Are There No Door-To-Door Buddhists? No Proselytizing Hindus?

[arwalden]

Are there any missionary Jews? No "Jack Chick" style tracts for Shinto or Sikhism?

I haven't seen any. Have you? There might be... I don't' know. The only ones I see are the hardcore zealot Christians. Why is that? Why is Christianity so chauvinistic?

-- Allen

[THUNDER HANDS]

1. I'm a missionary jew

but I prefer her on top mostly. ;)

[brainshrub]

6. *snarf*

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Don't know about those faiths

but I know that proslethyzing is forbidden in Sufism. And since we believe all roads lead to God, the path that is right to you is the path you should be on.

[gollygee]

3. No door-to-door evangelical athiests either

yep

[BiggJawn]

5. Why go door-to-door when you have message boards?

:evilgrin:

[brainshrub]

4. I consider Krishnas to be missionary Hindus.

While they are only slightly less annoying than Christians, they certainly are a lot safer to be around. (I don't think Krishnas are into book-burning or killing heathens.)

[leesa]

10. But do they come to your door? It seems only Christian sects come

to your house uninvited. Perhaps there are others.

[brainshrub]

71. I've been told Moonies go door-to-door.

But I don't know about Krishnas. :shrug:

[manic expression]

90. If you're talking about Hare Krishnas

which I think you are, they consider themselves to be non-Hindu. Non-Hare Krishna Hindus who worship the deity Krishna are not the same by any measure. The Hare-Krishnas have a reputation for having somewhat of a superiority complex, but I'm not to what extent this goes exactly.

[varun]

95. ISCKON or Hare Krishnas

are considered a cult by most mainstream Hindus. They are only found in the West, and have hardly any presence in India.

Most Hindus believe that one is only born into Hinduism, and the concept of conversion into Hinduism (although existant in some Hindu sects) is virtually unknown.

[forgethell]

7. It is commanded of them

Matthew 28
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

But nobody is commanded to listen, so why don't you just say, "no thanks", and pass on. This is my preferred method of dealing with people expressing ideas that I do not wish to confront at the time. Whether proselytizing or telephone solicitations. This will relieve stress on you and them both.

Merry Christmas :-)

[arwalden]

11. If Only It Were As Simple As That

>>... so why don't you just say, "no thanks", and pass on. <<

I'm not sure what country you're living in... but when Christian bigotry is legislated or mandated or when it becomes part of government policy, then it's a bit difficult to just ignore it and say "no thanks".

>> This is my preferred method of dealing with people expressing ideas that I do not wish to confront at the time. <<

You're much more sympathetic than I am. I don't even want to be bothered... AT ALL. I don't want them knocking at my door. I don't want to have to answer the door, nor do I want to be put in a situation where I have to confront them and tell them to leave me alone (repeatedly!) This just doesn't work.

>> This will relieve stress on you and them both. <<

The only way the stress can be relieved is if they leave me alone. Completely alone!! Whether it's knocking at my door or making laws out of their beliefs... they just need to go away!!

[THUNDER HANDS]

12. you have to do the Jehova's Witness peek

you know, move the blinds ever-so-slightly to look out the window, see a group of three or four really well dressed people in their best Sunday suits and dresses, then close the blinds really quickly and hope they don't see you.

All the while you crawl around on the floor like you're dodging machine gun fire.

Its quite fun actually, we haven't had a good Jehova's Witness come around here in a while.

[arwalden]

13. I Have An Engraved Sign On My Door.... Big Bold Letters...

NO CHRISTIANS!

That does the trick!

[okasha]

52. No, no, Magic Rat.

You have to let them see or hear you when you peek out the blinds; that way they know you're ignoring them.

Or do what I did once--invite them in for a brief devotion to the Goddess. ;)

Okasha

[forgethell]

15. Funny, the ones I know, and

I know plenty feel much the same way about liberal positions being foisted on them by the government, particularly the courts.

If you don't want to be bothered, better find a cheap desert island. Part of the strain of living in any society, especially a free one, is other people. Telling them not to bother you does work. Perhaps you are being too deferential to them when you tell them??

