Whenever Jehovahs Witnesses come knocking on my door I always engage with them and try to keep them talking by battering down their position and faith.
The aim is to see if I can separate them from the others on the street. I once managed 40 minutes by which time the others had come back looking for them !!! Ha Ha
I'm always impressed by how calm they are even when I accuse them of brainwashing the children that they always seems to have with them. Other denominations I find get really angry and aggressive quite quickly.
But for some reason I never feel the right to have a go at them in the street. Outside Stratford Tube Station in London there are always loads of them and they stand there all day with nobody taking any notice of them. On the one hand, I feel that I should engage them so that they dont feel they are wasting their time but I don't because I dont feel they have warranted a good ticking off for being so deluded (unlike when they knock on my door)
Does anyone engage these people in the street?
I got nabbed by the cops in Leeds once because I started arguing with a street preacher. I just stood next to him and refuted what he was saying. Drew quite a crowd. The cops said that I was likly to cause a disturbence. To which I replied 'I didn't start it' but they were a pair of brainless plods so there was no point in arguing. I did note though that the street preacher, who had been a semi-regular feature for a couple of years, only came back once more the following week. I think he was asked to stop by the plods, so a sort of 'victory' although I would much rather have been able to argue with him.
Well thats something of a victory I guess.
Dispropotionate respect and defernence to the religious is probalby the main reason that most of us feel the push to be a bit more vocal about our lack of faith.
What do they call it? Aggressive atheism? I call it civic duty.
I engage politly and say "I am all hooked up thanks!"
I can not be angry at people who believe this stuff it is just too much energy
I only get pissed when folks who do this vote for people that get in the way of social justice
I walk past, but not in the rushed looking down to the floor manner.
It's mostly pointless and not a viable solution.
I guess in LA no one cares. Very rarely have I been asked to engage with poeple. Unless I am in Venice Beach. But mostly I just shoot the breeze with them. It's not really important to me.
People have the right to knock on my door, if they come with a message of god, I tell them I am not interested and close the door.
People have the right to preach on the street, I just walk past, its not that I am intentionally ignoring them, I just genuinely am not interested, there are many people on the street, I walk past them all. I have no ill feelings towards the street preachers, they have been taught to evangalise, they know no better. I am yet to see someone stand close to them and actually listen to what they have to say. I'd say they are more likely to turn people away than to bring people inot the ilk
I never had a problem with them. They only knocked on my door once and my girlfriend was the only one home. She said she told them she didn't believe in god and wasn't interested and they did not push it. The same two were always riding their bikes in our area but never broached the subject with us again.
I can't remember the last time I saw one and know I was a child the last time a JW knocked on my door.
I rent the upstairs room and bathroom in a home full of JW. I've been here about 7 years. They are pretty nice people. They have church meetings here. Very involved in their church goings on. And have never once hassled me about their religion.
Quote from: Medusa on July 16, 2011, 10:19:15 AM
I rent the upstairs room and bathroom in a home full of JW. I've been here about 7 years. They are pretty nice people. They have church meetings here. Very involved in their church goings on. And have never once hassled me about their religion.
Would it be too stereotypical to suggest the basement would be more appropriate? :-\
I imagine them steepling their hands, meaning to look to heaven but actually facing their resident Satanist.
I can't even remember the last opportunity I had to engage, not that I did. I would like to someday but I am lazy in such matters and end up walking past or just asking them to leave.
I used to try and convert Jehovah's Witnesses to Islam or Judaism or Druidism or, most recently, the Klingon religion (if you're a real Trekker, this is a ton of fun), but honestly, the best way to deal with them is to invite them in, offer them something to drink, and just talk with them. Let them make their pitch, then have a nice conversation with strangers about religion and philosophy and politics and history. How often does that opportunity come up?
BTW, Klingon creationism involves the "old gods" creating Klingons, forged out of fire and steel, and then the Klingons immediately murdering their own gods. Badasses.
One of my best friends was a Jehova's Witness.
Not sure what their pitch is local to you but when they call on me, they invariably try to suggest that their particular cult is more aligned with science than the others.
They always seem to cite the example that their text rejected the flat earth concept long before it was discovered to be round. The text refers to something like "God looked upon the earth in it's round".
This, they proclaim, shows the accuracy and therefore validity of their version of truth.
