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[quote=Anonymous][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]

Thank you for sharing your experiences!  this is so helpful!  I'll have to take a closer read of the Four Spiritual Laws later but on first glance you are right - they must be living according to it exactly.  Wow - it explains so much of the behavior!

For example #2 "Man was created to have fellowship with God; but, [b]because of his own stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is an evidence of what the Bible calls sin[/b]."

Yikes then it goes on in more detail about such sinners - obviously I've been placed in the category and probably my husband is savable b/c he's a man and my children b/c as their mother it is I who have led them astray....WOW.  How strong you must be to have moved away from this exclusive and prejudicial thinking.  Any more thoughts you have I'd love to hear.  Recommendations on how to handle it to - I really appreciate it.[/quote]

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