Ah yes. Those guys.

The ones who lived in my neighborhood poked at me once.

I explained that I'd listen, as long as they didn't try and get me to call a kid barely old enough to shave "Elder".

lol, I think they're cute. ^^ Though I do feel sorry for them. They've been told all their lives that they must spend 2 years of their lives without family or friends, without anything (Not even MASTURBATION O_O) to turn them into unquestioning zombies, otherwise they've somehow failed at life.

Though, for the record, I'm a christian, not an athiest. No, dudes, I'm sorry but no matter how much you insist, you do NOT believe in the same God as me. If you did, you'd see the blatant contraditctions all over your book.

Oh, believe me, I know all about it. :P

I'm an agnostic, but I have an appreciation for those guys. I gotta give 'em props for going out on a 2 year mission into hostile territory.

Whenever I see 'em, I ask if they need a ride, since they're so limited when it comes to car use.

I also admire their views on self reliance and preparedness.

Heh. Every time I see those guys, I keep thinking of the intro to Orgasmo. *pause* Its a movie by Matt & Trey from South Park who's movie was the inspiration for them making South Park: The Movie. What? Its true. But yeah... the intro is pretty funny because the 'hero' is one of those folks who go around like that. It was very silly.

--Salen, who isn't a naughty ferret, honest!

I told them they weren't worth putting pants on to open the door for. I've never seen them leave so fast...

PS: I wuv dis icon.

I'm on the lookout for a good fake apple i can keep by the door. Me, hair down, in a bathrobe, with Tesla around my shoulders (6 feet of very cuddly red tailed boa), and offer 'em a bite of the apple.

Overloading somebody's brain with visual metaphors has such entertaining results.

Don't forget the name badges...

Badges?!? We don need no Steeenkin' badges! Vamanos!

I still like Dutch's take on those guys.
http://www.mistythemouse.com/Misty20030521.html
http://www.mistythemouse.com/Misty20030531.html
http://www.mistythemouse.com/Misty20030606.html

No kidding, it's a comic, funny but not factual.

I just let Kimba deal with them. I'd be polite and listen to them yap, but Kimba will argue with them or chase them away in some way...
I do have a stack of recipe cards from some promotion or another by the door. I think about when they ask "Do you believe in GOd?" replying "Do you believe in Black Forest Cheesecake?" and handing them the recipe...but I've never done it....yet...

I won't address so many of the previous comments, although I would like to.
Just a thought to ponder if you so choose.

As of Dec 31, 2006 there were: 344 missions world wide. Total membership of the church wold wide is 12,868,606. There were 53,164 full time missionaries. In 2006 alone there were 272,845 converts baptized.

They aren't out to convert the world. They aren't trying to force it upon anyone. They are out there because of faith, commitment, and a desire to share what they know. Missionaries are out there to give you and everyone else the choice to listen to what they have to say and to accept what they say or not. There's absolutely no reason to be rude or mean to them.

I agree with Richek. I am sorry if you thought I was directing my comments specifically to you. I was trying to address many of the comments with out having to do so individually. I understand that religion is a private matter for you. On the other hand, you might be interested to know that a great many people are very willing to openly discuss religion with people they just met. And unfortunately there are just as many if not more that are willing to openly discuss politics and sex with total strangers as well.
(As we can all attest to the 8:30 am phone calls wanting to discuss our political oppinions.)

Since my friend Whi right above me didn’t want to cover some of the previous comments, I think that I will.

I was raised Mormon. Never baptized, but I went through about fifteen years of what I suppose some of you might call indoctrination of the religions beliefs. During that time I was also exposed to several other religions through both friends and family, since my folks split up. I can honestly say that looking at some of the comments made here, many are made out of ignorance. I don’t mean that in an offensive way, but ask yourself, how much do you really know about a religion that you dismiss so harshly?

Yes, Mormons do go on voluntary missions throughout the world. Yes, it is two years away from family, their friends, and creature comforts such as computers, music (to a small extent) and in some cases, even running water. But the fact of the matter is, what these people take away from this experience is more then what might be expected. Yeah, they’re away from friends from home, but they make strong new bonds. And when you think about it, two years of this sort of work isn’t that much. Even Buddhist and Taoists will devote their entire lives in solitude or in monasteries. Hell, military service is four years and much harder work then missions.

Is it a strict religion? Yes, in some ways it can be, but in others it’s very open. Unlike other mainstream Christian religions, there isn’t a lot of focus put on the heads of the church, but on the individual. They do a lot of good as well. Mormons are very family based, have great support systems for members and non-members alike, they do tons of charitable works across the globe, support autonomy and self-reliance, and are the most non-violent Christian religion out there.

I guess all I'm saying here is this: Do you have to be Mormon? No. Do I want you to me Mormon? Not strictly speaking. Am I Mormon? No. But I think we would all be a little better off if instead of slamming our doors in these people's faces, we politely tell then that we're not interested, and maybe offer them a glass of water. They bike most everywhere and it can be rough some times.

These are people we're talking about. Lets try treating them like it for a change.

(Gneech? I'm really sorry for having to drop this on your journal like this, as I'm sure it will invite the unsavory type of conversation. I'm not directing this at you; having met you I know that you're not "that" kind of person)

I gathered as much, which is why I was saying its not directed at you. :)

I honestly don't know who's more annying, the LDS recuiters (and don't tell me they're not recruiting, what with 'baptizing' folk of different religions after they pass,) and the Jehovah's Witnesses, who would come to my front door each Saturday morning, ignore the mezzuzah, and knock loudly at 7:00 AM. Polite does not work with either. Firm but polite does, along with the ability to walk away from the situation somehow. You have my sympathy. Hey, would a pair of slightly-used mezzuzahs help? They don't seem to be doing me any good. :*P>