Merry Christmas:)

[donsu]

16. come now - (foisted liberal positions)

you have given yourself away

[arwalden]

18. LOL...

The hairs on my neck are standing up.

[forgethell]

22. I am simply reporting

what I have gleaned from conversations with them. Conservatives feel pretty much about liberals like liberals feel about conservatives.

As I live in a conservative (very coonservative) area of the nation, I have learned to listen to my opponents. Perhaps you should do the same.

Merry Christmas :)

[arwalden]

17. Which Liberal Positions?

>> I know plenty feel much the same way about liberal positions being foisted on them by the government, particularly the courts. <<

The one forcing them to use contraception? Or the one forcing them to have an abortion? The one forcing them to get married? Or the one forcing them to get a divorce?

They demand "tolerance" yet refuse to provide the same. How odd.

>> If you don't want to be bothered, better find a cheap desert island. <<

They only have the right to practice their religion. They do not have the right to trespass on my property when they have been told not to.

>> Perhaps you are being too deferential to them when you tell them?? <<

LOL... I seriously doubt that's the case. Other than brandishing a weapon or actually striking one of them, I don't know how much more offensive and rude and threatening I could possibly be.

[forgethell]

25. My understanding,

from talking to conservatives, is that what they resent the most is the use of the courts to impose such issues as gay marriage and abortion on them. I think they would be less resentful if the issues had been decided politically, although they would still oppose the positions based on their own morals and values, which are not ours..

You are absolutley correct. They have no right to trespass after having been told to leave. Of course, telling one group doesn't obligate the next in any way, as communication between them cannot be assumed.

As for what else you can do besides tell them to leave, what do you suggest? Remebering that they have the right to practice their religion, and part of it is sharing their beliefs??

Really, I actually agree with you about the irritation that many of them cause.

Merry christmas:)

[arwalden]

26. Well...

>> from talking to conservatives, is that what they resent the most is the use of the courts to impose such issues as gay marriage and abortion on them. <<

They are fools. Nobody is forcing them to have an abortion. (They only want to control others.) Nobody is forcing them to be gay or to enter into a gay marriage. (Again... controlling others.)

>> I think they would be less resentful if the issues had been decided politically, although they would still oppose the positions based on their own morals and values, which are not ours.. <<

That's very unlikely.

>> Of course, telling one group doesn't obligate the next in any way, as communication between them cannot be assumed. <<

When it's folks from the same Kingdom Hall... they definitely communicate with each other. My rude behavior towards them and my conspicious sign has worked wonders. Now, they walk right past my house... no matter WHICH duo it happens to be.

I think they have the equivalent of a "do not call" list or an "approach at your own risk" list... and I must be on it. YAY!

>> ... and part of it is sharing their beliefs?? <<

It's one thing to talk about one's beliefs. It's quite another to legislate them.

They have the right to "share" their beliefs... but their right to do so does not preclude my right to privacy.

>> Really, I actually agree with you about the irritation that many of them cause. <<

That's good... but only "many of them"?? You're being much too kind... for me, it's not "many" of them... it's *ALL* OF THEM!!!

No matter who, what, or why... ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE TIME, if they knock on my door to talk about their religion, then they are irritating me.

[Book Lover]

51. Then conservatives should better understand our tripartate system

Courts interpret laws - not make them If a conservative doesn't like the way the law is being interpreted, they should write to or run for Congress and rewrite them themselves.

Oh, shit! Where have *I* been the past 4 years? ...

[Ardee]

27. One solution

For whatever reason a friend of mine's sexual encounters coincided often with a visit from some proselytizing Witnesses( afternoon delight and all that). Finally he simply threw open the door ,disclosing both his total nudity and tumescent state...They never returned....try it Alan.

[arwalden]

28. LOL... After Loudly Telling One Of Them To LEAVE

my partner said "...but he was cute! You should have invited him in."

We laughed as we imagined future scenarios. "No... I'm not interested in learning about Christ, but you're awfully handsome, so if you'd like to come in, I'd be happy to teach you about man-on-man action."

