Atheists - How does it make you feel when Christian organizations hassle you for money?

Question

I was on my way to the gym yesterday and was stopped at a traffic light. A woman with a big white bucket was walking up to all of the cars that were stopped at the light asking for money. When she came up to my window, I shook my head because I don't give money to solicaters and I'm a 19 year old girl so I don't roll down my windows for strangers. She didn't go away so I rolled down the window and she proceeded to ask me for money. I don't carry cash on me and I told her this and she said "We take change!" so I have her all the money in my change cup to get her to leave. The light turned green and I went on my way.

After leaving the gym I got stopped at yet another intersection by the same organization (another person) who actually stood in front of my car when the light turned green. I went up the road and there was another person from the same organization asking for money. I felt harassed and like I couldn't simply enjoy a Sunday afternoon job at the gym without being hassled..

No matter what your religious affiliation I'd like to know: Has anything like this happened to you and how did it make you feel?

Answer 1

I have never seen a Christian group ask for money this way, I have seen the firefighters and police organizations raise money like this though. I am curious, was there a name on the bucket or did the woman identify herself? There are many con artists willing to impersonate groups in order to steal money. I do not donate to anyone if I cannot verify who and what they are.

If you are ever wondering if a group is legitimate, you can check them out on http://www.charitynavigator.org/ this website lists a breakdown of their funds and where they use them. It rates their efficiency and compares them to groups in similar areas with similar goals. It is a really good website that reviews thousands of charities and offers consumers an objective rating.

Answer 2

I've seen this type of collection but only by fire departments. Around here, they're quite respectful about it, they stay out of the road unless specifically flagged over and they feel confident they can get out of the way of traffic once the light turns green.

What you've described is harassment and your local authorities need to be notified about it, particularly the incident where the woman stood in front of your car. Her behavior put her at extreme risk - someone who was watching the light and not the surroundings may very well have run her over.

If this organization is going to continue to do stoplight collections, for their own safety they need to be educated on conducting these events safely and respectfully.

Answer 3

I think many religion-affiliated organizations do great good. That said, I don't give money if I don't want to. Don't roll down the window, or say "no thank you, I'm not interested in donating today," or don't make eyecontact, or for the person who stood in front of your car, lean on the horn. That *is* harrassment, but most do not do that, in my experience.

Answer 4

Jesus, what kind of organization is this?! A re-vamped version of Jehovah's Witnesses?? Although given your story, I'm certain they exist, but I never run into a religious organization that act like persistent beggars. But to answer your question, I would be annoyed to the extreme. Although I'm a pacifist, if push ever came to shove, and a religious solicitor was persistent with me, I'll give them an angry, almost violent stare and tell them, "Not today".

Example :

http://thinkingapeblues.com/archive.php?comic=218

Answer 5

I usually will give to the salvation army during Christmas, it depends on where the donation is going. If it is to build a Church, or any other aspect for religion then I will not donate as I disagree with many things that religion teaches. If the lady had asked me to donate money I would have asked her what it was for, if she said anything other than donating necessities to the poor or a non religious organization (such as promoting their religion) I would tell her that I am not interested.

Answer 6

I would NEVER give money to any group collecting at an intersection regardless of their affiliation.

I think this is a dangerous practice and it really bothers me when this is done by school/youth organizations.

There is no way to know if the group is even legit.

But as long as people give them money, they encourage this practice.

Stop giving them money.

If they come to close to your car or get in front of it, call the police and warn them of a potentially dangerous situation.

Answer 7

I don't see that type of thing around as much as I used to, but they always hated coming into contact with me. I tend to be one who likes to argue and they don't like their beliefs to be challenged. Of course, I have never given any money to charlatan organizations such as the churches and neither have I been the one to walk away from their solicitation. It is always they who eventually become frustrated and run for cover.

At the intersections, they are either stuck listening to my anti-religion arguments or the light turns green. But the last time this kind of thing happened to me was in the parking lot of a McDonald's. I argued with the woman for about 30 minutes, and I had more argument to make, but she walked away. I actually walked with her for about 10 yards attempting to make one last argument.

Answer 8

That is a little rude of them. I dont think people should stand in intersections anyway. Wonder how & why that process ever was approved, and how many get run over each year. I believe in God and go to church but I wouldnt have given them anything either because of their presentation method.
Streets are for Cars!

Answer 9

I am annoyed when anyone asks me for money. I know religion is just a big con game, so I am doubly annoyed to be asked to give to a priest's fund to buy a new Cadillac or Rolex (parvenu's car and watch). If someone was as obnoxious as the person you mentioned, I would shove him or her aside. I am a big, strong man, so few nuts harrass me.

Answer 10

I don't feel sorry for anyone who wants an education and likes to do research. In fact I would much rather hold a conversation with an educated person than an uneducated person.