seriously, go the hell away...idiots.

Yes, because the 1 minute it takes to say you aren't interested and shut the door is a life or death issue. Seriously, people act like anybody even trying to talk to them is as bad as killing puppies. Do you chase girl scouts off your property for trying to sell you overpriced sugary cookies? At least the Mormons won't make you fat.

It's not that big a deal to have somebody knock on your door. People seem to think it's right up there with stealing their car.

If I'm not expecting anyone, I don't answer the door. If I see the bible thumpers coming down my street I'll go inside and shut the garage door and not answer the door.

Why should I give them the opportunity to speak to me? They can listen to my dog bark at them but that's all I'm going to give them.

What are you so scared of? You are an embarrassment to the human race.

If you are out front watering the yard on a hot day and a couple of [JW's, mormons, crack-heads selling magazines, girl scouts] pass by, you're going to allow them to rule over your life by running inside and locking up? Why can't YOU say hi and offer a glass of ice cold water and send them on their way? Your sig says peace and love but obviously that isn't really what you believe.

Those boys are leaving everything they know for 2 years to serve people. Sure you may occasionally encounter one who seems pushy and obnoxious, but that's just because he might be having a bad day or is still trying trying to figure out why he is trying serve A-holes like you who treat him like dirt.

They don't have any selfish motives. They are not trying to reserve a spot in heaven. They are simply trying to pattern their lives after Jesus Christ, who they believe is the ultimate example of living an unselfish life.

Maybe instead of running away next time like a frightened schoolgirl, you could try to put a smile on their face, because that's all they're trying to do for you.

Nice assumptions. :roll:

If I was doing something outside I wouldn't stop what I'm doing but sometimes I open the garage and keep it open for hours at a time just to let a nice breeze blow through the house. Closing it doesn't mean I'm running inside and hiding you moron.

I just don't want to deal with them. I've dealt with them before and it's a complete waste of my time. I don't believe in god so I don't really care to discuss it with complete strangers while holding my dog back. Same with people selling crap I don't want.

Let my dog bark at them until they go away.

BTW-The peace and love thing is something callers to the Howard Stern radio show say...I just thought it was funny and wondered if anyone here would "get it." Apparently not.

WTF does your garage airing out have to do with anything? Closing it doesn't mean your hiding? Then why close it? Why would you even mention that fact? How could anybody read your original post and assume anything other than you are closing it to hide?

Get control of your dog much? Who's the alpha in your house?

It takes a very insecure person to avoid such a harmless situation. The fact that you are so ashamed of yourself and insecure in your beliefs that you can't say "Hi. No, i'm not interested, just thought I'd say hello." to someone who believes in God speaks volumes about you. Do you also cross the street if a black person is walking towards you?