Is there a simple and effective way to decline jesus?

Question

I was wandering into my local supermarket and three christian folks accosted me with the normal pleasantries about me going to hell. So being polite, I reply "no thanks, I chose to be an atheist" thinking that statement encapsulated perfectly why I didnt want to talk to them.
Turns out nothing short of rudely walking away from them would put an end to the preaching. I was quite miffed that I had to be abrupt to 3 strangers because they wouldn't take no for an answer.
I dont like barging passed people and I would rather not enter into a religious debate every single time I meet these kinds of people, I think they are generally beyond the stage of logical assessment already. So if you were trying to convert a random passer by what would be a reply that would make you stop the yabbering?
PS :
I do NOT want to tell them that I already have a small bearded man in my heart. I'm pretty sure the average christian wouldn't want to claim atheism just to shop in peace.
I do NOT want to be rude.

Elana - how is that an answer? I see you have already edited it to have titles etc but I still dont see how this answers my question?

shaolt2002 - I'm not making an unreasonable claim nor am I saying how annoying it is and how often it happens. Im looking for a polite way to end the conversation with these types.
The street converters are plentiful my way - you can be assured to meet at LEAST two a month while down town... I dont actually know the exact orientation of every one of their beliefs however I only ever once remember one that wasnt talking about Jesus. It was a real life Islamic preacher up here in the North of Scotland. I actually gave them the time of day to listen because I was genuinely interested in what the believed. I wasn't open to conversion in any way but it was novel enough to actually hold my interest.
Up here, it's 99.9% whites and you really dont see much culture (other than Scottish fishing), unless you go into the city 50 miles away so speaking to an asian couple about their beliefs and just generally asking about their religion was fascinating and they werent really pushy.

harshmistressmoon - you dont believe me? Haha, why because I dont have proof? Haha, that cracks me up.
Anyway if you want to fund me moving from the North of Scotland to the USA then you go for it, if you dont mind, I have a home business and I rather like my family so if you could uproot all that while your at it... that would be super! Thanks for taking the time to reply you cynical little minx!
I have to point out, if I was lying would I not have some sensational claims? Something damning and utterly horrific to tell of these preaching demons? Would I be looking for a resolution to a problem I dont actually have?
... oh I know what you are thinking, you genius you... I created the whole thing with your super sly spy response in mind so that I could then use this very retort to back up my lie. Oh I get you now.... jeepers, you really got me there!

IM NOT SAYING THESE PEOPLE WERE SCREAMING THE GOSPEL IN MY EAR WHILE TRAPPING ME IN A BEAR HUG.
My problem is that I dont like to walk away from people mid sentence. These people often stand in your path confronting you with their truths and to squeeze through them, barge passed them or to leap sideways and make a run for it, all seem like over the top, dramatic and even a bid aggressive actions to take. I dont want to have to physically avoid people, I simply would like a Christian to tell me conversation killer that clearly states, I have made an informed decision already and I wont change my mind.
Im also not saying that every single one of the street converters I've met in my life have continued preaching after I declined to enter into a discussion about it, some are positivley delighted to have someone be nice to them even if they are saying no.
My question is for for the few times that they wont stop preaching.
I like "stumbling block" answer, I'll research that one. Any more?

alleninthehills - read the question, I never said or implied the manner in which they said anything.

Isnt it strange how the christians are all assuming these people were aggressive and intimidating?

They did talk to me and told me I was going to hell after I explained I am an atheist - you cannot think that this is abnormal?

This question has raised some very interesting points to me - I was actually asking for advise on how to be polite to preacher folks and people are getting irked off and making assumptions based on their stereotypes of their own community.
Im trying to be polite the faith heads get all uptight and accuse me of lying about something I didnt claim. My goodness you're a weird bunch!

H.I. of the H.I. - you keep regurgitating the same two answers through most of your posts - I'm pretty sure that is spamming, no? It certainly isn't an individual response to this particular question.

Answer 1

I agree they were incredibly rude. No one should be harassed. Sadly, the answers you've gotten are just as rude and offensive.

If I were you, I would tell them as clearly as possible that their approach is a "stumbling block" to you. Tell them that if they don't know what that means, they need to go home and read their Bibles. The issue of being a stumbling block is clearly addressed in the Bible.

It means that their behavior, rather than leading you toward faith is actually pushing you away or preventing you. Any Christian who does not understand that needs chastising by their church.

