The United States has a national “do not call” site where people can register their address and phone number so that they do not have to be harassed by intrusive callers wishing us to buy whatever they are selling.
But there are no similar protections against religious zealots who feel no compunction about coming to our door – uninvited – to sell us on their religion.
I don’t know if their parents didn’t school them in basic courtesy regarding other people’s right to privacy in their homes, or if their religious zeal leads them to ignore other people’s rights.
Our homeowners association has posted “no solicitors” notices at the entry to our condominium, but when I remind these trespassers at my door of this fact, they claim that they aren’t selling anything. But they are – they are selling their religion. They seem blind to their offensiveness and obtrusive behavior. I can’t imagine knocking on my neighbors’ doors and trying to sell them on the reasonable theories of agnosticism or atheism. Yet these intruders, in groups of two (men or women), show up every month at my door.
These self-righteous zealots reference the Bible’s instruction for them to “go out” and proselytize.
If people want religion, there are plenty of churches, temples and mosques they can visit to inquire about religious guidance. There are libraries for people to inform themselves about various philosophies.
They don’t care about your privacy as long as they feel they are doing God’s work. If that’s their standard retort, then let me suggest that they tend instead to the poor and homeless. Spend your time and resources helping them find work, health care, and a roof over their heads and less time aggravating people about joining your religion. Don’t come to our home unless you are invited.
In the meantime, I will call the police if you trespass at my door.
– Sandra Gill
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