Posted by:
klsmd
(
)
Date: March 11, 2019 07:24PM
Cheryl:
"They assume if you meet with them, you'll likely join.
It's the act of meeting with them and not your words that count."
I agree, but, Some of the companionships have ditched me when they realize I'm NOT going to get dunked. These two guys like to meet with me on P-Day as they have to go out after 6pm and work. They'd rather talk to me than go door knocking on P-Day.
Jacob:
"If you're in need of a social evening, go to the local bar, get a nice rye whiskey, and start talking to people."
I don't drink anymore, so bars are not my thing, unless I'm being the designated driver. P.S. a 12 year-old single malt Scotch beats the heck outta most Rye Whiskeys :-)
CrispingPin:
"but what do you get out of the deal?"
I like talking to and hanging out with younger folks. I spent 25 years managing a fast food place, staffed with nothing but teenagers, and I miss interacting with them.
I also get the chance to talk things religious, that are not appropriate in other social settings. Jacob above suggested go to a bar... Can't talk religion with the folks at the Leatherneck Club (Used to go there to watch Sons of Anarchy!) :-)
Mel:
"I think the OP is being rather cruel in making appointments with them just to argue."
Oops, I gave a wrong impression. Might still be cruel, I guess. I do it for the interaction with younger folks, but not just to argue with them. I enjoy the conversations with them, and if they don't like me, they can drop me, as several companionships have done. (Sister Missionaries dropped me like a hot potato after one meeting when they got assigned to teach me!) I think these guys enjoy our meetings as much as I do. I know they've heard stories about me, they've said so. And they've told me that they've read all of the comments on the cards about me. Last time they asked me why I let the "Baptismal date" that was set go by. That killed a lot of time as I explained to them why their brothers elders will write anything to get in good with the ZL or MP. :-)
Arguing with fanatics is unproductive. I voice my objections, and then drop it. One of the Mishies said "Church Doctrine does not change" After I quit snickering, I said "have you got a lot to read about the church. Let's just agree to disagree on this point." And we moved on. I in no way want to do anything harmful to them, nudge them a bit here and there, but that's about it. P.S. I have invited these Mishies to go out to lunch or dinner, but they won't go. Don't know why, as they've been companions with others that have gone out to dinner with me every week. Best I can do is give them a Slim Jim beef stick or cookies when we meet :-)
outta the cult:
"The missionaries likely aren't aware that the Introduction has been changed..."
I have intended on bringing that up with them when we meet tonight. We've already been to "White and Delightsome" to no avail, went right over their heads.
To everyone else kind enough to write a reply:
THANK YOU! I value everyone's opinions and observations. I may not act/react in the same way that you would, but I learn from all things written on this board. Years ago, you guys saved me from seriously considering joining the church :-)