Or... "Sure, I'd love to hear all about your religion, but first you'll have to (blank) me and then let me (blank) you."

[Ardee]

31. and thus a new religion is born

ARWalden, proselytizing theologian...Ill bet there are some interesting commandments you devil you.....

[arwalden]

35. Imagine The OUTRAGE Of Door-To-Door Proselytizing Queers

(Knock knock.)

Yes?

Hi, I'm Mr. Garrison and this is my slave. We're here to talk to you about homosexuality. We want to show you the way, and teach you about leather and bondage fetishes. Can we have a moment of your time to see if you'd like to find homosexuality?

Sorry, I'm not interested.

Well here... let me leave this copy of "Inches" and "Honcho" for you to read.

[Ardee]

40. How would this play in Kansas?

The visual imagery is stunning to me...Oh wait theres a knock on my door, two nice looking young men, one wearing a dog collar...wonder what they want? Gotta go......

[prodigal_green]

85. I usually just say "thanks"

but I've already got a god.

[pnutchuck]

8. At one time Buddhists were missionary

but not in the modern day sense. They didn't court the public into conversion, because in their mind it is not a religion of worshipping god. They would just hold outdoor talks and debates in which the public would hear of a great teacher and would come to listen. If they liked what they heard, they would follow, if not, so be it. Buddhists traveled far to spread the word of the Buddha about love, and charity. From India, they moved as far as China, Japan and even Greece. However, no wars or inquisitions have ever been committed in the name of Buddhism. You will not find any buddhist doctrines in your hotel room or brochures for the temple in your mail box.

[toddaa]

29. Not quite

Perhaps a refresher course in Samurai Bushido is in order.

[pnutchuck]

83. those were off shoots of original buddhism

not the original message, much like Christianity, Buddhism had it's divisions of thought. By the time Samurai came about, Buddhism had existed for almost 1000 yrs.

[charlie]

84. As far as I know

no wars were fought by the samurai with the aim of futhering Buddhism. Bushido was their code, but their duty was to their masters and country. The Zen component of Bushido was for them, a part of their path as warriors, not something they were expected to spread to others.

[toddaa]

86. Buddhism in Asia

Like all new religions, when Buddhism first arrived in both China and Japan, it was both welcomed and resisted. In Japan, quite a few feudal conflicts arose between Shintoists and Buddhists. In China, the same sorts of clan squabbles also took place between Taoists and Buddhists. Basically, you can fight a war over any ridiculous reason.

[charlie]

87. I agree

My contention was that Bushido had no part in that. Bushido is a synthesis of Shintoism and Buddhism, and is a code of comportment for an elite class, not a vehicle for the furtherance of a religion.

[sangh0]

9. Yes, Buddhists and Hindus have proselytized and forced conversions

There are numerous instances in Asia of Buddhist and Hindu rulers forcing the conversion of their subjects. There has been many cases of violence over one groups complaints about how the other group has been converting their members.

In addition, both Hinduism and Buddhism, contain many various sects which sometimes have used violence to settle their differences.

[greenman3610]

14. I love it when Christers come to the door

I always say, "you know, what I love best about Jesus Christ is that
he wasn't a Christian."

then watch their jaws drop.

[arwalden]

19. Ooo. Thanks For The Warning. I'll Be On The Lookout For Them.

:eyes:

[sangh0]

21. You don't have to worry

They're in other countries, countries where GLBT's are not very welcome.

Try walking down the street in Singapore holding hands and kissing your partner, and I'll expect to see more anti-Buddhist rants from you.

[arwalden]

23. More Anti-Buddhist Rants? What Are You Talking About?

[sangh0]

39. You're having a problem understanding?

I'm not surprised

[arwalden]

42. More Personal Insults?

I'm not surprised either.

[sangh0]

44. There are proselytizing Buddhists and Hindus

That's what you wanted to know about. And obviously, the facts don't have any effect on your beliefs.

You criticize Christians for their proselytizing, but you won't do the same for Buddhists and Hindus.

