As a former Mormon who also did the mission thingy, Mormons don't know what is in that book. Yes, it's mythology. Still, those pages are so ANTI-Mormon that you can tell who does or does not read the book their church leaders promote. The irony is that in the end, the DARK-SKINNED people exterminated the white folks BECAUSE OF THE BIGOTRY AND ECONOMIC CLASSES that the whites promoted.

This is an awesome story. So glad you had a positive experience.

When I lived in New Hampshire, I had Mormon neighbors. They loved my dog, Tess. One day they sent the 2 young guys who are doing their mission, to see me. They must have mentioned Tess, and the boys must have thought Tess was a person, so they came over, and we talked for a minute. I told them that I was an atheist pagan, then they asked if Tess was home. I told them that she was. They asked if they could talk to her. I said sure, I'll go get her. I brought out Tess, who is a 120 pound Cane Corso. Their eyes were bugging out of their head, and they were backing up. I told them that if I am ok with you, she won't hurt you, and you would probably have better luck talking to her, than to me. We all had a laugh. They asked me about what atheist pagan meant, and I told them. They asked me if they could discuss Mormonism, so I told them that there was nothing on earth that would ever make me believe in that, but I respect their right to believe whatever they want. They decided not to try to convert me or Tess.

Good move

When I was in the museum field we had a couple of Mormon missionaries volunteer time. Nice guys..they tried religion on me, and like you I politely stated I was atheist. They continued to be polite and nice throughout their time at the museum.

Jehovah's Witnesses are the ones who try my patience. I've asked them 3 times not to come back that they are wasting their time, but had some the other day.

I am in favor of civility, which you showed well.

My daughter in law is a run away Mormon. her parents wanted to know when my son and I were going to convert. haha!!!

Good on ya. Nice that you were honest enough, but not brutal.
Nothing to be gained from a needlessly unpleasant interaction.
Cheers.

I've had two similar experiences in the past. Both times the Mormon missionaries were extremely kind, but I tell them I'm atheist and that I'm not able to take religion seriously anymore. We still part on friendly terms.

I don’t understand how they can’t see through the con man origin.

I find it strange how so many religious people seem genuinely happy. At least happier than me in many ways. I just chock it up to ignorance being bliss and am reminded of a George Bernard Shaw quote:

"The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one."

A clear "no" is the best thing you can say, otherwise they have to visit you again. You could also offer water and a snack.

The look on their faces when you tell them he was a convicted con man ....priceless