Reply to Fundamentalist "Believers" next door pressuring us

Forum Index » Religion

Reply to "Fundamentalist "Believers" next door pressuring us"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think at some point you could gently say that their pressure is borderline rude and also a slight on your chosen denomination. Ask them how they'd like it if you were a Jehovah's Witness or Mormon or whatever and we're constantly pressuring them to join your faith. Said gently, with a smile, but deadly seriously may finally get through to them. You may just have to sever ties if they keep it up. [/quote]

Unfortunately it may come to that - I've understated the judgmental way they're issuing their "invitations".  Per the excellent advice, we'll keep trying the firm simple message/repeat in hope it works.  Still, we are curious to know what in their teachings or beliefs drives them to boldly pursue this.  We sense that when/if we do settle on a local church they'll keep asking....because ours won't be good enough...won't be "Christian" enough.[/quote]

I grew up in a mix of fundamentalist/evangelical Christian churches and organizations. We were taught that anyone not in line with our precise religious convictions was going to hell and were horrible sinners. I don't think there is much you can say that they will respect. We were forced to go door to door as children with a little book called "The Four Spiritual Laws". Google that and it may help explain why they are so forceful. I could go on with examples, but don't want to bore you. We went to Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and my parents work for Campus Crusade for Christ, now called Power To Change. We were also involved in Pentecostal, Baptist, etc. events. I'm not sure of your neighbour's church type but it sounds similar. I am not a frequent church goer as an adult!

It helped me learn boundaries early. I couldn't believe how rude my parents were to people. We couldn't go to the zoo as a family without them preaching to strangers! I knew church families that had many kids taking advantage as your neighbours are and if I lived there, I'd build a great fence and not put up with that rude toddler. My family was strict and disciplined (including lots of abuse), but many are sort of lazy and don't respect others. Some functions at church are hours and kids get used to just making themselves too at home where they don't belong. I don't know if that makes sense. It was a dysfunctional childhood to say the least.

As an adult I've had neighbours like yours, but I nip it in the bud so fast. You are right that even if you pick a church, it won't be good enough. You have to fall down on their altar and be saved from your sins, etc. Sorry, hard to not be cynical. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics