When you're given unsolicited religious materials . . .

[BamaTanya]

As a teacher, I sometimes get gifts from my students. I appreciate them all.

 

I received a gift bag this week with some lovely little things along with The Book of Mormon.

 

Is the professional/polite thing just to say, "Thank you," and move on? I feel funny accepting something so meaningful to this family that I'll have no use for. What should I do with it?

 

And the thank you note -- should I just express my thanks "for the thoughtful gift" without mentioning anything specific -- and without specifically omitting the mention of the book?

 

I do not have anything against the Mormon church. It's just that I am extremely religious (and not allowed to exhibit that at the ps where I work, of course). I'm touched, actually, that this family is concerned about spiritual things and me. They are lovely people.

 

I would feel the same way about sacred books from any other faith. I study about them but, at this point in my life, I don't have the time/inclination to read them. If someone came to my door, I would happily talk with them, but politely decline their literature since I have no use for it.

 

This, however, was a gift from a young student . . .

 

tia

[Heather in Neverland]

Take the book, thank them for the thoughtful gift. Then either donate the book to your local library or keep it on your shelf to read later in life when you have more time.

 

I know others get "offended" when someone gives them religious literature but I always take it as a nice gesture...they obviously care enough about me to be concerned with my spirituality. Even if I don't agree with them, it is the thought that counts, right? I don't have to read it, but we all need to know how to graciously accept gifts we don't want whether it is an ugly sweater from your grandma or a religious book from someone else. ;)

[fivetails]

Take the book, thank them for the thoughtful gift. Then either donate the book to your local library or keep it on your shelf to read later in life when you have more time.

 

I know others get "offended" when someone gives them religious literature but I always take it as a nice gesture...they obviously care enough about me to be concerned with my spirituality. Even if I don't agree with them, it is the thought that counts, right? I don't have to read it, but we all need to know how to graciously accept gifts we don't want whether it is an ugly sweater from your grandma or a religious book from someone else. ;)

 

:iagree:

 

Yep yep.

[Catwoman]

I agree with Heather. Accept the book in the spirit in which it was intended. You don't have to specifically mention it in the thank you note; I'd just send a very gracious little note and not open up any religious conversation.

 

I think it was a lovely gesture on the part of the giftgivers, and although I am uncomfortable when I receive that type of gift, too, I try to express my appreciation without inviting any dialogue about it.

 

Cat

[Quiver0f10]

Take the book, thank them for the thoughtful gift. Then either donate the book to your local library or keep it on your shelf to read later in life when you have more time.

 

I know others get "offended" when someone gives them religious literature but I always take it as a nice gesture...they obviously care enough about me to be concerned with my spirituality. Even if I don't agree with them, it is the thought that counts, right? I don't have to read it, but we all need to know how to graciously accept gifts we don't want whether it is an ugly sweater from your grandma or a religious book from someone else. ;)

 

:iagree:

[TeacherZee]

Take the book, thank them for the thoughtful gift. Then either donate the book to your local library or keep it on your shelf to read later in life when you have more time.

 

I know others get "offended" when someone gives them religious literature but I always take it as a nice gesture...they obviously care enough about me to be concerned with my spirituality. Even if I don't agree with them, it is the thought that counts, right? I don't have to read it, but we all need to know how to graciously accept gifts we don't want whether it is an ugly sweater from your grandma or a religious book from someone else. ;)

 

:iagree:

 

Heather said it perfectly!

[abbeyej]

Yes, I agree with the others. I'm merely *civil* to people who show up at my door handing out literature -- ugh! -- but in this case, I would accept graciously, then toss the book. (The library has no need of a Book of Mormon. Yes, it pains me to toss a book, but that's one that there just isn't a place that would want it as a donation. And anyone who wants one can request a free copy.)

 

And yes, thank them for the kind gift, and move on.

[OH Kim]

Most libraries are willing to take any books for donation, as they don't put them into the collection, but sell them at book sales. That book might be considered to add to the collection - there is no prohibition against religious books in a library collection and many libraries want their collections to be well-rounded and represent many religions.

[Blessedfamily]

Books donated to the library here get sold at book sales, which are very popular. They don't put them into the library's collection, but the money they raise helps the library.

[abbeyej]

Books donated to the library here get sold at book sales, which are very popular. They don't put them into the library's collection, but the money they raise helps the library.

 

Yes, but since anyone can get a new copy of the Book of Mormon for free...

[mommaduck]

Yes, thank the child and put the book away or give it away later. The child meant well. And as a child, they probably don't understand the controversies involved with giving such a gift to their teacher :)

[Blessedfamily]

Yes, but since anyone can get a new copy of the Book of Mormon for free...

 

I see. Well, in that case I'm stumped.

[Brooketopia]

I am LDS and have heard of youngsters giving a copy of The Book of Mormon to their teachers before...in my experience, the idea probably originated with the child, so a courteous "thank you" would mean the world to them.

[stripe]

I find it totally unnecessary whenever someone does that -- I tend to think religious literature should be distributed on request, but I have never considered it appropriate to "confront" someone about it. I usually just discard the material. I wouldn't bother donating it to the library for the book sale, but maybe if you live in a heavily Mormon area, it would be appropriate to do so.

[Desert Rat]

Thank the little one for a thoughtful gift and let it go.

[Mekanamom]

Yep... as an agnostic/atheist family, we get this a lot. I thank the gift giver(s) and if I don't already have a copy of the book in question, I keep it as reference material.

 

The kids also often get religious books as gifts. I leave it up to them to decide what to do with it... they can read it, keep it, toss it... whatever they feel is appropriate.

[Melissa B]

I generally accept with thanks anything religious that is given to me - even literature at my door.

 

 

But I draw two lines, one in having things given to my children and two in using a business to push literature. I called the police when a woman twice distributed religious material secretly throughout my store. She would hand it to customers and tuck it in the fitting rooms and underneath merchandise. Apparently the warning I gave the first time was not enough. But a police escort out the door and threat of a restraining order that wouldn't allow her anywhere in the shopping center worked. :glare:

[mrsrevmeg]

Yep... as an agnostic/atheist family, we get this a lot. I thank the gift giver(s) and if I don't already have a copy of the book in question, I keep it as reference material.

 

As a Christian family, we usually do the same. When I come across something in study materials that says "_____ faith believes____" I like to have something to reference to see if my source is accurate, or exaggerated. If I am going to defend my faith to someone who believes something different than I do, it helps to know what they believe. That way I am able to point out our differences or similarities.

[Nestof3]

I would just write a simple thank you. Afterall, it is the thought that counts. :) If someone comes to my door, I just say, "Thank you, but we are Christians. Have a nice day."

[G5052]

I've taught in various Christian homeschool co-ops for years now, and always get a lot of teacher gifts. Not that this is important to my teaching, but in practice I tend to be more theologically conservative than the majority of the families that have students in my classes. So yes, I get gifts that I am uncomfortable keeping. I still am appreciative and write a thank-you note saying how I appreciate how they thought of me, and then deal with the book or item appropriately.