Mormons came to my door today

[talter]

I hear this a lot of people who don’t believe Mormonism at all and already know what it’s about entertaining missionaries. If you don’t have any interest in Mormonism just go ahead and tell them that. Why bother getting into a debate or anything else? It will be a waste of both your time. I’m sure those young men want to shake off the dust and move on to more ignorant pastures.

I do this all the time with door to door preachers or people selling something. I figure it’s nicer to tell them immediately I’m not interested rather than waste the peoples time.

I can agree with that. When I encountered a missionary before I was married I would be very up front that I have no interest in converting and let it be. Since I have been married I have invited them in to take a load off or to have something to drink after telling them I have no interest. Why the change? I married a Mormon so I am more aware now about their situation. While they go out on mission of their own free will it is not without coercion or pressure. So much of a Mormon’s existence is tied to the church and the church strongly “suggests” that all people should serve a mission. Many of whom are 18 - 24 years old and away from home for the first time and just out of high school. They get doors slammed in their faces, they have limited interaction with the real world (no checking in with Sports Center, or watching CNN), everything must be faith promoting and lead to the building up of the church. Tack on that pressure to serve, the individual is responsible for paying their own way and you have a recipe for depression. Picture being told over and over and over again that you should go on a mission (or asked over and over again when are you going on a mission). Then going through what equates to scriptural boot camp at the Missionary Training Center. Then being dumped in yet another new local with a complete stranger for a companion to wander around looking for people to preach to. The vast majority of whom are not interested. Many of whom can be down right nasty. And you get an idea of what missionaries in the LDS church go through. So now I have sympathy for them.

Now is that an accurate description of all missionaries, no. But it’s close enough for many of them that they take the offer of food and drink. If they take the offer and want to try to begin the “discussions” then I have no problem discussing my faith with them at the same time. If they want to just eat and talk about the area or current events then that’s what we talk about. Besides my wife would be a little upset if I just tossed them off the porch.

I’m not suggesting my way is right for anybody else just sharing how I handle them. Whatever you decide to do with missionaries on your doorstep, just be polite and friendly.

 

[PaulDupre]

Hi

In my opinion one should form one’s opinion after reading the basic book of a religion, not from what others ( those who are against them) say about them.

Thanks

Since the Book of Mormon teaches 19th-century Protestantism, not Mormonism, one would need to read the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price to get the distinctive beliefs of Mormonism. And even then you’re not getting it all.

Paul

 

[Publisher]

I was working in my garden last summer putting in a brick patio. I was loading bricks onto a dolly and moving them to the back yard when a couple Mormon missionaries showed up. Here I was in a tank top, cut-offs, sweaty and tired loading bricks and sand, one of the missionaries asked if they could help me move the bags of sand into the back yard. I said “Sure, that would be great.” We worked for about 1/2 an hour and between the three of us got all the sand moved into the back yard, I told them I’d finish the bricks by myself as I had more than enough to begin my patio.

I invited them to sit down in the lawn chairs and I’d get us some refreshment. I made each of them a sandwich and made some lemonaid. I brought it out to them and we sat for about an hour speaking of spiritual things. I told them I was a Friend and yes I had read the Book of Mormon, I had RLDS friends and had one of their copies given to me as a birthday gift…a nice leather bound edition by the way…anyway they were kind and sincere young men.

We never came to an agreement on theology, but I offered to read any literature they may have other than the Book of Mormon they offered as I already had one. I told them if they are ever in the neighborhood and in need of a meal or a “time out”, stop by and I’d “fix 'em up.” They stopped by about two weeks later…my patio was finished and I fixed them a nice meal. We spoke of God and His blessings on our lives. I asked them what their plans were when they got home from their missions. They were eager to share. Then they bore their testimony about the church and Joseph Smith…and I bore my testimony of the Light Within each of us who guides us all in our search for Truth.

We shook hands and again I offered a meal and refreshment if they were in the area and needed a break from their duties…I haven’t seen them since last summer, but it was not a waste of my time…and I hope it wasn’t a waste of theirs. Kindness doesn’t cost anything…meaness costs more than we can afford.

 

[Jerusha]

I’m not suggesting my way is right for anybody else just sharing how I handle them. Whatever you decide to do with missionaries on your doorstep, just be polite and friendly.

By all means. And if you can’t be polite and friendly, if the sight of a young man wearing a white shirt and a necktie and wearing a name-badge gives you a panic attack, take action as I described before. Leave it up to others who can be polite and friendly in one-to-one interaction. And you don’t have to explain why.

 

[RebeccaJ]

That is very kind, and maybe someday I could bring myself to do something like that.

My experience with them is that they do not respect my “no interest” responses to their door preachings. Not only do they come back, they come back asking for my minor daughter. If they think this mom is going to let them speak to my daughter for one second, think again. I fiercely protect her from their clutches.

To me, they are not being kind, they are being manipulative. They have only one reason, and one reason only for offering help. For sitting there as your “friend”. An attempt to convert you. I see no reason to pretend otherwise.

 

[Publisher]

That is very kind, and maybe someday I could bring myself to do something like that.

My experience with them is that they do not respect my “no interest” responses to their door preachings. Not only do they come back, they come back asking for my minor daughter. If they think this mom is going to let them speak to my daughter for one second, think again. I fiercely protect her from their clutches.

To me, they are not being kind, they are being manipulative. They have only one reason, and one reason only for offering help. For sitting there as your “friend”. An attempt to convert you. I see no reason to pretend otherwise.

Well, I felt I was at an advantage…they were no more than 21 years old…I’m 53 with lots of “life” under my belt…and they did assist me, which I’m sure they weren’t expecting me to say “Sure…”…but then I don’t think they expected me to feed them and offer them a place to 'retreat" to on a hot summer day either.

 

[lukewarm]

I heard a rumor that Mormon missionaries scour obituaries to play on the heart strings of people who recently lost family members. They tell them about families being together forever. Catherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy) was a Mormon and I read they converted after the death of a sibling. I wonder if this happened to her?

She isn’t a devout Mormon she smokes and drinks, but I remember and interview with her where she wouldn’t talk about Mormonism and said “some things should remain sacred”… I was like “man what do they do to these people?”…

 

[talter]

By all means. And if you can’t be polite and friendly, if the sight of a young man wearing a white shirt and a necktie and wearing a name-badge gives you a panic attack, take action as I described before. Leave it up to others who can be polite and friendly in one-to-one interaction. And you don’t have to explain why.

You betcha. Panic attacks are not fun and your own health should always come first. If you need to slam the door, then slam the door nicely. “Watch your toes…” WHAM

 

[talter]

She isn’t a devout Mormon she smokes and drinks, but I remember and interview with her where she wouldn’t talk about Mormonism and said “some things should remain sacred”…

Ugh there it is again. Sacred does not equal secret. Why do Mormons always think they are synonymous? Granted I could be taking her statement out of context a little. She could mean that the experience she had during her time of active membership is sacred to her from a past tense stand point i.e. my memories are sacred to me. But I always hear in my head it’s “not secret it’s sacred”.

 

[Good_Daughter]

Today I had my first door knocking Mormon experience. A few years ago, while I was in college, two girls talked with me as I was walking back to campus at night; but tonight was the first time that Mormons actually knocked at my door. When I opened the door, I was a bit confused; I thought maybe the two young men were friends of my housemates (who were not home)

They started talking to me, asking me if I’ve heard of this special sort of gospel. I said no, but when they mentioned the Church of Latter Day Saints, I knew who they were.

So, they asked me if I had any questions. Not being very familiar, but knowing something about Mormonism, I said no; but I asked if perhaps I could have a Book of Mormon. They gave me one, not reluctantly I don’t think, but I think they wanted to talk with me some more. It was a rather interesting conversation. We were very polite to each other, even shaking hands. They said they would come back in a week to see how I am doing. I’m wondering what I should say to them when they come back–if I should spend time studying Mormonism during the week. I don’t really want to slam the door on their face, even if I don’t believe what Mormonism teaches.

