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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think that nobody EVER changed their religious beliefs thanks to a door-step caller?

124 replies

CrystalHaze · 16/01/2015 23:59

Just exactly that, really.

Following today's 'have you heard the good news?' doorstep visit, I've been wondering what the conversion rate actually is, and I cannot think of any way in which it could be a successful strategy for drawing people to your religion, unless they were particularly vulnerable.

So, what I'm wondering is: has anyone ever answered the door to a total stranger, listened to what they have to say on spiritual matters, and subsequently seen the light?

OP posts:
AgentZigzag · 17/01/2015 00:08

I can't say that I have, but I'm not sure that's really important to them is it? (if you're talking about Jehovah's Witnesses?)

I might be wrong, but I see it more that trying to spread the word is important to them rather than it being something about the other person and what they think, so the take up rate is irrelevant.

There are a couple I see regularly enough to say hello to when I'm taking DD to school, they know my answer and just leave it as a hello now.

Them and the other people I've come across who do this have the patience of fucking saints! It's not something I could do.

GokTwo · 17/01/2015 00:08

I've wondered this. I had a friend who was/is a Jehovah's Witness. She told me she got a lot of rejection but the odd person who was interested and welcoming and that was cheering. I must admit I absolutely loathe religious people knocking on my door as much as I loathe chuggers.

JoanHickson · 17/01/2015 00:10

I don't know the rates. I do know I saw a little leaflet stand in the middle of a footpath near the station. They had the little yellow books and watchtowers. Maybe they get a lot of interest from people who like to walk or travel on trains?

payuktaxrichardbranson · 17/01/2015 00:10

No not me, unless you count me telling them I'm a Catholic(I'm not a Catholic)

GothMummy · 17/01/2015 00:13

Im pretty sure that they feel they have to spread the word regardless of uptake. They dont come to us as my dog barks at the door!

AgentZigzag · 17/01/2015 00:17

Hehe, I tell them I'm C of E payuk Grin

and they move on after giving me a sympathetic look

hippo123 · 17/01/2015 00:18

I don't know. There's a lot of lonely people out there, especially the elderly. I believe Christmas Day is a great day for jw to call round as those who have no one visiting / visited are normally quite welcoming to a chat.

catkind · 17/01/2015 00:22

YANBU at all. Or street preachers. It's all about them feeling virtuous for evangelizing.
Why can I never think of the snappy responses when they're actually in my face though?

SurlyCue · 17/01/2015 00:24

My best friend's mum did. Although i will say that she was at a very vulnerable point in her life and desperate to be 'saved' from it.

Original poster
CrystalHaze · 17/01/2015 00:25

Today's couple weren't JW, though we get our fair share of those too, bit I just find it odd, really. I don't 'buy' anything from someone who knocks at the door uninvited - sky tv, new electricity supplier, dusters, hedge-trimming/roof repairs, etc.
So why on earth would I change my entire spiritual outlook on the basis of the views of someone who just turned up at the door.

It strikes me as a monumental water of time. There's got to be more successful, and more efficient ways, to spread your beliefs, surely?

OP posts:
Original poster
CrystalHaze · 17/01/2015 00:26

: waste of time! Not water ..

Thanks, autocorrect!

OP posts:
SorchaN · 17/01/2015 00:29

I'm unlikely to change my perspective on anything in response to doorstep callers.

I don't like being rude though. I simply tell them my own religious views and that tends to discourage them.

Original poster
CrystalHaze · 17/01/2015 00:29

Really, SurlyCue? So that's one in the bag, at least, versus ermmm, hundreds of thousands of failed pitches.

I find it very offensive. Believe whatever you like, but don't have the arrogance to knock on my door and tell me that I should think the same way too.

OP posts:
SurlyCue · 17/01/2015 00:31

Well i suppose you could say 4 as she converted her children too although two are now "lapsed" (is that the word?) as adults.

Original poster
CrystalHaze · 17/01/2015 00:33

Ah, well, I stand corrected, then, as I genuinely thought that door stepping was an entirely pointless exercise!

OP posts:
payuktaxrichardbranson · 17/01/2015 00:34

I think the jw are earning their place in heaven by cold calling. I'm always polite as it must be soul destroying knocking on doors like that

justbatteringon · 17/01/2015 00:38

My mum did and because I grew up within the JW religion, no longer a part of it. I always thought I was safe from getting leaflets when they came to my door considering they've known me since I was a child turns out I was wrong though Hmm
I'm not sure what the ins and outs were considering I was only a baby.

justbatteringon · 17/01/2015 00:40

And its more about letting you know about jehoval than wishing you to convert to their religion

SorchaN · 17/01/2015 00:43

I don't necessarily tell the utility company reps my religious views. Maybe I should start.

Original poster
CrystalHaze · 17/01/2015 00:46

But in letting you know, is the end goal not that you, at some point, convert? Otherwise it's sharing information to what purpose?

Your pits has just reminded me that I used to know someone who was estranged from their JW parents as they refused to go door to door and their parents would accept it.

OP posts:
AgentZigzag · 17/01/2015 00:46

Because it's more about them than it is about you, it maybe seems more intrusive than it actually is?

I don't know whether this is the norm, but it's usually a pretty quick encounter, they ask, you say no thanks, they fuck off.

They would be unreasonable if they didn't take no for an answer, but even for someone like me who goes out of their way to avoid other people, they're pretty benign.

Original poster
CrystalHaze · 17/01/2015 00:49

I guess the nub of it for me is that I don't understand wanting to tell strangers what you believe just for the sake of sharing information.

The undercurrent is always 'this is what I think. I think you should think this too.' Otherwise what's the point?

OP posts:
justbatteringon · 17/01/2015 00:51

Jesus told his followers to “make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) When he sent out his early disciples, Jesus directed them to go to the homes of the people. (Matthew 10:7, 11-13) After Jesus’ death, first-century Christians continued to spread their message both “publicly and from house to house.” (Acts 5:42; 20:20)

We follow the example of those early Christians and find that the door-to-door ministry is a good way to reach people.

AgentZigzag · 17/01/2015 00:52

I know a couple of people who have been looking for 'something' all their lives who I can imagine being drawn towards JW to see what it's all about, see if they fit in.

One of them has found whatever she was looking for (in veganism) but the other one is still a bit lost, and it is sad to see in someone.

justbatteringon · 17/01/2015 00:53

That was cut and pasted by the way these are not my views