Does anyone find it offensive for religious groups to go knocking door to door in search of converts?

Question

I am content with my beliefs and find it offensive for someone to come and try to change them.

Answer 1

I find it very offensive. Mainly because no one has a right to invade your home and your privacy to impress upon you their personal beliefs.
I think if a person is truly interested, they will attend the place of worship of a given religion,
not bring the religion to a persons home.

Answer 2

I must say, I'm more uncomfortable with thoes religious groups than anything else. They're only offensive if they're pushing their beliefs upon you, and I have never heard of an instance like that (door to door, I mean). Most people over the age of 30 seem to be set upon their beliefs, and the older you get the harder it is to change how you feel about, well, anything. So I guess I can see how people can be offended about such a thing, what with these religious groups being uninvited and all.

Answer 3

It is not "offensive" if the person doing so earnestly feels a person's eternal life is in the balance. That person could do no less than warn others of what he truly believes is to come upon another if they do not take action.

On the other hand, if one believes in annililation or other doctrines which do not include the idea of eternal punishment, they really have nothing to "warn" the next guy about. It's more as if they are recruiting for a club. In such cases it just becomes annoying.

Keep in mind, however, that those who claim to adhere to a truly Biblical faith desire that all hear the message of the Gospel which claims to be good news in that, through the efforts of God alone, man now has an opportunity to be fully reconciled with God due to punishment Jesus Christ took upon Himself in payment for our OFFENSES against God, more commonly referred to as sin.

But a remedy isn't accepted by a person until they are convinced they are in need of it. Unless one is fully convinced they have broken the standard of God (His commandments) and have no ability to undo those transgressions on his own, he will not seek out God's gift of reconciliation in a sincere, humble and grateful manner. He is believing the lie that "doing good from now on" can undo the transgressions which are already against him.

If a person has no desire to be reconciled to his Creator then he will certainly be OFFENDED by the Gospel. The Scriptures plainly state that he will.

Answer 4

Let me ask you this...what would you say to someone who was converted to a faith that changed their life for the better because someone knocked on their door? Is you experiencing a little bit of inconvenience worth not having someone else get something great out of what these people might be teaching? After all, to find the people that want to hear what the messengers have to say they have to go through people like you to eventually find them.

Answer 5

Sometimes it good to be challenged in what you believe. I mean, if you're staking your eternity (even not believing in life after death is still risking that there might be one) on what you believe, then you better be pretty sure and know what you believe and why. I mean, forever's a long time. You don't have to agree with whoever comes to your door, but at least listen. It's good be challenged to think about such things once in a while. It's healthy.

Of course, Annie's post makes great points, too. If they're pushy and they don't hear you out... "OK, goodbye then. Have a nice day." It's their loss, really. You probably would have had good things to say, if you wanted to say them. And if you didn't, move on.

Answer 6

Do you think "door knockers" are always in search of converts? The other side of the coin is, they may be making themselves available to anyone who is reaching out, seeking, or needing help. All "door knockers" should evaluate their motive and be respectful of anyone who opens a door and says, "I am content with my beliefs". They should move merrily on their way content that the person they just spoke with was not the person intended for them to reach that day.

Answer 7

What do you think Jesus did in his time on earth? Why do you think people hated him? .......................

Could it be because he was preaching God's word and nobody wanted to hear what he had to say? Was he doing something that people didn't agree with?

(Think about it.)

So, no. I don't think its offensive when people are following Jesus' footsteps and preaching God's Word. Isn't that a commandment for us as Christians? Matthew 24:14 and 28:19, read those passages and maybe...... just maybe .... some people could get the understanding that they are JUST obeying what Jesus' said.

And too, its not all about converting........ its sincerely just about helping people to understand what the Bible says, and encourage Bible reading, getting a close or closer relationship with the Almighty God .............. What makes that so offensive? Honestly?

Answer 8

I don't find it offensive, just annoying, especially when a person tries to tell them politely they are not interested, but rather than leave and not come back, they will keep returning.
I don't care what religion a person is, it is their own personal choice, however, do not come to my home and try to shove your beliefs down my throat. That is what is really annoying.

Oh, and LOL JD, never thought of it that way, totally true.......makes you think...

Answer 9

Yes. It is offensive. Religion is personal to be sought, not forced. Just because someone believes a certain truth, doesn't mean I want to or should be forced to listen to it. By knocking on my door and spreading the gospel according to you and your belief system, you are automatically saying mine is wrong, inferior...who are you to judge my fate or happiness? Isn't that someone else's job? I mean, thanks and all...but no thanks. Stop worrying so much about my soul and start with your own.

Of course not. After all, I may be wrong.
-- Bertrand Russell (attributed), having been asked whether he would be prepared to die for his beliefs, quoted from Encarta® Book of Quotations (1999)

Answer 10

i dont find it offensive when they are just trying t help in general, humanity.

Mormons are great to talk to, but yes they are trying to convert you. HOwever their precepts are all with a good hearted base. Order.
Many ppl attack them and say they are satanic. they are not satanic.
but they have a diffferent phylosophy than the Christian Bible based bieleves.

I dont think you should get offended, and also just think of it as a sign of friendship not an attack. If it bothers you a lot just tell them you are fine with yrou believes.

Answer 11

Well, people don't like it when the Jahovas do it, but that's for a different reason. BUT, if someone came to my door and told me that I have to change my religion or I was going to hell, I would find that offensive becuase how do they know?