as he was leaving, would it have been okay to wish him a merry Christmas?
He was telling me about his religion, so I should be able to tell him about mine, right?
2006-12-07 07:10:15 · 35 answers · asked by musicgirl31♫ 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Usually when one is "fanatic" about their religion, nothing you do is going to get them to change or have an open mind towards another religion.
You were kind enough to listen which is more than most do these days. If you so choose to wish another person a "Merry Christmas" then you have every right to do so, just make sure you're doing it out of the right part of your heart and mind.
2006-12-07 08:04:11 · answer #1 · answered by cgspitfire 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People wish us a Merry Christmas all the time. If you were a vegetarian, would you be offended if I finished my cheeseburger and said "hmm....that was good"? Probably not, right? I'm just making the statement that I enjoyed something. In the same way, when people wish us a Merry Christmas or tell us about how much they enjoy their holidays, it doesn't offend us. We're AWARE that most people in the western world DO.
If you mean that you want to do it in an antagonizing way, we're used to that too and it doesn't really bother us either. We *get* that some people are annoyed by our visits. For every ten or hundred people that are annoyed, one finds comfort and thanks us for coming and that one person makes it worth it. We do this as part of our worship. We have the right to this form of worship in the United States and Canada because OUR ORGANIZATION fought for it. Because of THAT, you also have rights to worship in the way that YOU choose to.
2006-12-07 08:02:08 · answer #2 · answered by krobin 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses believe in freedom of religion for everyone. We all have a right to choose what to believe. Don't expect them to reciprocate the greeting, because as you know, we don't celebrated Christmas. Most people extend holiday greetings casually and we just thank the well wisher. However, as Christians, we are encouraged by Jesus at Matthew 7:12 to treat others as we want to be treated. So if you, as a Christian, are saying this greeting as a kindness, that is one thing, if you are saying it to be spiteful that would not exactly follow Jesus teaching. Treat everyone with the same dignity and respect you want....just something to think about.
2006-12-07 11:41:37 · answer #3 · answered by izofblue37 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that there is a difference between have a civil discussion about religion, sharing about each other's faith and having a debate. Most people seem to think sharing belief means trying to prove why I am right and you are wrong. You can have thoughtful and enlightening conversation that is respectful of each other's faith.
So No, wishing someone a Merry Christmas who does not celebrate the tradition is a poor witness of Christian love, faith and acceptance.
2006-12-07 07:15:44 · answer #4 · answered by rogueknight17 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Iam a former jehovahs witness so yes u can say merry cristmas but he will return the phrase with a very good season to you too or a good day. Still makes them feel good to be wished well this time of year
2006-12-07 07:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by bill_will76 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
As a cab driver, I have it said to me 20+ times every day, mostly by amorous drunks. Saying Merry Christmas is like saying one is Christian, neither means much these days as even pedophile priests say it. It does not mean you follow Christ, only that you want people to think you follow Christ. What is in your heart is not found in your words, but in your life, as a whole, and not something you do once a year or on Sundays. At least with Active Witnesses, following Christ and God is their life, and not something done on occasion.
2006-12-07 08:22:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you were truely a christian then you would have wished him Merry Christmas without even thinking about it. Jehovah's witnesses do believe in GOD and Jesus, so why wouldn't you think it would be okay? You really should have talked to him, maybe you wouldn't be so ignorant about the religion.
2006-12-07 07:42:31 · answer #7 · answered by cookie 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Jehovah's Witness members do not celebrate holidays, so it would depend on the individual who talked with you. He could take it as a gesture of friendship, or he could be offended. When I am confronted with someone of a non-Christian faith who wants to talk about religion, I try to find some common ground with them. You might set some rules with a stranger who approaches you on the street or at your door. Trading 15 minutes where one of you talks and the other listens, followed by a question asking time can be a constructive way for both of you to share your faith. Try praying before your talk that God would show both of you His truth. Focus on the central issue: Who is Jesus? For more tips on how to share your faith with others, try searching the crosswalk.com forums.
2006-12-07 07:21:02 · answer #8 · answered by presidentbryce 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would have said Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays. They were soliciting at your door, you should be able to say what ever the heck you'd like!
BTW, Merry Christmas
2006-12-07 07:18:41 · answer #9 · answered by Mrs. Wizard 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can absolutely wish him a merry xmas, but if you already know he is Jehovahs Witness then it would be rude and disrespectful to say that. Now being a christian, you wouldnt want to be rude, would you?
2006-12-07 07:20:03 · answer #10 · answered by A 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