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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed with those selling religion door to door

60 replies

Ilovemyself · 30/05/2013 10:00

Yesterday morning, whilst getting the children ready to go out there was a knock at the door. 2 women of pensioner age stood there when I answered, and asked me if I had thought of god.

I told then that I didn't want to waste their time or mine as I had my own particular views and was rather busy.

They did ask what my religion was which I told them and hoped they would go away.

At this point, they pulled out their leaflets and asked if I had ever wondered if god was cruel. I was polite, took their leaflets, and said I was busy ( again).

They thanked me and said they would come back to discuss what they had left.

I was polite to them throughout. Would I be unreasonable to either ignore their knocks or answer and tell them to go away. I really think your religion ( or lack of) is your personal business and going door to door does pray on the vulnerable and elderly

OP posts:
specialsubject · 30/05/2013 10:07

I think you mean 'prey' :-)

just put them in the 'deluded idiot' department and close the door.

FryOneFatManic · 30/05/2013 10:10

I had 2 JW yesterday morning. I simply answered the door and as soon as one pulled out their leaflet, I politely said no thanks and closed the door. They were polite and left. No problem.

Original poster
Ilovemyself · 30/05/2013 10:11

It was a deliberate mistake ;-)

OP posts:
DryCounty79 · 30/05/2013 10:12

Next time, just ask to be put on their 'do not call' list and that should stop the majority of the visits. You might still get a very occasional one by accident but they'll generally not bother you again.
You could also put a 'no religious callers' sign up, although if you're like me, you don't really want signs all over your front door! Smile

They do genuinely believe they are doing what the bible says and that they're helping people. It's also an absolute requirement of their 'membership' to go knocking on doors. Knowing that doesn't make it any less irritating though!

Sleep404 · 30/05/2013 10:12

Thank you but I'm not interested. Turn and begin to shut door/ put phone down.

I use this for any unsolicited calls at the door or on the phone. I do not engage in any other way or accept any of their rubbish paperwork.

This may seem rude but I couldn't care less really.

DryCounty79 · 30/05/2013 10:12

Ooh and don't ever take their literature, else they'll think you're interested and will come back!!

BunnyLebowski · 30/05/2013 10:13

Tell them you're a satanist and then maintain eye contact with a straight face till they back down the drive.

Works for me.

phantomhairpuller · 30/05/2013 10:13

I generally ignore their knocking Wink cant be arsed with it I'm afraid

OwlinaTree · 30/05/2013 10:15

Mr Owl likes to engage them in debate about evolution until I drag him away. They sent a small child to knock on the doors the other week while the 2 ladies waited at the end of the drive! Hmm

Just say 'we are not interested thank you, have a lovely day' and shut the door.

dreamingbohemian · 30/05/2013 10:19

Next time Jehovah's Witnesses show up, tell them you're Mormon -- they are in a fierce missionary competition and so they'll give you a bad look and wander off.

I learned this living in Brixton Smile

SueDnym · 30/05/2013 10:25

I always reply "God's a cunt" when I'm asked that particular question. Or I explain the bing bang theory to them.

But I always, always shut the door ASAP.

SueDnym · 30/05/2013 10:26

Yes, the bing bang theory, it confuses them more than the big bang theory.Smile

CloudsAndTrees · 30/05/2013 10:27

YANBU to tell them you aren't interested and that you'd rather they didn't call again.

I have some Jehovah's that come round, I made the mistake of getting involved in conversation with them, because they've been back a couple of times since which has made it harder to tell them I'm not interested.

I was up for a bit or religious debate, but I forgot that they aren't there just to chat and that they are on a mission to convert Blush

mrsjay · 30/05/2013 10:28

YANBU but I guess that is what JW do they try and spread the word it is annoying but I just say no thanks and close the door but you must never ever look at the watch tower they will think you paying attention and come back

Cosydressinggown · 30/05/2013 10:28

It is part of their religion, but it's really annoying.

dreamingbohemian · 30/05/2013 10:29

I had a JW come round once here in France, I was so happy I could just be all, sorry, don't speak French! and shut the door.

The next day, kid you not, an English-speaking JW came to the door. Those people are seriously organised.

loofet · 30/05/2013 10:38

Yanbu. We have a JW couple that inform me they live on our street and if I ever have any questions I am welcome to go around at any time Hmm. They are extremely persistent. I made the mistake of telling them my first name the first time and accepting the leaflets (I blame sleep deprivation and I was in a rush between nap times with the DC etc) and of course they remembered so now come knocking weekly.

Last time DH answered and they asked if 'loofet' was there and I refused to go to the door. They still gave DH leaflets to give me though, bearing in mind this was the fourth week in a row they'd been Hmm. I only answered the first time because they saw me through the window and I didn't know who they were anyway so felt rude not to answer. The next few times were because they were knocking loudly like 3 times and the baby was asleep Angry. I'm too polite nowadays to tell them where to go but i've never acted interested so I don't know why they keep coming...

DH finds it hilarious Angry, I just wish they'd get the message. If they come again I will be telling them. I don't get why they have to be so damn persistent.

CrapsWithBears · 30/05/2013 12:08

I have a big sign on my door that says, 'No salesmen, No canvassers, No cold callers, No religious bodies', it's bright red and at head height and they STILL knock on the door.

Plus they get bloody affronted if you're short with them. Angry

TooOldForGlitter · 30/05/2013 12:10

Why is it OK to call a JW a "deluded idiot"? Why is it acceptable that this particular religion is fair game?

TryDrawing · 30/05/2013 12:15

If you can manage a quick change, answer the door wearing a flirty robe and flash a bit of thigh. Then be super polite with the no thank yous.

Come to think of it, I haven't had any more visits since I answered the door in a total panic, clutching a nappy and saying "No time to talk, pooooooooooooooooooooo eveywhere!!!!!" (I thought it was dh at the door and was hoping to had the job over to him :) )

JakeBullet · 30/05/2013 12:19

I agree that they genuinely believe in what they are doing. Be super polite and say "No Thanks", if you ring the local Kingdom Hall you can ask to be added to their "Do Not Call" list. We did this for an elderly neighbour and they were as good as their word, he had no more calls.

I find them okay, I do chat a little bit but they know I am Catholic.

C999875 · 30/05/2013 12:23

Just be polite and assertive and say no thankyou. I have my own belifes. No-one has the right to force their beliefs on anyone. You are allowed and have the right "no". xxx

NicknameIncomplete · 30/05/2013 12:27

I dont really have a problem with them coming to my door (i think after me ignoring their knocking the last time they have given up).

I have had them stopping me in the street and trying to preach to me.

I have just had enough. Would it be wrong of me to tell them to just fuck off?

RhondaJean · 30/05/2013 12:30

YABU in that they arent 'selling' anything.

WorraLiberty · 30/05/2013 12:32

I learnt years ago to give a smile and a very firm 'No thank you' while closing the door...never had a problem since.

Before that, I used to say things like "No thanks I'm Catholic" or "Sorry, now's not a good time"...but all that did was engage them in conversation or make them ask when was a good time.

You don't have to be rude...just very firm.