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Neighbors trying to convert me

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posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 12:44 AM
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Hello AtSers- I have a new problem. I purchased the house I now live in from my father, my family lived here about seventeen years ago and my Dad kept it as a rental property. The neighbors have been here for around thirty years, and are very kind to my girlfriend and me. They have helped us with the yard, and have offered to watch our dogs when we go on vacation. The only problem is that they want us to attend their church. I cannot recall the name of the religion they practice, but the women are not allowed to cut their hair and are expected to always defer to the man. My father warned me that they would attempt to 'witness' to us, but I know they are not Jehovas Witnesses. The other day the husband asked if my girlfriend and I would attend a church service. I said that we were not really into the whole God thing (even though I am, just don't like organized religion). He then said that he knew we wanted to change our lives for the better, not drink smoke or live in sin. At this point I was getting visibly angry, and he stopped asking. I really want to remain friendly with this family, but doubt I can if they keep trying to get me into their church. I don't want a new religion, especially not one that would treat the strongest, most amazing woman I have ever met as less than equal. I thought my views were fairly transparent, but they started up on me again today. I tried the broken record routine, 'Thanks, but we are not interested' for about five minutes straight, and when that failed just walked away. Any thoughts on what I should say? Remember I want to remain civil. and actually like these folks. I don't want to tell them point blank that I think they are backwards, but wish to maintain a friendly relationship. Please no religious people are stupid tirades, just good advice. I greatly respect the majority of ATS, and think that you all could really help me out! Thanks in advance.



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 12:52 AM
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reply to post by Raustin
 


If they're attempting to 'witness' to you, they're probably Christians, and feel it's their religious duty to make sure you know Jesus Christ.

If you throw up a brick wall, some people just treat that as 'more of a challenge' and become more persistent.

So, if you want them to stop annoying you, tell them that you'll come to Jesus in your own way, if that's God's will, in His time, not theirs, and that you appreciate their concern and realize that that their trying to help others. Be polite and smile.



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 01:58 AM
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Get a freaky scientology book and hop the hedge over to their property and ask them if they would like to talk about scientology with you for a while.


If you do manage to get in their house for a discussion, hop up on the couch and do the Tom Cruise thing!


I know, not good help.

Best you can do is tell them politely that you are heavy into your own studies and that you are indeed a believer. Tell them there are others in the neighborhood that need witness.

[edit on 18-11-2008 by Atlantican]



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 02:07 AM
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reply to post by Raustin
 


Be honest. Tell them that you really do not want to discuss religion with them. Say that you are sorry, but if they can't stop bringing it up that you will no longer be able to talk to them at all. That is the truth right? If they won't stop, you simply have to stop talking to them. If it is witnessing you is more important to them than your friendship, then you don't need to be dealing with them.



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 02:14 AM
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reply to post by Raustin
 


I would simply be honest with them. Tell them that you think that they are wonderful people and that you value their friendship. Tell them, however, that their persistence in their desire to "witness" to you could threaten this relationship. Explain to them that one day something may change and you may be willing to listen to them but that that day is not today. Reiterate that if they continue to push you that all they will accomplish is to push you away from what otherwise could be a good friendship. If this does not work, and they do not respect your wishes, nothing will and ultimately my advice would be to sever your ties and just try to maintain a cordial, neighborly relationship.

[edit on 18-11-2008 by BluegrassRevolutionary]



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 02:15 AM
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Originally posted by Atlantican
Get a freaky scientology book and hop the hedge over to their property and ask them if they would like to talk about scientology with you for a while.


If you do manage to get in their house for a discussion, hop up on the couch and do the Tom Cruise thing!




I was going to suggest locating a particularly animated pagan ritual and performing it on the lawn, or in the backyard at a particularly vocal level. Scientology would be quite effective, though. I doubt the Christian neighbors would appreciate it. Then again, they might take it as a sign to amplify the proselytizing.

To the OP: I'm afraid there isn't a single solution to this sort of problem. Are you able to ignore them if you so choose? Can you simply decline conversation and walk away when they approach? I know that you wish to remain on good terms with the family, but doing so will almost certainly mean accepting their behavior. I'm sure you do not want to be dodging your neighbors at every turn either, but these seem to be your options. You are stuck between alienating your neighbors and accepting their wish to preach to you.



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 02:29 AM
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I agree with the other posters. When they show up at my door in their suit and tie I offer to tell them all about my religion completely ignoring their protest and input. It usually doesn't take long to send them packing. I use the pagan alter approach if that fails.



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 02:30 AM
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posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 03:20 AM
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Thank you for the replies! I have my own opinions of who/what God is, and they differ greatly from the neighbors. If these were the normal run of the mill religious folk at my door, I would probably attempt some pagan rituals when they rang my doorbell. The problem is that they are the kindest people I have ever met, and go out of their way to help my girlfriend and I. I really enjoy talking with them, but as of late I have been avoiding them because they want to convert me. One thing I will take from those that have posted is to be honest. I feel disrespected when they ask that we attend a church service. If it had been a one time thing, I would appreciate it but the constant 'you should join us this Sunday' has gotten old. They have also commented that I occasionally drink and smoke. I feel that this is my business, and no one (save my girlfriend) has the right to comment on this. I really hope to kindly tell them to eff off, but still don't know how. Remember that in a lot of ways they are great. When we moved in, they mowed the lawn and pressure washed the porch, driveway and roof for us. I really respect them in a lot of ways, and hope we can remain friends, without them trying to convert us. I thank you for your comments ATSers, you truly are the best breed of internet commentators.



posted on Nov, 18 2008 @ 06:05 AM
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