[arwalden]

49. Oh Brother!

And obviously, reality doesn't have any effect on yours. When Buddhists (or anyone else) start to invade my privacy with their door-to-door proselytizing and when Hindus (or anyone else) start to get their faith-based discriminatory laws enacted--or written into the US Constitution--that infringe on personal liberties and basic equality, then you'll hear me criticizing them too.

My criticism is warranted. Try not to let yourself get too worked up about which religions I don't criticize. When they deserve my scorn, they will receive it.

[sangh0]

53. So it's all about you?

As long as they don't knock on YOUR door. I guess it's OK if they drag all the GLBT's to camps, so long as they don't do it to you.

And obviously, reality doesn't have any effect on yours.

Obviously, it does.

When they deserve my scorn, they will receive it.

Right, when they bother YOU. How compassionate of you. You won't even defend other GLBT's.

[arwalden]

57. Astounding.

>> As long as they don't knock on YOUR door. I guess it's OK if they drag all the GLBT's to camps, so long as they don't do it to you. <<

That is quite possibly the most idiotic statement I've ever read.

>> Right, when they bother YOU. How compassionate of you. You won't even defend other GLBT's. <<

And that one likely is the second most idiotic thing you've ever said.

[sangh0]

72. I also thought your statement was pretty idiotic

and I have no idea why you have no concern for the GLBT's who are attacked by Hindus, Buddhists, and other people of faith.

Here's what you said when I pointed out GLBT's are being oppressed in other countries.

When Buddhists (or anyone else) start to invade my privacy with their door-to-door proselytizing and when Hindus (or anyone else) start to get their faith-based discriminatory laws enacted--or written into the US Constitution--that infringe on personal liberties and basic equality, then you'll hear me criticizing them too.

Buddhists kill gays but you won't even criticize them unless they bother you or do something wrong in this country.

[arwalden]

75. Wow! Still More Idiotic Statements And Accusations From You...

that defy logic and make absurd assumptions and that have very little to do with my original post.

[sangh0]

77. Wow! Still more Name-Calling and Accusations

about logic, and an attempt to distract from what you said by claiming that you never said it in your OP.

You said it another post, Einstein. I'm not surprised you're ashamed of being unconcerned for the thousands of GLBT's who have been subjected to violence in other nations.

[arwalden]

78. Absurd.

[sangh0]

80. WOW! More of the Arwalden ridicule

Will wonders ever cease?

Soon, you'll be reduced to posting smilies

[SmokingJacket]

33. Let's hear it for the separation of church and state.

And let's keep it that way.

[sangh0]

41. Hear, hear!!

Motion seconded!

[TR Fan]

20. Not door-to-door, but

if you've ever traveled by plane within the Middle East (and the Gulf, in particular), you know of the "dreaded Muslim trying to convert you in the next seat" menace. For a while, i.e. 5 years, I traveled domestically on Saudia and throughout the smaller Gulf states on Gulf Air. On probably 50% of these trips, someone extolled the virtues of Islam to me in an attempt to enlighten me. And in those kinds of locales and situations, I am reluctant to respond as I would in my own home by simply saying "F**k off" and slamming the door.

[Toucano]

24. Difference in "Golden Rule"

Christians: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

Buddhists: "Do not do anything to someone you wouldn't want done to you."

[arwalden]

30. I Like The 2nd Version Better

[arwalden]

32. (Error)

Sorry.. I posted in the wrong place... moved to post #35 above.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=2786248&mesg_id=2786789&page=

[charlie]

34. Imagine the outrage

when the number of furtive converts becomes too large to ignore in repressed Fundie neighborhoods.

[arwalden]

36. Oh The Horror! The Humanity Of It All!

:hi: LOL

[sangh0]

43. The Dalai Lama disagrees

with your characterization of Buddhism, and has explitely stated that Jesus' "Do unto others" is very consistent with Buddhist teachings.

I realize that it's an ad hominem argument, but I think the Dali Lama is a more credible authority on this issue.

[Toucano]

89. The contemporary statement of the compatibility of the two

doesn't negate the impact of the differences on the historic actions, nor does it instantly alter the behavior of all adherents.

