What is a polite and respectful way to turn away door-to-door religious groups?

Question

Generally, these people are friendly, but they always ask what religion I am and when they find out I'm (gasp!) Catholic, they want to save me from myself. I find this very rude and disrespectful since I was taught never to ridicule others' religions. Also, my kids always come to the door to see what's up and I just refuse to argue religion in front of them. I don't think religion should be "argued" at all. While I defend people's right to preach, by all means, I wish there was a way to tell people that while I respect their beliefs, I simply don't agree and would rather not get into a 20-minute argument over it. If you were at my door, what would you find acceptable for me to say? I am not the type of person to just say, "go away - I'm not interested" but that's kind of what I feel after I bend over backwards trying not to be rude and the person won't go away.

The way my front door and windows are set up, it's impossible to see who's at the door without them also seeing you. Kind of stinks because I want to answer for UPS but not for all the neighborhood kids (we have a pool). = ) I really am a nice person but sometimes I want to go live way out in the country...

Answer 1

I think of a door as being just like a phone. Just because I own one does not mean I have to answer it.

edit: on a serious note: being a professional salesman myself, I'll let you in on a little secret that most people don't know that may help you. Whenever someone approaches you to try to sell something whether by door or by phone there is what's known as a qualified no and an unqualified no. A qualified no is saying no but also giving a reason why you are saying no. Salesman are trained to look for a qualified no because it gives them a way to counteract and convince you that you should reconsider your no. An unqualified no is simply saying no thank you. That is all you say is no thank you and do not give a reason. It will more than likely cause an uncomfortable silence and in most cases all will end right there but even if they don't leave and instead ask you why or are you willing to reconsider you simply reply with the very same unqualified no thank you. It will leave them with nothing else to say except good by.

Answer 2

Be politely rude - Does that make any sense? Be firm - Usually when this question comes up, it's about Mormon missionaries - they are young, and don't often understand the complexities of life and running a household - Just tell them - I'm not interested right now - good luck and God bless. And then shut the door. they won't stick their feet in the door or curse you - their perspective is this: they just want to share wtih you what they know - and they're excitable about it - you don't have to be. and they won't be offended. Just be firm - if you waiver, they'll keep talking and you'll be drawn in.

They're not there to argue or question you, they simply want to share wtih you - if you're polite but firm, they will move on.

Answer 3

Well, if they refuse to go away after you have made it clear you are a person of another religion, and not interested, then I don't think it's rude to just say your busy and really aren't interested in discussing religion. As a minister I usually find that telling them that sends them off pretty quick, you could just say your a pastor...:p But it's your home, and you have a right not to have to spend 20 minutes trying to get rid of someone imposing on you.

Answer 4

You just say, No thank you? I not interested in everlasting life.
How boring it would be to live on earth forever where there is no more war, hate, strife, greed, and evil people.
You could say I know that Jesus said at Mathew 5:5 that the mild tempered ones would inherit the earth, and his fore father King David said almost the same thing at Psalms 37:9-11,29. but I don't want those good things for my children.
So please don't call at my door any more. Or you could say please come in and show me how I can have this everlasting life the the Bible talks about, I want life for my children and my family. Would you like a glass of water?

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Answer 5

I usually tell them that "I'm sorry, but I really do have a busy day and have some matters to attend to". If they insist... I had this experience once, when they actually did say something wrong about my religion, I simply told them that I respect their religion and have nothing against them and that I expect them to respect mine too... they were about to tell something but I simply left it at that. I do not need any explanation from them esp. from people who think that their religion is the best. The truth is it does not matter what religion we are in, what really matters is how we live our life... if we make the best out of it.

Answer 6

First thank them for their willingness to share their gospel with you and the time and effort they put in to visiting you. Don't forget to smile. Then apologize to them and tell them you would love to hear what they have to say but you have plans and simply don't have the time. Then wish them on their way and close the door. That way you give them the message without being rude and don't forget to actually do something like watch your favorite movie or go out to a nice dinner so ur not really lieing.

Answer 7

I'm sorry but I don't feel like talking. Have a nice day.

Do this in five seconds, shut the door and don't feel guilty about it. Don't lie to them like other people are suggesting.

But most of the time I don't open the door for strangers and I suggest you don't either. Because of the potential for home invasion and violent crime, it's not what you should do these days, unfortunately.

Answer 8

it is humorous! I merely had mormons at my door the different day, they regarded into my homestead windows and observed me. They waved, i waved and walked into the mattress room. ha! First time ever i did this way of factor. I felt similar to a heel, yet i grow to be ill of them coming over too! I placed up one in each of those "no soliciting" indicators yet many communities chosen to forget approximately that thinking speaking approximately God is different from soliciting. So this is what i did for fairly a while that worked properly at my old homestead. I placed up a demonstration that suggested do not knock or ring bell for non secular or soliciting applications. It worked properly. The sign have been given lost interior the circulate and that i on no account made a clean one yet. jogs my memory i might desire to make up a clean one. ultimate of success.

Answer 9

Usually there isn't a polite way to do this. The fact that they go door to door shows that they are used to the standard no thank you response. And there is a bit of psychology to the whole door to door salesman approach...no offense but that's what it is.
So in all honesty the best thing to do is tell them no thank you and shut the door...yes in their face.

Answer 10

Simply tell them the truth. You are very happy with your church and see no reason in making any changes but if they would like to leave any literature that would be fine. If they continue to persist tell them you are busy at this time teaching your kids to pray the rosary and slam the door but good.