Don't try to convert me!

Why is it that sometimes people try to change the beliefs of everyone around them to suit their own? I am Pagan but I live in Southern Georgia where everyone is Christian. I can't count how many times people try to preach to me and convert me to their...

religion.

It's really not that big of a deal until it gets out of hand. I love to learn about religions other than my own. I try to keep an open mind, but recently I'm being hounded by these well wishers. What should I do?
Sam

I have had so many discussions with the religious types in my area it is pitiful- BUT they don't bother me anymore, I think that somewhere there is a map and a big red X over where I live symbolizing the sentiment- DON'T TRY TO CONVERT.

the last jehovahs witnesses that came to my door were nice looking women, similiar to ichibanarky's suggestion - I invited them to disrobe and partake of some of my religious rituals ( they obviously declined- and scooted for the nearest door).

I have fun with it and get them into logic loops during discussions- one religious zealot was telling me they were not aware of the spanish inquisition, or that the bible had been abridged, it was quite funny actually- seeing the brainwashed ignorance coming from someone who KNOWS THE TRUTH and would ENLIGHTEN ME.

so hold your head high and accept that peer pressure through the community is one of the many ploys that will be used against you to get you to submit to conversion. hold the line and hold tight to your own beliefs.

Smile and nod.

I understand where you're coming from - I'm the only Buddhist in a community of Christians and I hear it every day...they even try to convince me to join them in church, knowing full well I'm an atheist...when that happens, I make them a deal - join me in my religious rituals and I shall happily join you in yours. They usually back off after that.

At any rate, if all they're doing is talking - let them...if you're secure in your own belief, there's nothing they can say that will harm you.

pepper spray, always works :D

I am a christian but I do believe it is anoying when people hound others to change religions

...move... or just tell them to f*ck off...

be yourself and try to tell them that you dont want to join there religion

I know how you feel it's REALLY annoying, I've even to get people of my back proclaimed that I am part of their religion and that I love their god and then tell them I'll go to their church...but then I never pitch.

People are close minded and for those that are too difficult to irritate, try and humor them.

I know what you mean...they are so judgemental to! I just tell them they can't change me and to give up. The more you say it, they'll finally lay off and get the hint.

Oh yeah, I know how that is.
I'm a Gothic Witch so I get it bad, lol.
People just assume what I am the very first thing that comes out of their mouth is I'ld like to introduce you to Jesus, or some sh*t like that.
I personally stand my ground. I always wind up getting in a debate, but I never back down. They always wind up p*ssed because it's so shocking that I actually know more about their religion than they do, lol.
I'ld say it's the funniest way to get them to back off, but not always the easiest can be frustrating x_@
Just tell them that you tried it before, it didn't work. Or if you didn't, just say, it's not the path you're meant to tread if it lands you in some hell, so be it, it's better than going to heaven with a bunch of close minded bigots.

Lol, yes, pepper srpay would work :D

Save up some KFC Chicken bones, dress in African robes, get a big stick, when they come around start chanting in some weird language then start throwing chicken bones at them exclaiming Be Gone Evil Beings!!!(reaped the idea from a friend when some Jehovah witnesses came to the door ^^)

On a serious note though, really I doubt there is a way to get them off your back. They're like lions waiting in the tall grass waiting for the right moment to strike. Just don't show any weakness or vulnerability or they'll try to take advantage of that. Perhaps if you stand strong they'll leave you alone. But be weary of rumors they may start.

Sit down and reason it out with them.

***Sit down and reason it out with them.***

That NEVER works. I've tried it almost always, but they ALWAYS tell you that you are wrong and will be going to hell or whatever else they believe in.

I even had someone tell me to leave my boyfriend because he is an atheist.

Just flat out tell them you have zero interest in their religion, that you think their beliefs are childish and insane, and to quit pestering you or you'll get a restraining order.

In the future, don't tolerate face-to-face religious discussions with Christians. They will take your cordial behavior as a sign of interest and hound you relentlessly. If you just want to know what they believe, just search for it on-line.

Who has the problem? You may think that they do... but you have the problem. You dont want to hear them out... and they are all too willing to try and convert you.

How do you deal with this problem???...the same way you would deal with an unruly child incessantly begging for a toy that you can't afford... pay them lip service.

When they ask about your religion... tell them you are a faithful member of whichever denomination they are... but in another church. If you're not sure... guesstimate as closely as possible.

This may be a little difficult with Jehovah's witnesses... I think they keep tabs on all of their members... but the moral corruption portrayed by your eagerness to lie should be enough to sour the deal for them.

Bottom line... you are asking for peace... the best way to achieve this is not to step on anyones toes... maybe you have been a little deceitful... but to no ones detriment. They've served their christian duty... you've successfully thwarted conversion and cleverly halted repeat proselytization.

Now all your troubles are behind you and there is nothing but lemon-lime flavored sunshine in your future... rest assured!

LOL, miscegenymiser...I'll surely follow that excellent advice in future.

I wish I was a pagan, I love nature and the idea that nature is sort of the god. but no im just a boring atheist.

I would kindly tell them that your not interested in their religion because you got your own. they should be understanding, im a christian but when people tell me about other religions I just ignore them or tell them that im not interested and I simply move on.

realize that they're doing what they think is right, and that they're taking time out of their day to try and help you. that will at least help to keep you from getting too pissed off at them. then just tell them you're not interested, and thank them for their time. no? maybe that'll work.

I know its difficult to put up with all that. im a pagan and I live in a very conservtive area, its very annoying,
you have a choice
someone answered that you basically try to appease them by saying you are from their denomination, you can do that, but YOU do not HAVE to appease THEM. YOU are NOT the problem, THEY obviously have the problem because they are trying to change you. YOU are doing nothing wrong by not appeasng them. however if it is something you want to do just to keep the conversation short and simple, do it, I dont blame you.
you can appease them, or move on after politley telling them thanks but no thanks and just cope. thats really all you can do. just take it one day at a time.

***YOU are NOT the problem, THEY obviously have the problem because they are trying to change you***

agreed with you, however I also live in a very conservative country and I want to be left alone, so that is the only way of coping with them.