Christians what do You think about this article by a EX-JW?

Question

By Clint DeBoer

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and remained one until age 11. Coming out of this cult, I entered my teenage years as a bitter atheist where I remained until I graduated from college. Through God’s amazing grace I was saved in 1994 after reading the Bible and realizing that it was indeed the true Word of God. Repeatedly God has blessed me with the passion and privilege to witness to the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

You’ve almost certainly had them come knocking on your door on a Saturday afternoon and you may have even engaged a Jehovah’s Witness in a theological discussion. In talking to other Christians I find that when presented with a face-to-face encounter with a Jehovah’s Witness there are usually two responses: 1) A "frontal assault" via debate or heated discussion; or 2) A polite "no thanks, I’m already a Christian" followed by an all too abrupt closing of the door. For the mature Christian, what’s usually missing is the realization that this is a true witnessing opportunity—one that has arrived right at your doorstep. In my earliest attempts at grabbing the proverbial bull by the horns, I tried engaging them in direct debates, often quoting from several texts I had studied regarding the cultic practices of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

After several failed "conversion" attempts, often ending with thoroughly frustrated Jehovah’s Witnesses unwilling to ever return to my residence, I arrived at a startling realization: Jehovah’s Witnesses are real people, with real needs and real feelings. They can feel frustration, anger, fear, and confusion. I then realized that the reason my frontal assaults on the Jehovah’s Witnesses never seemed to work was because I had not put myself in their place and taken their feelings into account. A wise man once said, "When you want to get someone’s attention, you don’t shine a flashlight in their eyes." In presenting my arguments and facts without giving them time to prepare, I had forgotten that they were human beings searching for the truth. I had not been speaking this truth in love.

Months later, when I was again presented with an opportunity to speak with Jehovah’s Witnesses at my door, I engaged them in conversation, and agreed to do a weekly Bible study with them in order to further discuss what exactly they believed. They agreed, with the understanding that along the way I would ask questions whenever we arrived at a topic or subject with which I disagreed or failed to understand. The amazing difference was that instead of blindsiding them with questions and points of contention, I was giving them an opportunity to prepare themselves for a topic of discussion. More importantly, though, I began to care about them personally and yearn for their salvation. In this way, I am able to meet with Witnesses on a weekly basis and take them off the streets, focusing on critical topics such as the requirement that one be born again to enter the kingdom of God, the unbiblical theology of a two-class system of believers, and the true identity of Jesus Christ.

Answer 1

Yep.
Jesus will certainly reward his efforts.

Answer 2

Looks like a diatribe to, not an article. No link to the article. Also, no congregation named. Perhaps he doesn't know it.

I've heard these diatribes a lot over the last 25 years. Every time some group or individual tells me that I don't need to say I was disfellowshipped for cause, but because I thought it was a cult. They know people will believe any negative comments about the witnesses, no matter how outrages.

I was disfellowshipped by the Corning, Ca Congregation in 1982. You can ask my daughter. She's Papa Bear's Baby Bear on here.

Answer 3

The Bible is clear: (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) 11 But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do YOU not judge those inside, 13 while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves.” We don't tolerate un-Christian practices in the congregation. Sadly most "Christian" churches harbor all sorts of un-Christian activity in their congregations without question. Remember: 1 Corinthians 6: 9,10 says 9 What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, 10 nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom. Can it be clearer than this ?

Answer 4

The more I kept reading this I came to a realization that these people have feelings too. What gets me is why do they insist on harrasing people and getting into hot debates about there faith knowing that everyone else has a different belief. Its like they are pushing their "cult" on others and expect them to join the next day and if they dont they continue to hassle people at their front door steps.... Instead of listening to what other Christians think or "people" in general they find themselves in no wrong and take offense when someone tries to push their religion on them.
It makes no sense . . . . . what does this cult expect?

Answer 5

Hmm, the obligatory "cult" claim. Why is it that almost every ex Jehovah's Witness uses 'cult' to describe their former fellow worshipers?

Sounds like a "story" to me, along the lines of a fairytale.

Answer 6

do you know the real difference between a cult and a religion? numbers. jesus preached AGAINST religion. christians belong to a religion invented by pagan politicians. they call the Bible the "inerrant word of God" and use scripture to invent doctrine to prove themselves right. read the Gospel according to Matthew again and see what Jesus said to the "religious" leaders. he stood toe to toe with them and told them to their faces that they were hypocrites. There is no greater hindrance to a knowledge of the Creator than RELIGION.

Answer 7

I believe that in God's eyes, all organized religions are foolishness to some degree because although they are patterned after God's word, they are also always patterned after man's interpretation as well. I will not tell another that what they believe is wrong or misguided. I have learned to simply accept my own and others inability to discern the absolute truth on our own. I trust in God and try to listen for his voice and ask Him to help another discern His truth.

Answer 8

I did what you have done for a long time. All of them have not wanted to discuss when I would put opposing texts in front of them and the more questions I asked and answers I disagreed with..lovingly..just got their backs up. The last time I did this, one JW threw a bible on the floor in anger..I ordered he and his wife to leave and not return. I am done with it all.

Answer 9

I like the Idea that you are "able to meet with Witnesses on a weekly basis and take them off the streets,"!

Answer 10

Your work is paying off by being able to build a relationship with the JW's.