Steps if you are approached by a Missionary:
- Try to disengage as quickly as possible:
- Who are you? What organization are you affiliated with? Does it have a religious designation
- Thank you, but no thanks. I am already affiliated with (Jewish Group Name)
- End your response with concluding statement:
- I appreciate your sincerity, but I am happy with my identity as it is. HAVE A GREAT DAY!
- If challenge continues:
- Oh! You’re Jewish. Did you know that many quotes from the Jewish Bible have been taken out of context or mistranslated?
- Have you ever read the Bible in its original text?
- Why don’t you join me, and let’s sit down and discuss this with my Rabbi. He is more knowledgeable about this than I am.
- Thank you, but I am happy with my identity as it is. I encourage you to respect the other students on this campus who have their own beliefs. I’m not pushing my views on you, so please respect us in the same way.
- If the recruiter is a good friend:
- I appreciate that you want to share your thoughts with me, but you need to know that it makes me uncomfortable
- We need to agree to disagree.
- I care about you, and respect your beliefs. If you really care about me, you need to respect mine.
- If you’re in an awkward situation (i.e., you are a guest at a party, your sorority has a Bible study, or your team has a pre-practice prayer circle, etc.)
- I’m very comfortable with my religion, and I would rather sit this one out.
- Let me know when you’re done, and let’s hang out later!