If I recall correctly, the Dalai Lama was speaking about the teachings of Jesus. I think we all know the teachings of Jesus are neither taught by nor practiced by the majority of Christians. Of course, the Buddhists also lack 100% compliance with their teachings.

[Bridget Burke]

37. Lots of people come knocking at my doore....

All of them wanting to sell me something. I can see who they are before opening the door.

If I don't want to open it, I don't.

[arwalden]

38. But You Still Have Interrupt Your Dinner To Get Up To Look...

or you have to wake up, or put someone on hold, or stop watching TV, or stop reading your book, or stop having sex (wait... I just let them continue to knock... never mind about that one), or stop cooking, or stop chatting online or downloading porn.

It's intrusive and it's unacceptable to me. This is MY house! Get off of my porch! Out of my yard! Can't you READ?? The sign says....

"Okay. Well may God bless you! Have a blessed day!"

(OH BARF! It's just sickening!)

[sangh0]

45. "Oh The Horror! The Humanity Of It All!"

:-)

[Radical Activist]

50. exactly. cry babies.

[More Than A Feeling]

46. My mother found an excellent way to deal with JWs going door to door

She made me go talk to them. I am already a Christian. They will get nowhere with me.

[Warren DeMontague]

47. Get one of these. Works like a F*cking Charm.

http://www.northernsun.com/cgi-bin/ns/2218.html?id=Ii3KvWRX

[arwalden]

67. "Stop BASHING Christians!!" (Whaaaa.)

Actually I love it... thanks for the link!

[Radical Activist]

48. Politicians go door-to-door

I doubt people will give the same amount of criticism and venom to their favorite politician that they spew at Christians who knock on doors. When you hate a group of people it's easy to find ways to criticize them.

[sangh0]

54. "Oh The Horror! The Humanity Of It All!"

How terrible the way people knock on doors in a free country.

[Radical Activist]

58. Exactly

If people can't handle it they should move to Russia. I've knocked on thousands of doors for different candidates and causes. Most people are friendly about it. Only a few rude jerks give you and attitude.

[arwalden]

55. That's A Poor Comparison

>> I doubt people will give the same amount of criticism and venom to their favorite politician that they spew at Christians who knock on doors. <<

Hmm... I wonder why that might be? Could it be that the politician (or their reps) don't come to my door EVERY SINGLE WEEK? Week after week. Month after month. Year after year. Trying to sell me on the same bullshit candidate. -- Hmmm. I wonder. :eyes:

>> When you hate a group of people it's easy to find ways to criticize them. <<

That's an unfair thing to say. I don't hate them. I hate what they do. Why must I hate them in order to criticize them? That doesn't make sense.

[Radical Activist]

61. Both are trying to convert you to their belief system

It's a perfect comparison. If you lived in a swing state this year, or if you're from Iowa or New Hampshire, then you do have people knocking on your door for various candidates every week.

I've only had Christians knock on my door twice in my entire life. So either you're exaggerating about how often it happens or else you live in some kind of bizarre proselytizing hot zone that all the churches target. For most people it rarely happens. I believe that you don't hate Christians, that's a strong word, but your annoyance and double standard comes from somewhere.

[arwalden]

64. No... That's A Silly Comparison

Only twice? You're very fortunate.

[Radical Activist]

68. How is it silly?

You're not very convincing. Both are trying to persuade you to accept their set of beliefs. It's very similar. I think the main difference is that you don't like Christians so you choose to be offended by them.

[arwalden]

70. No... Voting For A Candidate Is Not The Same Thing As

"accepting-the-lord-jesus-christ-as-a-personal-savior" ... it is definitely NOT the same thing.

I can see the point you're TRYING to make, but the comparison is absurd on the face of it.

[Name removed]

73. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sangh0]

92. WOW! What a persuasive argument!

it is definitely NOT the same thing.

The Lord Arwalden has spoken!

[Metatron]

56. I wish there was a Do Not Call (on my home) list for this situation.

If I wanted to go to church, I would go.

