Religious Conversation

[prisonchaplain]

What do you do when they come to your door? Do you hide, closing the curtains and pretending nobody's home? Do you go on the offensive, opening your door inappropriately dressed, or with a growling pet? Do you engage in theological warfare, opening your door and giving a "Top 10 Reasons why you and your religion are wrong!" Or, perhaps, you invite them in, listen to their speech, thank them, and send them off with cookies and milk? What do you do?

You may say, "It depends. If they're Mormon missionaries I'd do X, but if they are Jehovah's Witnesses I'd do Y. And, if they're the fundamental Baptists down the road, all bets are off!"

How do you handle these unscheduled encounters? And, as a followup, is ldstalk so much easier because we invite ourselves over, have time to look over the posts, and we can really think through our responses--even researching when necessary?

Just by way of information--I'm approaching a year here, and I have never sat down and spoken with Mormons about religion before. :-)

[Princess3dward]

Hi..

We had Jahovas whitnesses coming to our door once.

We let her talk.

Dad listened a lot... but in the end, told her that he felt comfortable in his religion.

[Dr T]

I love talking to people from different religious backgrounds. Whenever I can, I invite people in, or stop in the airport and talk to them. It is fascinating to me. Religion is (or has the potential to be) a huge part of who we are as people.

Dr. T

[Outshined]

In my neighborhood we never get JWs; it's always the Baptists. I always say thanks, but I have a church already and I'm happy with it.

[shanstress70]

Usually it's just me and the young one home when the Mormon missionaries come because I get off a few hours earlier than most. It's kind of funny because they aren't supposed to come in to a house without a man present. (Before someone jumps on me, this is what I'm told, but I'm not 100% sure.) I just tell them my husband isn't home and they politely leave. It's kind of a touchy situation though because I have officially resigned but my husband has not. So legally they can't visit me, but they can my husband.

If my husband's home, most of the time we just don't answer the door because we cherish our down-time together since there's so little of it. I leave that up to him. But if we are outside when they walk up, or answer the door for whatever reason, they come in and hang out. We try to steer the conversation away from religion and just talk to them about whatever they are interested in... try to create a little time off for them.

They always ask me why I left, but I don't get into that with them.

We've never had a visit by any other church.

[Brother Dorsey]

Usually it's just me and the young one home when the Mormon missionaries come because I get off a few hours earlier than most. It's kind of funny because they aren't supposed to come in to a house without a man present. (Before someone jumps on me, this is what I'm told, but I'm not 100% sure.)

This is true...there are several instances where Missionaries are not allowed to enter a house...when there is only one woman present (non member) (2 Adult non member women is okay), When no adult is at home, and never ever without their companion.

As far as answering the door....I always answer the door....who knows they could be telling you someone was breaking into your car or something...but if it's someone of a different faith than mine I don't waste their time...I just tell them I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and their message would mean nothing to me....thanks for stoipping by!

[Guest MrsS]

Usually it's just me and the young one home when the Mormon missionaries come because I get off a few hours earlier than most. It's kind of funny because they aren't supposed to come in to a house without a man present. (Before someone jumps on me, this is what I'm told, but I'm not 100% sure.) You have been told correctly. For their safety and for the safety of the unescorted woman it is this way. It is also because there are women out there who dearly love to compromise the morals of these young men. I just tell them my husband isn't home and they politely leave. It's kind of a touchy situation though because I have officially resigned but my husband has not. So legally they can't visit me, but they can my husband.

If my husband's home, most of the time we just don't answer the door because we cherish our down-time together since there's so little of it. I leave that up to him. But if we are outside when they walk up, or answer the door for whatever reason, they come in and hang out. We try to steer the conversation away from religion and just talk to them about whatever they are interested in... try to create a little time off for them. If you don't want to talk religion, and wish they would not stop by ever again, then tell them that. They can then use that time to visit with those who are interested in the LDS Church. These missionaries live, breath, eat, sleep, think, see, talk, walk, etc. with the Holy Ghost 24/7AND the COJCOLDS. They are not allowed to watch tv, cruise the internet, listen to the raidio or to music (only music that is approved by their Mission President), read newspapers, magazines (other than the ones published by the COJCOLDS), books(except those that are approved by their Mission President), they do not participate in any of the Church dances, though they do participate in most all of the other functions. That is their job description as missionaries. They knew that when they signed up and asked to become missionaries. For 2 years of their lives, this is how they live.

They always ask me why I left, but I don't get into that with them.

We've never had a visit by any other church.