But think for a minue....."round" does not mean "sphere". It is a two-dimensional adjective. "Round" can also be "flat"
A dinner plate is round but flat. The mappa mundi (map of the world from c1290) shows a flat eath which is a (flat) circle
This claim is so patently absurd and so easily rejected but they always seem to try it. I wonder how many have said "oh my God - you're right. Take me to your leader"
I found it basically useless and a waste of my time. I have a "No Soliciting" sign in bold black on yellow. Only the neighbour kids are allowed to come round with their fundraisers. The JW's and LDSers knock anyway and I point to the sign on the door. They always says they aren't soliciting. Then I hand them a copy of the definition of "solicit", wait for them to read it and then ask if they have a permit to solicit in the city (which requires one). They all say no. I then ask them if they would like to proceed to the next house or shall I call the police...*wicked evil grin*.
Quote from: Gawen on July 22, 2011, 02:17:05 AM
I found it basically useless and a waste of my time. I have a "No Soliciting" sign in bold black on yellow. Only the neighbour kids are allowed to come round with their fundraisers. The JW's and LDSers knock anyway and I point to the sign on the door. They always says they aren't soliciting. Then I hand them a copy of the definition of "solicit", wait for them to read it and then ask if they have a permit to solicit in the city (which requires one). They all say no. I then ask them if they would like to proceed to the next house or shall I call the police...*wicked evil grin*.
;D
Quote from: Tank on July 22, 2011, 10:26:51 AM
Quote from: Gawen on July 22, 2011, 02:17:05 AM
I found it basically useless and a waste of my time. I have a "No Soliciting" sign in bold black on yellow. Only the neighbour kids are allowed to come round with their fundraisers. The JW's and LDSers knock anyway and I point to the sign on the door. They always says they aren't soliciting. Then I hand them a copy of the definition of "solicit", wait for them to read it and then ask if they have a permit to solicit in the city (which requires one). They all say no. I then ask them if they would like to proceed to the next house or shall I call the police...*wicked evil grin*.
;D
It would be cool if this could be done using the ventriloquist dummy.
That...is really funny. ;D
Some of my best things to do with them:
1. Speak in tongues(one of my many fictional languages. They always ask if I can speak in tongues)
2. Flat out say that I don't believe or want their preaching. When they ask why, look blankly at their faces as if I expect them to say something.(This one should be videotaped. It's a riot.)
3. Be very interested in everything they say, but be too interested and take things to extremes, to where you blatantly misinterpret their preaching beyond orthodoxy.(This one is sometimes a bit much. Because at least once I've had the LDS actually say, "Oh my god. You're right." and start aggreeing with me. Then try and convert his religion groups to my way of thinking. This led to bad things. Gene Siskell, if you're out there, I'm sorry, dude.
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on July 22, 2011, 11:02:01 AM
Quote from: Tank on July 22, 2011, 10:26:51 AM
Quote from: Gawen on July 22, 2011, 02:17:05 AM
I found it basically useless and a waste of my time. I have a "No Soliciting" sign in bold black on yellow. Only the neighbour kids are allowed to come round with their fundraisers. The JW's and LDSers knock anyway and I point to the sign on the door. They always says they aren't soliciting. Then I hand them a copy of the definition of "solicit", wait for them to read it and then ask if they have a permit to solicit in the city (which requires one). They all say no. I then ask them if they would like to proceed to the next house or shall I call the police...*wicked evil grin*.
;D
It would be cool if this could be done using the ventriloquist dummy.
That is class!!! Must find the dummy in my avatar.
Quote from: Rizuidad on July 23, 2011, 06:20:44 AM
That...is really funny. ;D
Some of my best things to do with them:
2. Flat out say that I don't believe or want their preaching. When they ask why, look blankly at their faces as if I expect them to say something.(This one should be videotaped. It's a riot.)
I like this one best. Try here:
http://www.hobbypartz.com/hicocagrforf.html
Quote from: Tank on July 15, 2011, 02:18:09 PM
I got nabbed by the cops in Leeds once because I started arguing with a street preacher. I just stood next to him and refuted what he was saying. Drew quite a crowd. The cops said that I was likly to cause a disturbence. To which I replied 'I didn't start it' but they were a pair of brainless plods so there was no point in arguing. I did note though that the street preacher, who had been a semi-regular feature for a couple of years, only came back once more the following week. I think he was asked to stop by the plods, so a sort of 'victory' although I would much rather have been able to argue with him.
I doubt it was a victory for you in any way. They're probably still at it. I don't think you made any difference whatsoever, and from what you say they're probably well known in the area and probably no one really minds them.
Quote from: Abletony on July 24, 2011, 05:42:08 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 15, 2011, 02:18:09 PM
I got nabbed by the cops in Leeds once because I started arguing with a street preacher. I just stood next to him and refuted what he was saying. Drew quite a crowd. The cops said that I was likly to cause a disturbence. To which I replied 'I didn't start it' but they were a pair of brainless plods so there was no point in arguing. I did note though that the street preacher, who had been a semi-regular feature for a couple of years, only came back once more the following week. I think he was asked to stop by the plods, so a sort of 'victory' although I would much rather have been able to argue with him.
