Spiritual Stalkers

My Own Eyes · #1 04-09-2008, 02:51 PM

About a month ago I received a call from a lady, who said that she missed me at church "last Sunday" and then proceeded to ask me how my children were.

I nicely told her that I didn't have any children, and that I hadn't been to church in a year. She asked a few questions, figured out who I was (we'd never said more than a few polite words of greeting to each other), and then proceeded to ask me all manner of questions about my spirituality and relationship with God.

I wanted to be polite, so I answered that no I didn't go to church, and simply murmured "um-hmmm" to her passionate discourse on the importance of church attendance and the dangers that were awaiting me in the end days.

Since then she has called at least 4 times. Last night she called again. When she started again about the importance of going to church, I quickly told her that I had in fact just visited a new church. However, when I answered her query with the information that it was a non-denominational church, she launched into the importance of attending an apostolic church, as it is the only true church, and how basically I'll miss the rapture and suffer horribly in the end times if I don't attend an apostolic church.

Again I listened politely, stopping her only when she asked if she could share some scriptures with me as my time could be up at any moment. (To which I replied that it was not really a good time).

My Question? How do I politely and tactfully stop this? I know that this is a product of her sincere and heartfelt beliefs. But if I simply tell her that I am fully aware of the scriptures she wants to share, and state that I feel differently on them, that will only encourage debate, or cause me to disparage her beliefs, something I do not want to do.

Any Suggestions?

tstew · #2 04-09-2008, 02:54 PM

Caller ID?

My Own Eyes · #3 04-09-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstew

Caller ID?

My husband has been unemployed for a year...so that's not a financially viable option. I suppose I could just screen my calls through the answering machine. But this lady does not strike me as someone who will give up easily. (Besides which my husband refuses to screen calls, and he answers them and makes me talk to people, something that after 11 years together, STILL drives me crazy!!!

)

scotty · #4 04-09-2008, 03:00 PM

Ma'am, I have attended Apostolic faith church and understand the scripture as you see them. I however feel that God is leading me a different way. If I ever feel the answers I need are to be found in the body of your church, rest assured I will return quickly..

Fiyahstarter · #5 04-09-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty

Ma'am, I have attended Apostolic faith church and understand the scripture as you see them. I however feel that God is leading me a different way. If I ever feel the answers I need are to be found in the body of your church, rest assured I will return quickly..

Good answer

tamor · #6 04-09-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty

Ma'am, I have attended Apostolic faith church and understand the scripture as you see them. I however feel that God is leading me a different way. If I ever feel the answers I need are to be found in the body of your church, rest assured I will return quickly..

Good answer, peanut boy!

Pressing-On · #7 04-09-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamor

Good answer, peanut boy!

It was a good answer for the big, wax eared boy!!!

dizzyde · #8 04-09-2008, 03:08 PM

Also, it never hurts to be direct, and while you can thank her for her concern, asking her not to call again is not out of order. If she continued after that, I think I would call whatever church she attends and ask for their help in the matter. Concern is one thing, but forcing herself on you is another. Tell her (kindly) if she is really concerned, the best thing she can do is pray for you.

tamor · #9 04-09-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizzyde

Also, it never hurts to be direct, and while you can thank her for her concern, asking her not to call again is not out of order. If she continued after that, I think I would call whatever church she attends and ask for their help in the matter. Concern is one thing, but forcing herself on you is another. Tell her (kindly) if she is really concerned, the best thing she can do is pray for you.

Another good answer.

My Own Eyes · #10 04-09-2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizzyde

Also, it never hurts to be direct, and while you can thank her for her concern, asking her not to call again is not out of order. If she continued after that, I think I would call whatever church she attends and ask for their help in the matter. Concern is one thing, but forcing herself on you is another. Tell her (kindly) if she is really concerned, the best thing she can do is pray for you.

I did think of sending an email to my old Pastor, but thought I might want to try to say something to her first.

I have discovered that apparently my "hmmm....." and "really?" fake polite sounds, are actually taken as actual interest. (I made the mistake of doing that during a certain conversation with my father who is a Christian Scientist, and now he thinks I'm 'looking their way" )