Brother Dorsey - the last time I had the missionaries over for dinner, Two years ago - I was a single sister - aged 52 - and the NEW rule was that there had to be at least 3 single sisters before the Elder Missionaries could come to dinner. I solved the problem by inviting a married couple from my ward and one investigator. That made it 6 for dinner, and there was another Priesthood holder in the house. Also at that time, the rule was that no individual Priesthood holder could be in a sisters home if she was alone.Nor could she be in his home or car! Didn't matter if she was married, widowed, never married, divorced. There could be two priesthood holders, such as Home Teachers. My Home Teacher could not take me to the grocery store, Dr.'s office, or to the Temple unless there was another woman or Priesthood holder in the car.

We abided by that rule with charity and good grace. It seemed a safe and sensible rule to me then and now.

[lisajo]

Living in a small Town most of the JW's leave us LDS folk alone, But the first baptist love to try to get to u, at one point they got into groups and went around to LDS members houses and prayed in front of our homes that we may see the light then they prayed our church would be taken from the earth and that our ward house would be gone, .............Yes this really did happen, a freind of mine who belongs to that church proudly told me all about it, she asked me what would happen to me when my family was the only LDS left in town......I told her Unlike her church here in town mine was orginized, and even if there was only a few members we still had our church we still had our religion, no matter what happend, Needless to say she is nolonger my friend

[shanstress70]

If you don't want to talk religion, and wish they would not stop by ever again, then tell them that. They can then use that time to visit with those who are interested in the LDS Church. These missionaries live, breath, eat, sleep, think, see, talk, walk, etc. with the Holy Ghost 24/7AND the COJCOLDS. They are not allowed to watch tv, cruise the internet, listen to the raidio or to music (only music that is approved by their Mission President), read newspapers, magazines (other than the ones published by the COJCOLDS), books(except those that are approved by their Mission President), they do not participate in any of the Church dances, though they do participate in most all of the other functions. That is their job description as missionaries. They knew that when they signed up and asked to become missionaries. For 2 years of their lives, this is how they live.

But I don't mind them stopping by if we aren't busy with something. We just don't talk about church. I understand all these rules, as my husband is a RM. And they know before they come over that I'm no longer a member, and probably that my husband is a non-believer. As far as TV, we never have the TV on when ANYONE is visiting. If there is music on in the house, they can make the decision to leave. If they are old enough to be somewhat independent for 2 years, surely they can make that decision. I couldn't imagine one asking to get on the computer or to see a newspaper, but if they asked I'd probably let them. It's not my responsibility to be their keeper, especially as non-member, although I would never introduce them to anything evil, or offer them a beer! They usually just chat with us about things we're into that they're interested in, like biking, canoeing, etc.

Living in a small Town most of the JW's leave us LDS folk alone, But the first baptist love to try to get to u, at one point they got into groups and went around to LDS members houses and prayed in front of our homes that we may see the light then they prayed our church would be taken from the earth and that our ward house would be gone, .............Yes this really did happen, a freind of mine who belongs to that church proudly told me all about it, she asked me what would happen to me when my family was the only LDS left in town......I told her Unlike her church here in town mine was orginized, and even if there was only a few members we still had our church we still had our religion, no matter what happend, Needless to say she is nolonger my friend

Very Christian of your 'friend'!

[Ray]

What do you do when they come to your door? Do you hide, closing the curtains and pretending nobody's home? Do you go on the offensive, opening your door inappropriately dressed, or with a growling pet? Do you engage in theological warfare, opening your door and giving a "Top 10 Reasons why you and your religion are wrong!" Or, perhaps, you invite them in, listen to their speech, thank them, and send them off with cookies and milk? What do you do?

You may say, "It depends. If they're Mormon missionaries I'd do X, but if they are Jehovah's Witnesses I'd do Y. And, if they're the fundamental Baptists down the road, all bets are off!"

How do you handle these unscheduled encounters? And, as a followup, is ldstalk so much easier because we invite ourselves over, have time to look over the posts, and we can really think through our responses--even researching when necessary?

Just by way of information--I'm approaching a year here, and I have never sat down and spoken with Mormons about religion before. :-)

Heh, why do you want to know what I do???

Can I influence you to change what you do???

Really truly??? Is that true???

Or will you go and do what you think or really know that God wants you to go and do???

You don't have to share your answers to what I am asking you.

You can always do what you want to do. :)

[Traveler]

What do you do when they come to your door? Do you hide, closing the curtains and pretending nobody's home? Do you go on the offensive, opening your door inappropriately dressed, or with a growling pet? Do you engage in theological warfare, opening your door and giving a "Top 10 Reasons why you and your religion are wrong!" Or, perhaps, you invite them in, listen to their speech, thank them, and send them off with cookies and milk? What do you do?

You may say, "It depends. If they're Mormon missionaries I'd do X, but if they are Jehovah's Witnesses I'd do Y. And, if they're the fundamental Baptists down the road, all bets are off!"

