Religeous Solicitors......?

Question

I am not religeous, but have friends who are catholic, christian, JW, mormon. I do know some of each religeon since I have spoken with them about it and I do realize that some are bound to spead the word of jesus by coming around door to door.

I wont go into what I believe spiritually, just because I have your attention with this question I still dont find it okay to push my beliefs onto you, but I also dont think its okay for others to do it either.

I am asking this question to get more insight into what others would do, so here is my question:

When you are walking down the street and get solicited by a religeous order to speak about Jesus and read their literature (which is what just happened to me) or someone comes to your door and offers you the same material, what do you say or do? :)

They want me to have an open mind about Jesus and his teachings, but wont give me the same courtesy when speaking about my beliefs.... Hipocritical?

I mentioned that I have friends of these different faiths to show that I am not pregidice againt them, and for the most part, my friends do respect my wishes. Im talking about total strangers who seem to want to "sell" their faith door to door even if its not for money, some believe that their way into heaven is by spreading the word of god to as many people as possible.

Answer 1

yes it is hypocritical but they feel enlightened and the rest of us are in the dark I generally politely but firmly tell them no thank you I am comfortable with my beliefs if that doesn't work you can tell them you are satanist and watch them recoil in horror of course then they might throw holy water on you and you'll have to scream you melting and collapse on the ground for them to believe you

Answer 2

Hello Sweetheart,
YES, that is very hippocritical! If someone wants a discussion with me then they must extend the same courtesy that I am extending to them and be willing to answer my religious questions also. I have had a few BIBLE STUDIES with people and I always want a discussion, NOT a lecture by me or by them. We lear best by interaction not by lecture. Many have not learned this lesson. I am a former teacher and I never did believe in the lecture style that a number of our former intellectuals used. It was never the best method. Studies have shown this and people should be reading and studyingf this in the schools that they attend. My wife and I are both 20 year Christians and we are Non-Denominational because we attempt to use ONLY the BIBLE as our guide in Religion. Have a great day and a wonderful week!!
Thank you,
Eds


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Answer 3

I don't think hypocritical is the word to use. Some people are new to their faith or intimidated because they don't understand the belief systems of others. They want to do the right thing but are getting the cart before the horse.

They should know what they believe before they talk with other
people enough to carry on an intelligent conversation with them and not feel threatened by the beliefs of others.

On the other hand there are cults like the Mormons and the JW's who will press the issue with you with evangelistic fervor.
I feel that they are wrong to insist on carrying on conversation when a person says they aren't interested adamantly enough to make it clear. To me that is a lack of respect.

I do not know many if any Catholics that are evangelistic in that they go out and share their faith with others, but I know some Christians who do.

I would not judge everyone who is Christian by those who are immature in their faith. There are many Christians who can carry on an intelligent conversation about what they believe and listen to what you believe patiently without feeling that your beliefs threaten what they believe. They generally know their Bible well, and have a strong established walk with the Lord and do not try to "push" their faith on anyone. SHARING and PUSHING are two totally different things.

If you have friends that are offending you by their approach be honest with them and let them know you don't like having their beliefs forced on you. Let them know either that you don't want to talk with them about religion or let them know you are concerned about their approach and would appreciate if they would act more respectfully toward you.

If they will not be sensitive to your wishes, then they are not really friends at all, and you should make it clear that you have no interest in talking to them at all if they can't just be your friends.

I personally talk with everyone and anyone about my faith, but I do not compromise what I believe, and will try to intelligently answer their questions with information about their own belief if I know what that is. If I don't know what they believe I will hear them out, but I expect them to back off if they become too persistent with me. It doesn't matter to me if I know them personally or if they are total strangers because I am strong in my faith and don't feel intimidated or threatened by anyone.

Hope this will help you.

Answer 4

If your not interested in learning about what the bible says about God's Kingdom and the future of the earth, just say your not interested and if you really don't want them to come to your door, just tell them to put your name on a do not call list.

Jehovah's Witnesses only want to share their hope with others, because they truly believe that they have found the truth. We are not trying to push our beliefs, or convert anyone. We what to know how you feel about what the bible says, that's why we come to your door. We feel our message is important enough to take time out of our busy lives to share it with others. That's not being hypocritical, if we don't have a lot of time to spend hearing in depth about your beliefs. You are welcome to come to my home and share your beliefs with me.

We are not selling anything. The truth is free. Our literature is free. Bible studies are free. So no we are not religious solicitors. Do you consider Jesus and the Apostles as religious solicitors?

Answer 5

As a Jehovah's Witness, I can't speak for others of differing beliefs, but we are taught to listen to those we talk with. We are taught respect and courtesy.
Your opinion is what we are supposed to base our teachings on, and they are supposed to be from the bible, not of our own opinion.
Any deviation should be brought to the Witnesses attention.
Sometimes we get caught up in the stress of the day, but we teach from God's word the bible.
By the way, when working with tracts, they are just an emphasis on a subject with scriptures proving their content.

Answer 6

I usually just tell them Thank You but I don't share your beliefs. I hate to say they rarely accept this when on my doorstep and the last time I very cooly had to tell them I would call the police if I had to.
Hypcritical? Oh yes very much so. But they really think they are doing the world a favor and I have respect thier compassion even if its a little misplaced.

Answer 7

Jehovah's Witnesses are not soliciters.

Note this from 2 Corinthians 2:17 - "We are not peddlers [or, soliciters] of the word of God as many men are, but as out of sincerity, yes, as >>>sent from God, under God’s view, in company with Christ<<<, we are speaking."

See also Matthew 28:19, 20.

Also, we are NOT trying to force our beliefs on anyone, but we do wish all to have accurate information so they can make an informed, wise decision. After all, "Jehovah ... does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance." -- 2 Peter 3:9.

Answer 8

It's tough when people have differing opinions on their paths! I think if you are talking about friends though, you might say to them I appreciate your path, but it's not for me.

I personally haven't been approached for quite some time, but when I have been I just simply say no thank you...and move on quickly. It's kinda sad when you feel you have to do that, but my experience has been that they will do all the talking and not let you have an opinion, which saps all my energy. Best to just move on.

Answer 9

All I can tell you is that when the JW's come to my door, I offer them a Book of Mormon and tell them I will read their stuff if they read mine.

They don't want to.