Answer 2

I think the best way to look at this is to take away the religious aspect.
What would you do if you were approached in a shop by someone asking you to take a survey, or sign up to something, or even if you were approached by a beggar?
You would (hopefully) just keep walking, say no thank you and not get drawn into conversation.
You're right - there's no need for rudeness. Just remember that you are entitled to shop in peace, so just walk away.
Good luck.

Answer 3

I'm sorry that some of my fellow Christians can't seem to take no for an answer. I'm not one of those that goes around just preaching at people, and I rarely bring up religion when hanging out with friends. If I DO bring up my Christianity, it's in passing.

Anyway, when I wasn't a Christian, and Christians would approach me, I had several things that I said:
1. If they used the "you're going to hell approach" I'd tell them not to mete out judgement they wouldn't want for themselves.
2. I explained to them that I'd heard it all before, I had refused it, and according to the words of Jesus, they were supposed to preach the Gospel to people ONCE. If the people refused it, they were supposed to dust off their sandals and leave.

That should get them to leave you alone. But since you don't want to be rude, you can also add that you understand they're only telling you about Jesus out of concern, but that they're going about it the wrong way, at least for you. Tell them you've made your choice, but since they believe in God, there's no reason why they can't pray for you. You just don't want to hear any more about it.

Answer 4

Dear Lady
A lot of cults are indoctorinated to do this. I am a Christian now but in the days when I wasn't I too despised people ramming their religion down my throat. Sadly if you have to resort to being rude in order to be on your way then that is how it is. However please be well assured that most Christians are not like that. Even though we love sharing our faith we wait until an opportunity arises and cease the moment but we don't cease the person and ram it down their throat.

Answer 5

It is a condition of choice and freedom. God gave us life with choice and freedom. It sets us apart from the animals. Morality is simply choosing to obey God over disobeying God. If you think about human interaction in the logical sense, a God who gives these morals to follow is setting us up for less pain and discomfort. If everyone followed the twelve Commandments then we would live virtually without suffering. God is smart, that is why he gave us morality and rules. Imagine you and I living in a world without God and his rules. Most of the time this new world would consist of more powerful people mass raping, stealing, murdering, and torturing each other. So, you see, God has stepped in as much as he can per binding contract with his people. He gave us morality to avoid a world of total darkness. God punishes people all of the time, every day, every hour. Who is to say that some who suffer do so in the light of God? Job? Who is to say that some who suffer are not being punished for making others suffer? Your argument is too simplistic. I encourage you to read the Word and travel abroad to gain experience in the habits of man and God. I think you will see, God is just.

Answer 6

I always find being respectful helps.

If a door knocker is polite - I point out that while I can respect the strength/passion they obviously have for faith - that I'm happy with my faith, Thank You very much.

Unless they are prats they usually respect the courtesy.

.

Answer 7

As a christian, I find this practice utterly...stupid. People shouldn't feel pressured with cheap salesmanship reminiscent of of your last used car shopping trip. It demeans the true character and beauty of the faith. Having said that, here is my suggestion: Smile and inquire which church they are representing, when they answer, produce a horrified look on your face and begin to sob...continue by explaining to them that their pastor, just last week, had gropped you and pressured you for sexual favors...I imagine that should end your dilema for quite some time.

Answer 8

I always believe in being frank and firm.
In your position I would have told them my position as far as religion is concerned (that you are atheist, Am a muslim I would have told them that). And in their parsistance I would make it clear to them what they are doing is harassmenet and there are consequences for that. In you explanation be brief and to the point dont give them time to ague with you or pick a conversation. It not being rude but being straight and honest to them and to yourself.

Answer 9

You see, saying you're an athiest is a challenge to them. I have often thought about this very same thing myself because we used to get Jehova's Witnesses coming round to our doorstep and trying to convert us.

A good way of avoiding this is learning how to say, "I'm sorry I don't speak English in a foreign language", how about, "Pardon, Monsieur, je ne comprends pas, je suis francaise". Simple, they won't even try and engage you in conversation - unless you are really unlucky and get a bi-lingual Christian/Jehovas Witness etc. Thats the only way to turn them down without being rude.

Answer 10

Singular:
Nominative: Jesus
Vocative: Jese
Accusative: Jesum
Genetive: Jesi
Dative: Jeso
Ablative: Jeso

Plural:
Nominative: Jesi
Vocative: Jesi
Accusative: Jesos
Genetive: Jesorum
Dative: Jesis
Ablative: Jesis