How do you handle these unscheduled encounters? And, as a followup, is ldstalk so much easier because we invite ourselves over, have time to look over the posts, and we can really think through our responses--even researching when necessary?

Just by way of information--I'm approaching a year here, and I have never sat down and spoken with Mormons about religion before. :-)

I do try to listen to the spirit. The same with many posts. If I am not touched by the spirit to do anything - usually I don't. Sometimes I take things on myself thinking my vast intelligence can make a difference and regret it later.

The Traveler

[Ray]

Sometimes I take things on myself thinking my vast intelligence can make a difference and regret it later.

Heh, I think I know what you mean. :)

It helps me to remember one simple thought:

No man can convert (transform or translate) any man to God...

... not even himself...

... it takes God.

[Maureen]

What do you do when they come to your door?...

You may say, "It depends. If they're Mormon missionaries I'd do X...

Sometimes Mormon missionaries come to visit - they may know my husband is inactive (still in the books though) and may want to find out how things are going - some MM's don't know my husband is a (ex-type)member and come by chance - and when our niece lived with us, they would come to see how she was doing and invite her to an activity.

We usually do the small talk stuff at first, sometime we get involved in a religious discussion but not always. If we've gotten to know MM's a bit, they might ask if they can park their bikes in our yard, so they can work by foot - I always let them. :)

...but if they are Jehovah's Witnesses I'd do Y.

It depends on their approach, some are very intelligent and interesting to talk to, others say the same thing over and over again. When my daughter was 2 (now 18) I started having Bible Studies with a JW couple (and sometimes their children would come, taking turns) once a week. We agreed on some doctrine, and some we did not (ie Trinity :) ). We had a lot of parental philosophies in common (including the love of cats). As their children got older, the mother dreaded the time they would leave home, where I am at right now or getting there. When my son was born, he was one month premature and had a hard time staying warm, I piled the blankets on him. My JW couple gave me a bunting bag as a baby gift - best gift ever, kept him cosy and warm. Our Bible studies eventually came to an end, once in awhile we'll bump into each other. Now I am visited by Gus (over 90 years old) - depending on who he comes with, the conversations could be long or short.

...And, if they're the fundamental Baptists down the road, all bets are off!"

I've never been visited by other protestants or catholics.

...And, as a followup, is ldstalk so much easier because we invite ourselves over, have time to look over the posts, and we can really think through our responses--even researching when necessary?

Definitely!

M. :)

[rosie321]

QUOTE(prisonchaplain @ Sep 5 2006, 07:28 PM)

What do you do when they come to your door? Do you hide, closing the curtains and pretending nobody's home? Do you go on the offensive, opening your door inappropriately dressed, or with a growling pet? Do you engage in theological warfare, opening your door and giving a "Top 10 Reasons why you and your religion are wrong!" Or, perhaps, you invite them in, listen to their speech, thank them, and send them off with cookies and milk? What do you do?

You may say, "It depends. If they're Mormon missionaries I'd do X, but if they are Jehovah's Witnesses I'd do Y. And, if they're the fundamental Baptists down the road, all bets are off!"

How do you handle these unscheduled encounters? And, as a followup, is ldstalk so much easier because we invite ourselves over, have time to look over the posts, and we can really think through our responses--even researching when necessary?

Just by way of information--I'm approaching a year here, and I have never sat down and spoken with Mormons about religion before. :-)

My interests have always been geared in the area of religion. So as long as someone wishes to honestly discuss without attacking or expecting immediate conversion to anything I lovingly welcome it. At first I guess I would also be very cautious and maybe even distant to keep a line there. It's amazing how things change. I remember when an LDS friend suggested meeting with the LDS missionaries for the first time. I freaked out. You've got to be kidding. I had heard about every horror story. From brainwashings, to they'll never leave you alone, they'll ###### you in....

I really did not want to hear but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I've learned a lot . And still do. Most faiths do not go door to door except the Jehovah Witness and LDS around me so I guess I don't have to worry too much. I 've determined that JW is not the right way to go for me and my faith. But I would treat them with respect since they are going out and serving God to the best of their abilities. The LDS missionaries I have a new found respect for and of course now realize that they don't do anything way out there (except for baptisms for the dead ...). If you don't want to hear from them-huh? They're gone.

I really enjoy the things I learn from other faiths and enjoy conversations. I guess the tiger comes out in me when I feel backed into the corner. So I'd only resort to the growling dog or something bizarre if after more than one encounter it got to be too much and the person just went way out of line, or kept bothering me and I needed to send the message ENOUGH! If I'm not in lets say a proper state or moment to recieve them I wouldn't run to the door and open it to save us all.