I doubt it was a victory for you in any way. They're probably still at it. I don't think you made any difference whatsoever, and from what you say they're probably well known in the area and probably no one really minds them.
I don't know why they stopped. However I suspect that the police asked them to stop preaching there because there had been other people complaining about them as well. and as I said I would have rather have had them there to debate with.
They run a mile when I say I am a Satanist.
Once I said "Please excuse me. I'd love to stop and discuss things with you but I'm preparing a sacrament to our Dark Lord Satan."
I guess I was conveniently naughty by forgetting to mention I'm really a LaVeyan but I guess thats the devil in me.
ROFL ;D
^^^ I'll have to remember that one ;D
We have a ton of Mormons that come door to door in our area. We still live in a predominately Christian area, so they always seem a little shocked we we say "Sorry, we're happily Atheist."
I think they have all of their angles worked out for converting other "Christians", but they don't even know where to start when you say you're atheist ;D
Whenever I walk past street preachers I always stop for a micro second to smile, give the left-handed Horns sign and say "Hail Satan" before continuing on.
Please forgive me for lifting this post straight from another forum where I first posted it years ago. Saves retyping.
I'll tell you a true story here.
I already have a spoof religion made up ready to deter these people; it is about St Postula and her Holy Screeves. I've used it a few times.
Well, about 10 years ago, just as we were preparing Sunday lunch, a pair of Mormons rang the bell. I knew what they were, they'd been around the village for days.
Before they could open their mouths, I was off with, "Are you saved? Do you believe on our Lady St Postula and the Holy Screeves? You may think you're saved, but unless you have St Postula in your heart, you are inadequately saved."
Then I had an inspiration. I turned back towards the kitchen and called to my daughter: "Jennie! There's some people here who are inadequately saved. They need the Screeves of our Lady St Postula."
Jennie was brilliant. She came out from the kitchen with a manic grin, waving a half-peeled carrot. "Do they want a carrot?"
"Well, says I, "a carrot might help, but what they really need is the Screeves of Our Lady St Postula."
I turned back towards the front door but the Mormons were gone, belting down the road as fast as their legs would carry them.
Luv it! ;D
Superb plan
I'll try it next time they come calling, but I might emphasise the word "Screeves" in a higher-pitch voice and say "Sceyereeeeves!!" while waving my hand to indicate that it is already creeping up behind them.
Quote from: palebluedot on August 23, 2011, 03:38:34 PM
Superb plan
I'll try it next time they come calling, but I might emphasise the word "Screeves" in a higher-pitch voice and say "Sceyereeeeves!!" while waving my hand to indicate that it is already creeping up behind them.
I almost want a visit now ;D
I always come up with what to say after the fact. I went to the burger joint today to buy french fries. A fat black woman was waiting beside me in line. Suddenly she turned to say to me how great it is Jesus spared the Eastern U.S coast from a great earthquake. I didn't know what to say. I just blinked at her.
Argh, i'm so unclever. I'll take suggestions though.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 24, 2011, 07:10:50 AM
I always come up with what to say after the fact. I went to the burger joint today to buy french fries. A fat black woman was waiting beside me in line. Suddenly she turned to say to me how great it is Jesus spared the Eastern U.S coast from a great earthquake. I didn't know what to say. I just blinked at her.
Argh, i'm so unclever dumd. I'll take suggestions though.
Fixed it for you.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 24, 2011, 07:10:50 AM
I always come up with what to say after the fact. I went to the burger joint today to buy french fries. A fat black woman was waiting beside me in line. Suddenly she turned to say to me how great it is Jesus spared the Eastern U.S coast from a great earthquake. I didn't know what to say. I just blinked at her.
Argh, i'm so unclever. I'll take suggestions though.
I would have said " I know, right? I mean not like those heathen Japanese!" All in hillbilly accent
Quote from: Tank on August 23, 2011, 03:41:54 PM
Quote from: palebluedot on August 23, 2011, 03:38:34 PM
Superb plan
I'll try it next time they come calling, but I might emphasise the word "Screeves" in a higher-pitch voice and say "Sceyereeeeves!!" while waving my hand to indicate that it is already creeping up behind them.
I almost want a visit now ;D
Me too. We have a sign on our door to discourage proselytizers. Last time I had one knock on the door was years ago. I couldn't come up with anything clever to say because they woke me from a sound sleep - at the time I worked nights. One good thing came from that, however. They took me off their list for that area.