What do you think?

Be sure to pray first. After that, there are a couple approaches you can take if you want to engage them. First you can read the BoM, research the Mormon faith and be ready to refute their claims. You may find your conversations ending in frustration however, if you choose this approach.

Second, you can share your faith (EO, I checked) the same way they share theirs. Be sure you can explain with confidence things like the unbroken line of apostolic succession and how public revelation ended with the death of the last apostle. Do you have a testimony of the Holy Spirit that Eastern Orthodoxy is the true faith? Share it with them, they simply can’t refute it!

Something to consider: If you believe God the Father is pure spirit and doesn’t have a physical body, why would you spend time reading a book (BoM) dictated by a man who claims God appeared to him physically?

God bless you in your efforts.

 

[Prince_Hal]

I was a Mormon missionary for 18 months, a bishop for 4 years, high coucilman for 2 years. My advise is to first ensure that you are well grounded in your own faith. If you are in any doubt, ask someone who is to be with you - if you can arrange a definite time for them to come around. Perhaps your priest or a deacon can come.

Mormonism is fascinating, but only requires a little bible knowledge to refute. But perhaps it is an opportunity to witness to the missionaries of our Catholic beliefs. But be aware. There is a spirit that accompanies the missionaries, and it isn’t the Holy Spirit. Beware also that any emotion you show is likely to be labelled by the missionaries as the Holy Spirit witnessing to you of the truthfulness of Mormonism.

Be careful.

God bless,

Hal.

 

[Madaglan]

I’m very surprised by the great number of responses. I’d like to respond to each one, but unfortunately I do not have the time tonight to do so. Just a few things I thought I’d point out: 1) I’m a guy not a gal; 2) I’m Eastern Orthodox not Roman Catholic.

Originally Posted by Prince Hal:

Mormonism is fascinating, but only requires a little bible knowledge to refute. But perhaps it is an opportunity to witness to the missionaries of our Catholic beliefs. But be aware. There is a spirit that accompanies the missionaries, and it isn’t the Holy Spirit. Beware also that any emotion you show is likely to be labelled by the missionaries as the Holy Spirit witnessing to you of the truthfulness of Mormonism.

I’m quite an unemotional sort of person.

The one guy seemed afraid of me. Maybe he saw an angel behind my back or something.

 

[Madaglan]

I think what I’ll do is have a stack of all my religious books strategically placed on the kitchen table–you know, the Koran, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, Kabbalah, Martin Luther, St. John of the Cross, Why I am a Lutheran, Benedict XVI, Ancient Egyptian Religion, and have the Book of Mormon on top. Maybe it will confuse them and they’ll give up trying to figure out what I am.

Seriously though, I understand they can be dangerous; and I’m very much aware of the presence of the Devil. So yes, I’ll be careful.

 

[mjf001]

I was working in my garden last summer putting in a brick patio. I was loading bricks onto a dolly and moving them to the back yard when a couple Mormon missionaries showed up. Here I was in a tank top, cut-offs, sweaty and tired loading bricks and sand, one of the missionaries asked if they could help me move the bags of sand into the back yard. I said “Sure, that would be great.” We worked for about 1/2 an hour and between the three of us got all the sand moved into the back yard, I told them I’d finish the bricks by myself as I had more than enough to begin my patio.

I invited them to sit down in the lawn chairs and I’d get us some refreshment. I made each of them a sandwich and made some lemonaid. I brought it out to them and we sat for about an hour speaking of spiritual things. I told them I was a Friend and yes I had read the Book of Mormon, I had RLDS friends and had one of their copies given to me as a birthday gift…a nice leather bound edition by the way…anyway they were kind and sincere young men.