[Guest MrsS]

<div class='quotemain'>

If you don't want to talk religion, and wish they would not stop by ever again, then tell them that. They can then use that time to visit with those who are interested in the LDS Church. These missionaries live, breath, eat, sleep, think, see, talk, walk, etc. with the Holy Ghost 24/7AND the COJCOLDS. They are not allowed to watch tv, cruise the internet, listen to the raidio or to music (only music that is approved by their Mission President), read newspapers, magazines (other than the ones published by the COJCOLDS), books(except those that are approved by their Mission President), they do not participate in any of the Church dances, though they do participate in most all of the other functions. That is their job description as missionaries. They knew that when they signed up and asked to become missionaries. For 2 years of their lives, this is how they live.

But I don't mind them stopping by if we aren't busy with something. We just don't talk about church. I understand all these rules, as my husband is a RM. And they know before they come over that I'm no longer a member, and probably that my husband is a non-believer. As far as TV, we never have the TV on when ANYONE is visiting. If there is music on in the house, they can make the decision to leave. If they are old enough to be somewhat independent for 2 years, surely they can make that decision. I couldn't imagine one asking to get on the computer or to see a newspaper, but if they asked I'd probably let them. It's not my responsibility to be their keeper, especially as non-member, although I would never introduce them to anything evil, or offer them a beer! They usually just chat with us about things we're into that they're interested in, like biking, canoeing, etc. <<snip>>

Yikes, Shantress - I didn't mean for that to sound like you did all of that stuff. It sure did sound that way though didn't it. I apologize for that. Thank you for your response - it was calmer than I might (or did) have done.

I have been around non-members who have done this. Lived next door to some, worked with some, cleaned homes for one too. They got a great thrill out of giving those poor "Boys" a day off, so to speak. What really upset me, was the really new missionaries went and played on the computer, or watched tv, or sat on the back porch and read the entire newspaper. Then they wonder why they are struggling with being a missionary. No wonder the Church has "Raised the Bar" regarding the missionaries. It is not as easy to be called as one as it was before.

My neighbor delighted in having the Missionaries over for dinner. He would engage them in biblical debates, theology debates, etc. At first I would have my neighbor over when I fed the Missionaries too. After witnessing this a couple of times, I also invited the Ward Missionary and his wife so that they could witness this. That put an end to the missionaries "trackting" his house. He was put on a No See status. If he called and asked for the Missionaries to stop by, the only ones who did were the Ward Missionaries. He also used them as cheap labor. When he needed his wood split and stacked, his yard cleaned up, the hill behind him terraced, his house painted, he called the missionaries. He truly abused their Service.

There are members who abuse the missionaries this way too. Using them to do their grunt work, when they have plenty of money to hire it done. They also abuse the good works of other church members in the same way.

Guess I feel rather strongly about this, could you tell???

[shanstress70]

Not a problem, Mrs S. BTW, I appreciate how you are always so civil to me even though we have REALLY different religious beliefs. As far as M's asking to do the things they aren't supposed to, I truly cannot imagine that, as the ones I've met have been totally straight-laced, so it seems - except for one who went home bc he missed his girlfriend, but even he didn't ask to do these things. All we're guilty of is non-religious conversation with these young men.

And I'd never ask them to do anything to help us. However, back when my husband was a SAHD, they would constantly ask him for rides to places... I'm talking at least once a week over a long period... and he wasn't active then either. So when he was painting the living room one weekend they offered to help, and he accepted.

When they get ready to leave, they always ask if they can help out with anything. I always ask them to pick up the toys or load the dishwasher and they look at me like I'm insane. Of course I'm only kidding and wouldn't really let them!

[pushka]

My neighbor delighted in having the Missionaries over for dinner.

Was his name Hannibal Lecter, by any chance?

Did you have an unusually high turn over of Missionaries in your area...lol

[Dr T]

ROFLOL Pushka!

You should add to the exemplars of thought thread.

Dr. T

[pushka]

I might just do that Dr. T! :)

[Guest MrsS]

When they get ready to leave, they always ask if they can help out with anything. I always ask them to pick up the toys or load the dishwasher and they look at me like I'm insane. Of course I'm only kidding and wouldn't really let them!

When my Mother served the M's dinner (back in the mid to late 70's), she would point to the cupboard where the storage containers were and would tell them which container to bring her - then she would put the food away, at the same time she would ask them to put that empty dish there on the sink. Before you know it, they had their shirt sleeves rolled up and were washing/drying and putting the dishes away ~ while my Mom was telling them stories about her life as a pre-teen and teen.

I do the same thing By golly, they eat like they have hollow limbs - they can just roll up the sleeves and wash the dishes. Not one of them has refused. Though I have them tell me stories about the best of any particular holiday that they had at home.