Is it rude

[fred]

I dont like the idea of trying to convert someone to what I believe and in turn I expect the same from my fellow neighbors. I have been getting the same pamplet on my door for the last 3 months straight and Im about at my limit on how many more I can get w/o yelling at someone. I never know when they do it, I think their almost like ninjas about it but its driving me up the wall. Is it rude to post a note on my door to not try and convert me over?

[Belgarath]

Somewhere on the pamphlet it should say the name of the church or group. Why don't you simply call them and ask them to please stop dropping these by and save a tree? Just kidding on the being a smart mouth, though. It's probably better to just politely ask them to stop as you are not interested.

[Skylar]

I think it's better to speak to them in person than to leave them a note. Usually if you just tell them nicely that you'd prefer they not leave pamphlets anymore, they'll abide by your wishes. My friend is a Jehovah's witness, and she said they'd rather save the pamphlets for people that will actually read them if they know someone else is just going to throw them away. Try to keep an eye out for them so you might get to talk to them in person.

[Cecelia]

Don't leave a note just for them, leave one that says no soliciting. That should cut out other problem groups as well.

I would also call or stop by the church if possible and ask they take your address/name off their marketing lists. Sometimes they send out young people who have no clue how to effectively "spread the word" to others.

[EternalSearch]

It isn't soliciting because they are not asking for money, and so no soliciting signs are ineffective. It's also not marketing.

It is preaching, or field ministry, or various other names. There are signs that you can put up-most effective are no trespassing signs at the end of the drive way, or a sign that states you have your own faith and do not want to discuss any other.

[Eilt Druin]

No, I don't think it's rude to post a note on your door. I would do the same, if I had that trouble. I would also tell the people not to come by my place anymore as I have absolutely no interest in their beliefs. It's rude of them trying to get people to convert so I think that a direct approach is sometimes warranted.

[pixie]

Originally Posted by EternalSearch

It isn't soliciting because they are not asking for money, and so no soliciting signs are ineffective. It's also not marketing.

I live two blocks from a Jehovah's Witness community (which surrounds their church) and have worked with several one and off over the years. Most will tell you if the house has a sign that says no soliciting or something similar they comply and don't disturb the people. I live down a private road and I realize that this doesn't get rid of the politicians and religious groups (although it could if we wished to deny them access via the road). None have come back after I explain why I live down a private road.

I don't try and force my religion or politics on others and while its fun to go out and discuss them at meetings I prefer to not entertain strangers without invitation.

[heart4peace]

Thanks for a thought-provoking thread!

It is hard to know sometimes how to do deal with those of another faith - some can be really rude, to the point of obnoxious and arrogant, in which case - why would you want to be like THEM? Others are very passionate and sincere, but respectful - which makes what they have to share more appealing.

I know in most cases over the years, when JWs have come to the door - most of the time, they have been respectful of my choice to NOT discuss things after I tell them I am happy and firmly ensconced in my own Judeo-Christian beliefs. Other times, though, on a few occasions - they basically told me I was wrong and would find out later when I end up in purgatory or something equivalent to that!

[1wahmom]

I know what you mean. We have a group of young men that come to our door every so often and it seems like their timing is always wrong! I know they mean well, so I can't bring myself to be rude to them. I just tell them I am a Christian and I already have my own beliefs and church I attend. You'd think that after awhile, they'd get the hint and stop coming. I do think that calling the number on the pamphlet would be a good way to end this problem. In fact, I might try that myself!