How can you bond with someone of different religion?

Question

I came across a jehovah's witness and she wanted me to visit her hall. I didn't refuse but I told her that I'm a Christian and already have a ministry in process that I would like her to visit. So I asked her since we both believe in Christ why don't we fellowship together by phone because I want to know more about your belief and I want to share mine. She ignored the fact that I was willing to share my belief and said "Well Im going to bring another partner of mine to talk to you further about our faith" in a nice but phony way. Why are we so stubborn in our beliefs? Why can't we just share each others thoughts and opinions without misunderstanding?

ashtung, the lady was like 50. I'm 22. There's no attraction involved in this situation. I simply wanted to communicate by phone because I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable by inviting her to my church and vice versa.

Answer 1

Elsewhere, this questioner has confirmed that he is male. He seems disappointed that he cannot be alone with a female minister of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Females among the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses cherish their wholesome reputations, and also recognize that some of an interested person's "interest" may relate to romantic interest rather than interest in "the good news". It is the course of wisdom when a female minister brings an associate along on what might otherwise be a compromising one-to-one interaction.

(Matthew 10:16-17) Look! I am sending you forth as sheep amidst wolves; therefore prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves. Be on your guard against men

(Psalm 68:11) Jehovah himself gives the saying; The women telling the good news are a large army.

Answer 2

Bond with them by sharing in the fact that God loves all people equally. (There is nothing that any human can do that isn't forgivable by God in His Mercy if they truly repent.) Also, about the religion question: There are many "man made religions" each claiming to have spiritual truth (since the Reformation by Luther- also it should be noted that he didn't want to split from the RCC but only to change it.) Jesus Christ was the only person that claimed to be God and came to the Jews, but they rejected his teachings and among the Gentiles he formed a Church that is 2007 years old and still alive and well (the Cathoic Church.) I'm a Catholic, but I don't force my beliefs unto anyone because realize that people have been missing parts of Divine Revelation in their belief systems since Luther's schism. Does that mean I'm a "chosen one?" Hell no! I'm still a hopeles sinner, like every other person in this world. Therein lies the problem: there are many people who are 'religious' but pompous and self righteous and think they are morally superior to others (by no means are all followers of religions this way, however, many are not at all.) Anyway it all comes down to people trying to convert others to their "true religion." If someone converts because they are pressured by another person it is not a true conversion (eg the story of the Samaritian woman at the well.) Christ has to be given space to come into the lives of His Creatures freely, but, the paradox is that His "followers" often are the ones who prevent Him from doing this (by their sins, hatred, and petty quarrels.) There must be prayers to God for Christian Unity because He desires all of His creation to be one with Him . I typically engage in simple discussion with people who don't share my beliefs and try to find some commonality. It can be a very intellectually and spiritually rewarding experience if thought about it this way.

Answer 3

JW's are trained to be that way. They believe that they alone have the true copy of the bible, the one true Christianity.

So, she won't be coming to your church - she believes that you are lost and will only be saved if you become a JW.

It's not so much stubborness, as it is that she believes she is saving you. She doesn't consider you Christian, period. JW's are trained to save and to bring more people into the fold. They are indoctrinated into the belief system and fully believe that what they are doing is right. Which is why she is bringing another person into it - to help you see the light.

The best way to fellowship with another person in a different faith is to first learn their views. You can read third hand what they believe - but it is best to learn it from them. To ask polite questions, respect them and to actually listen when they give answers back. A lot of people - who may not naturally talk will often times respond when they are invited into a real conversation. Not just into a session of who's beliefs are better.

Leave the preaching at home. You can share your faith, the bible and everything that these encompass without preaching. Simple acts of kindness and respectful conversation go a long ways. Jesus spent a lot of time talking to people, normal people. Not preaching in the way we understand it today.

Answer 4

How to bond?

Simply don't try to convert each other.

If you don't have the same faith as someone else, then there is no need at all to 'share your faith'.

If religious discussions create unwanted drama, simply talk about something else with them.

Also, just because someone practices the -same- religion as you, that doesn't mean you necessarily see things eye-to-eye either.
People are people, with differences and commonalities, regardless of their religions.

Spirituality can be shared in community, but ultimately, experience of the Divine happens on a personal level. It isn't really possible to share that with others.

Answer 5

It matters. Some people's lives are based souly on their belief in God. Being Wiccan, I dont really have a choice. I know that I am a part of one of the smallest religions in the world, so Im bound to be partnered with someone of different beliefs.

But if you try talking to her about things OTHER than your religios beliefs, and focus on favorites, family, and experiences....youll soon be comfortable with their beliefs.

Answer 6

Actually, her response is a common one. JW's as well as other cults do not like coming in contact with people who are firm in their faith because if they do, they might have to answer some pretty tough questions regarding their misguided beliefs and false doctrines.

All I can say is friendship evangelism is probably going to work better for you when dealing with people of other religions. If you try to start a relationship solely with one or both of you trying to "convert" one another, it's not going to work. BUT, if you become their friend, show them that you care about and that you genuinely want to invest your life in them, then you will have earned their respect, and then through your friendship you will be able to show them the love of Christ, the true Christ, who died, was buried, and rose again bodily from the grave!

Answer 7

Sometimes like you mentioned it's impossible....but not always....Pentecostal and Anglican are very different, but Father K is a good friend of mine and we share a common bond in our love for Jesus and talk about all kinds of things some not even religious. That helps you get past the bumps.

Answer 8

I'm guessing this partnership will never work. JW's want to get as many people converted to their way of thinking. They believe the more people they can bring into their halls, the better chance they have of being chosen to go to heaven. This person doesn't want to be your friend. They want you to be a notch in their proverbial belt.

Answer 9

Once again, the subject of religion tears apart an otherwise likely friendship in the making.

You will always find people who will not want to listen to you, no matter what you say, to those people I turn a deaf ear. If they were true about wanting to share knowledge and love with another, then they would be compassionate to hear you as well.

Answer 10

Ask her if you can visit her hall. Then if she says yes, then go visit. Learn about her faith. Then, invite her to visit your church. Teach her about your faith. Then, try to discuss theological or philosophical matters. If she doesn't respond, ask her why. Hope this helps.
Blessed Be,
Amina