Quote from: Velma on August 24, 2011, 06:43:04 PM
Quote from: Tank on August 23, 2011, 03:41:54 PM
Quote from: palebluedot on August 23, 2011, 03:38:34 PM
Superb plan
I'll try it next time they come calling, but I might emphasise the word "Screeves" in a higher-pitch voice and say "Sceyereeeeves!!" while waving my hand to indicate that it is already creeping up behind them.
I almost want a visit now ;D
Me too. We have a sign on our door to discourage proselytizers. Last time I had one knock on the door was years ago. I couldn't come up with anything clever to say because they woke me from a sound sleep - at the time I worked nights. One good thing came from that, however. They took me off their list for that area.
You're all right, all you'd have to do is send your other half to the door and get him to smile at them!
I live with Jehovah Witnesses. So I guess they don't knock on each other's door. :P
I think that maybe engaging is the most efficient way of getting rid of unwanted door to door salesmen JWs, Mormons or any other person with religious intentions. When all the 'beware of dog' signs you place between your family and them aren't enough, they leave you little choice. Bring out the bible and give them hell ;D
Quote from: Medusa on August 24, 2011, 09:29:16 AM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 24, 2011, 07:10:50 AM
I always come up with what to say after the fact. I went to the burger joint today to buy french fries. A fat black woman was waiting beside me in line. Suddenly she turned to say to me how great it is Jesus spared the Eastern U.S coast from a great earthquake. I didn't know what to say. I just blinked at her.
Argh, i'm so unclever. I'll take suggestions though.
I would have said " I know, right? I mean not like those heathen Japanese!" All in hillbilly accent
I know you say this in Jest, but many of my friends in Japan were directly affected by the tsunami, so.....i'm no... I don't joke about such a serious matter.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 25, 2011, 03:30:40 AM
Quote from: Medusa on August 24, 2011, 09:29:16 AM
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 24, 2011, 07:10:50 AM
I always come up with what to say after the fact. I went to the burger joint today to buy french fries. A fat black woman was waiting beside me in line. Suddenly she turned to say to me how great it is Jesus spared the Eastern U.S coast from a great earthquake. I didn't know what to say. I just blinked at her.
Argh, i'm so unclever. I'll take suggestions though.
I would have said " I know, right? I mean not like those heathen Japanese!" All in hillbilly accent
I know you say this in Jest, but many of my friends in Japan were directly affected by the tsunami, so.....i'm no... I don't joke about such a serious matter.
I guess we will just joke about someone's religion then. No.
What the crap does religion have to do with making light of a tsunami that freakin killed thousands?
I have friends who's whole towns were leveled. So excuse me if I don't find humor in your statement above.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 25, 2011, 04:55:20 AM
What the crap does religion have to do with making light of a tsunami that freakin killed thousands?
I have friends who's whole towns were leveled. So excuse me if I don't find humor in your statement above.
My point is that one person's personal values are not everyones. It's ok to make fun of ABC but don't you dare make fun of D because it hits too close to home. That's the point. People make fun of other's personal issues as long as it doesn't affect their personal issues.
I'm an equal opportunist joker. Have I told you any of my dead baby jokes yet?
You seem to be ok with making fun of things that do not personally affect you. AS DO I
What have I made fun of that affects or offended you? If someone told me I offended them, I would actually stop and think.
Last time I checked, I haven't made fun of you or your Satanism, or whichever.
But knowing people in Japan who lost everything pisses me off.
Even though I don't personally know anyone in chile, haiti or new orleans, "poking fun" at victims of a terribly natural disaster is sick. :(
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 25, 2011, 08:53:57 AM
What have I made fun of that affects or offended you? If someone told me I offended them, I would actually stop and think.
Last time I checked, I haven't made fun of you or your Satanism, or whichever.
But knowing people in Japan who lost everything pisses me off.
Even though I don't personally know anyone in chile, haiti or new orleans, "poking fun" at victims of a terribly natural disaster is sick. :(
Somebody or something is almost always the butt of a joke. Almost all jokes will offend somebody, on that basis should all humor be banned?
You are of course supporting the Muslim view of the Danish cartoons about Mohamed that because they find those cartoons offensive they should be banned.
Quote from: Sweetdeath on August 25, 2011, 08:53:57 AM
What have I made fun of that affects or offended you? If someone told me I offended them, I would actually stop and think.
Last time I checked, I haven't made fun of you or your Satanism, or whichever.
But knowing people in Japan who lost everything pisses me off.
Even though I don't personally know anyone in chile, haiti or new orleans, "poking fun" at victims of a terribly natural disaster is sick. :(
I won't make fun of the disaster in Japan. I do not wish to get you upset.
Though alot of stuff you post offends the shit out of me. But tis a free world and I got my big girl pants pulled way up high. So no worries.
D: welp, thanks.