Is it rude for me to pretend I'm not home when Mormons and Jehova's Witnesses knock on my door ?

Question

I'm really not in the mood to debate relogion when they come around.

*religion(sorry typo)

See,that is my point exactly. I much rather avoid them than open the door and tell them what I think of them.

One day my son opened the door and started talking to the Haitian Jehova's witnesses in French,I automatically grabbed him and shut the door. They came back a week later looking for the little boy who "speaks French" lol.

Answer 1

It is not rude. It is your house and you have the right. If you don't like the product you don't have to buy it or experience it.

I usually tell them I am Southern Baptist or Muslim (I wear a turban just for effect!!!). You should see them curse (fine Christian love) and run.

Answer 2

no, I don't think it's rude if you have nothing to say and no interest in what they're saying

proselytizing (working to convert people to their faith) is a part of their religion, more power to em

if you politely listen, I guarantee that every time you get in the shower, go to the far end of the house, whatever, they will be at the door, because even passive 'interest' is interpreted as 'potential convert'

if you REALLY feel bad about NOT answering the door... practice saying this as quickly and clearly as possible, thru a barely opened door:

hold up your hand in the "stop" gesture, smile, and say:

"I'm not interested. Thank you. Goodbye"

then GENTLY close the door (slamming is kinda rude, I think)

by the way, that also works with telephone solicitors, but you have to say it before they launch their speech, and hang up gently immediately after "goodbye"

Answer 3

Rude? No. But it's also not as much fun... Just think of all the practical jokes you could play on them. Hint: Ask the Mormons about the salamander and the jehova's witnesses about blood transfusions ;)

Answer 4

That answer probably depends on the culture you live in. I really don't think it'd be rude. Be aware that if they can tell you're pretending to not be home, it's pretty discouraging to them. (They are often trying to share something that is near & dear to their hearts).

If this tactic isn't something you're comfortable with, you can always answer and say you're not interested. If they continue to bother you, you can threaten to call the cops if they don't leave. Another thing you might consider is to put a sign up that says "No Soliciting". Decent people will respect your wishes and not bother you (unless they didn't see the sign).

Answer 5

I wouldn't say rude; maybe strange. I could never understand people's reactions to the preaching work. What are you really afraid of? What do you think they're going to do to you? If not interested, please just tell them so in a respectful way, and I assure you they will leave and wish you a good day.

Jehovah's Witnesses visit people at their homes because we are following Christ's example and command. Love for our creator, Jehovah, and love of neighbor motivates us to do so, and we rejoice when we find a listening ear. But inasmuch as this is Jehovah's work, we are not as concerned about what people may say as we are about pleasing our God.

“Make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.”—PROVERBS 27:11.

Millions of people who are now serving God as one of his Christian Witnesses were once athiests, or were raised with other religious convictions. I am one of those, having been raised in a Baptist household; I also attended Lutheran Schools. And I must say that I never learned anything real and solid about the Bible or God's purpose for mankind in either.

My parents were ones who always had bad things to say about the witnesses, even slamming the door when they visited. I always wanted to know why and they could never give me a valid reason. I vowed very early in life to never treat anyone that way and when I graduated from HS and moved to NY, I had the great opportunity to learn firsthand what they had to say. I accepted a free home Bible study that lead to my dedication and baptism, and I feel VERY blessed to have made that choice.

Of course we know that most people will not accept what is being offered. But if we didn't do the preaching work, we wouldn't be carrying out our dedication to do God's will. And he has certainly blessed our work with increases worldwide.

“How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, the one publishing peace, the one bringing good news of something better, the one publishing salvation, the one saying to Zion: ‘Your God has become king!”’—Isa. 52:7.

Answer 6

Well which do you think is more rude. Them bothering you at home, or you answering the door and telling them what you REALLY think of them?

If you don't want them coming around, you'll have to confront them. If you're non-confrontational about it they'll just keep harassing you.

Really, if some stranger just kept ringing your doorbell trying to get you to convert to some weird backward cult would you ignore them or tell them to go away and go to the cops to file a harassment report?

Answer 7

When I was little I was at my Grandmother's house when they came knocking. Being about 4yrs at the time. I said from behind the closed door "There's no one here but us ghosties". G'ma then had to answer the door.

Looking back it was funny though :)

I think we have all hidden from the Jehovah's Witnesses at some time in our lives, if you invite them in or buy the silly little book they'll stay for ever...arhhhhh.

Answer 8

There are degrees of rudeness, aren't there? I think in that situation pretending you're not at home is far less rude than intruding upon people's privacy without an invitation for the express purpose of proselytizing.

Answer 9

Yes it is. Even though you completely disagree with what they have to say you should still answer the door and listen. Because not answering only makes them believe you are a horrible person with no ettiquettes because you have no God in your life or at least not the same God as them in your life.

Answer 10

It's not rude, but it is somewhat silly. Just tell them that you aren't interested.

Otherwise, the Witnesses will continue to come around looking to complete what seems to be a "not at home".

Answer 11

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, Yes, I would say it is rude to pretend you aren't home. WE KNOW YOU ARE THERE! haha. If you politely say you don't want to debate religious matters, etc. and state your feelings, Most will just tell you to have a good day and leave.