We never came to an agreement on theology, but I offered to read any literature they may have other than the Book of Mormon they offered as I already had one. I told them if they are ever in the neighborhood and in need of a meal or a “time out”, stop by and I’d “fix 'em up.” They stopped by about two weeks later…my patio was finished and I fixed them a nice meal. We spoke of God and His blessings on our lives. I asked them what their plans were when they got home from their missions. They were eager to share. Then they bore their testimony about the church and Joseph Smith…and I bore my testimony of the Light Within each of us who guides us all in our search for Truth.

We shook hands and again I offered a meal and refreshment if they were in the area and needed a break from their duties…I haven’t seen them since last summer, but it was not a waste of my time…and I hope it wasn’t a waste of theirs. Kindness doesn’t cost anything…meaness costs more than we can afford.

This is a great post and definitely food for thought. In the past, I’ve struggled to be charitable when the LDS have knocked on my door. I’ll try to keep this anecdote in mind the next time it comes up. Who knows, perhaps I can at least send them on their way with a smile on their faces and a seed in their heart.

 

[PaulDupre]

I heard a rumor that Mormon missionaries scour obituaries to play on the heart strings of people who recently lost family members. They tell them about families being together forever.

Yes, as a former Mormon missionary, I can testify that that is one of the most oft-used techniques for finding new contacts. They also look for new births and new engagements.

Paul

 

[NewSeeker]

I was a missionary in North Carolina in the mid-eighties for 25 months (yes, I extended for the allowable extra month). I once visited vital records at city hall to scour birth, death, and marriage certificates. We were advised by the mission president that that would be a good way to find people who might be open to our message since folks in transition are often searching for meaning. We made a list of people whose records were recently dated and whose addresses were in our area. I don’t remember how many addresses we tracked down or how many people on the list we talked to. I do remember one visit though. We checked on address and ended up in a housing project knocking on the door of a 14 year old girl who’d just given birth. She and her mom were very nice and we shared a gospel message with them, but it was clear this was no “golden contact” - to put it in terms LDS missionaries use. She was just a very young, confused girl and her mom had no education to speak of. We never went back, mostly because (for me) doing such a thing didn’t feel right. Later on I knew it for what it was. In hindsight, this was exploitation pure and simple. I don’t know whether missionaries still do this today, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it still happens.

That was a long time ago. Looking back I still feel awkward relating that info. Thank God I’m enrolled in RCIA and finally on the path to joining God’s family. Six weeks to go!

 

[holdencaulfield]

Like salesmen, mormon missionaries are taught to play on the socialization we all have to “be polite”. They will push this to the limits, and the more you are polite and don’t say “not interested”, the more they are encouraged that you are a “golden contact”. Meaning, someone they will have baptized within the next 2 months.

Tell them, politelty, “I am not interested.” And if you experience, like I have, that they just sort of ignore this statement, like you aren’t speaking the same language as them. Say it again, and again, and again, until they leave and don’t come back.

You got it. They are exactly like salesmen, and there selling something you don’t want.

 

[holdencaulfield]

For communion the use wonder bread and water, because if jesus would have had clean water he would have used it instead of wine.

What blasphemy. If Christ had wanted to use water, he would have.

every thing is drab, quite and dull. i went once to appease a mormon friend whom i had got to attend several Masses. the bishops sitting up front were interesting there was a nice looking one and one that looked like a bouncer, he glared at me and my other friend who also came with me when we didnt sing (the songs were heretical). we didnt take their communion either of course, even my reformed protestant friend who believes it is only symbols was too weirded out to take communion there. oh and in the classrooms they have paintings of book of mormonheros but they all look like conan the destroyer, standing on top of roman style troop encampment walls that are in latin america, oh and they are weilding bronze weapons. it is super neato.

I will gladly and firmly say that I do not want to step foot inside that building again.

lol I think I would be to scared to even step foot in one.

 

[holdencaulfield]

Hi

In my opinion one should form one’s opinion after reading the basic book of a religion, not from what others ( those who are against them) say about them.

Thanks

Of, course. However the I was telling them to learn about the official Mormon teachings.

 

[holdencaulfield]

Invite them in for a cup of coffee, extra strong

ROTFLOL