[Fleshdancer]

59. The oddest experience was when JW's came to my door in Japan

I had no idea Japanese JW's existed but apparently they do. I don't know who was more surprised, the man staring at the white woman opening the door or the white woman staring at the Japanese JW. The first time it happened, we just sort of stood there and stared at one another for a minute with that 'WTF' look on both our faces and then we both busted out in laughter. (My husband and I rented a house in a small town outside of Yokohama and we were the only non-Japanese people living in our little neighborhood.)

[charlie]

63. They still do

And they're as dogged as their stateside brethren. I disinvite them a couple of times a month, every month. Once they even sent over a clutch of gaijin, just for me.

[Fleshdancer]

66. HA! Sounds like they're getting more aggressive

Either that, or they must just really like you. :) They never sent any gaijin for me, lol.
Where in Japan are you? I was in Fujisawa...had a great time.

[regnaD kciN]

60. Haven't you been to an airport in the last twenty-five years???

Hare Krishna
Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna
Hare Hare

[arwalden]

62. Dulles, National, BWI...

... I don't recall seeing them around here. Most of the Krishnas I've seen recently in DC are chanting on the sidewalks or street corners.

[sangh0]

74. So you know that Hare Krishnas proselytize

and yet you still ask if Buddhists and/or Hindus proselytize.

But the facts can't be allowed to get in the way of hatred

[arwalden]

76. "Hatred"... heh-heh-heh.

Too funny!

[sangh0]

79. Wow! More of the astounding logic

from Arwalden. I'm sure many find it so persuasive.

Meanwhile, thousands if not millions of GLBT's are being violently oppressed by people of other religions, and Arwalden doesn't worry about as long as they don't knock on his door.

[manic expression]

91. Hare Krishnas

do NOT consider themselves Hindu. They think their religion is superior to other Hindu sects as well as other religions. Plus, the Hare Krishna movement is pretty much a fully American movement, so don't confuse it with the other 99.999999% of Hindus (even though Hare Krishnas would argue that they are not Hindu).

[Atman]

65. I left to go canvassing door to door...

but have been wandering, searching, ever since. Still have not found the door.

[liberalpragmatist]

69. In general, No

At least not in the same sense as Christians and Muslims, which in many cases (though not all) believe that theirs is the only way, hence their missionary zeal. Neither Hinduism nor Buddhism are concerned with that kind of proselytization. Both religions embrace the idea that all faiths are inherently equal and different paths to the same god. In both Hinduism and Buddhism, acts are more important than beliefs. Moreover, neither Hinduism nor Buddhism is really a "religion" - both are broad terms for a huge number of different, interrelated faiths, philosophies, and movements. It would be like declaring that Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are really the same religion, "Abrahamism."

That being said, there are examples of proselytizing Hindus and Buddhists, and as sanghO said, there have been historically examples of Hindu or Buddhist rulers who forcibly converted populations to one or the other. And Buddhism did proselytize earlier on. Hindus and Buddhists will still try to "enlighten" people to the rightness of their views, it's just less dogmatic. And of course, there are fundamentalists and intolerant bigots in any religion. There's a big Hindu nationalist movement in India which seeks to impose an orthodox Hindu worldview on the entire population, even Muslims. Even though it has little support from most religious figures in India, it has very vocal minority support and is a constant threat to India's secularism.

So the answer to your question is yes... and no.

[sangh0]

81. BTW, there are plenty of Jewish missionaries also

They're constantly bothering people at colleges in NYC. Brooklyn College is particularly infested with them.

[Karenina]

82. I call BULLSHIT on that.

Provide some substantiation on who these "missionaries" are.

[sangh0]

93. You want names?

What are you asking for? If you want proof, go to Brooklyn College. They're still there. I saw them just a few weeks ago and they were doing it twenty years ago when I went to school there.

[fujiyama]

88. The only "Jews"

I see doing that are Jews for Jesus, and they really aren't Jews at all.

[sangh0]

94. So Jews for Jesus arent "real" Jews, even though they follow the OT

but the fundie wackos are real Christians, even though they don't follow Christ's teachings.