Catholics and Christians, help with being a good witness?

Question

I am Catholic and I am concerned for the souls of other so I don't want to turn Jehovahs Witness away from my door because it could be beneficial for us to talk together. Catholics and Christians only- please share your experience and/or advice. Thanks!!

Answer 1

First of all, don't debate specific doctrines with them or you'll go around in circles. The JW only accepts the Watchtower interpretation so he'll just twist everything you say, or ignore the verses you quote, and keep coming at you with obscure verses he has isolated from the text.

Secondly, don't let them go through their pre-rehearsed presentation. Bring up another topic that's off the subject like "why did you become a JW" or maybe tell them why you are Catholic. This will get them out of "robot mode" and start a more useful and personal conversation.

Thirdly, be careful of them confusing you with multiple topics, especially if you were making headway on one issue and they suddenly try to bring something else up. That means you are making progres. Let them finish and then say "I would like to get back to what we were discussing before."

Finally, and VERY important, ask the Jehovah's Witness which bible translation they are using. Their "New World Translation" was produced in the 1950's by five JW elders, four of whom had NO bible training or knowledge of biblical language!

Answer 2

I used to be a JW, and I used to work at their headquarters in NY at Bethel. I can tell you for a fact that they are indoctrinated to not accept your viewpoint. They believe they have the true religion, and nothing you say can really change their mind since they have a very low opinion of the Catholic religion. If you like to spin your wheels, then go for it.

Many folks try to argue with them and try to prove points from the Bible, but to me that's really a waste of time. Sorta like two kids arguing whether Batman can beat Superman. It's better to question them about the politics and under table goings-on within their organization. Not all JWs are corrupt, but a significant percentage is corrupt. For example, I know a JW who conned a bunch of fellow JWs into investing in his company. As soon as he had their money, he went and bought a house and a new Jaguar. As soon as he blew the money, his business declared bankruptcy so that his "brothers" couldn't get their money back. He lost his privileges as an "elder", but then he switched congregations and got them back after a few years. Last I heard, the elders in the new cong. were trying to delete him again because he owns some strip clubs, but so far they were unsuccessful because they were having trouble getting the paperwork to prove it. This is just one example of several I have known personally. What helped me initially break free was when I sat down and made a list of all the corruption I witnessed firsthand. Only when I was free did I begin to realize how brainwashed I had been. As a JW, you are taught to not question the teachings of the organization, you are taught that even if a doctrine changes it is because "the light is getting brighter and brighter", you are taught that the world is false and that the only hope is for your passive belief system to one day become a reality.

Answer 3

If any religious group comes to your door, it most likely will be Jehovah's Witnesses.When we come to your door, we do have a specific subject to discuss because that subject is featured in the specific magazine that we are featuring for that month. But that does not mean we have to stick with that subject. We can talk about anything the householder has on her/his mind.

One misconception about us is that we insist on using the NWT. We would gladly use the Bible that the householder supplies. We are not there to debate. We are there to show what the Bible really says. We listen to opposing viewpoints and then see how they line up with what the Bible says.

Many of the things that have been said about us in this columns are not true. If these people are really interested in sharing the truth, have they come to your door yet?

Answer 4

I talk to them, just make sure you know some of the Bible and won't fall into the type of doctrine.

I don't have much experience with Jehovah Witnesses but I have gotten into conversations with members of the International Church of Christ. (Not the mainstream denomination, the group that's based out of Boston) I talk to them! When I was younger they tried to convince me that I wasn't saved because I hadn't been baptized. Well, I learned the real interpretation of many of the scriptures they use to justify that. They also believe you can't be saved unless you're in their church, which is actually a dangerous form of idolatry. Usually there is one "seasoned" member (who's really pushy and has a nasty attitude) and one "newbie" who's just joined. I usually focus on refuting the doctrine for the sake of the newbie.

Answer 5

First--Catholic's are Christians. All branches of Protestant are Christians. Everyone who believes in Jesus is a Christian.

I was raised a Lutheran, married a Catholic, and raised my children in both churches. We disliked the actions of certain religious groups such as Jehovahs Witnesses and Mormons (sometimes Christian Scientists) for the simple reason that they would continue to knock on your door--after you told them that you were of another faith. They butted into our business, continuously handed you pamphlets, booklets, etc., even tried to convert the children on their way to school.

Answer 6

I understand exactly what you mean, so I open the door. I am also concerned with the souls of others. I think it is important for different religions to speak with each other. I wish that one day we would all have the same beliefs and take away the titles and worship together.

Answer 7

I would suggest really reading up on what they believe, finding how their views differ on the Bible, and then talking to them about it.

They are LOOKING for an opportunity to talk to you. They would be happy to talk to you, which gives you a chance to talk to them. So just say, blatantly, "I've read a bit on Jehovah Witnesses and there are some things in your philosophy I find disturbing. Would you mind answering some of my questions?" If they say no, it doesn't matter, you can't say you haven't tried. If they say yes, then you have an opportunity to talk to them, plus you have caught them temporarily off-guard, so they are less likely to just cover you with propaganda.

Try and pick only a few subjects. The Trinity of God is a big one. That Jesus died on a stake, not a cross, is another, but that's not necessarily important to doctrine. Just don't be beligerent, and DO NOT DO ALL THE TALKING. You want THEM to talk to you, not vice versa. If you do all the talking, you're in their hands. If you get them to do all the talking, they're in your hands, especially because when people are talking they aren't thinking as much. You want to listen and ask questions, not talk.

Know that every time you speak to them, they are not really paying attention to you. They are busy scanning your words to get a foothold onto whatever subject they wish, and thinking of what they will say in response. So don't speak long, just in short sentences, and when you talk to them end in a question. This will make them have to answer the question, not pick at all your words and confuse you.

One thing i have learned when dealing with mormons is that when you use your Bible for quotes--preferably with the quotes already picked out--don't read it TO them, have THEM read it aloud to you. If YOU read it they will not pay attention, only thinking about what their typical response is. If THEY read it, that doesn't give them as much of a chance to re-interpret the passage along their lines: then ask them questions on it, directly after they are finished, not giving them wiggle-room to alter or dance around the true meaning of the passage (a good example is when Jesus was baptized, both the Holy Spirit and the Father likewise appeared, proving the Trinity).

Also, when they appear in groups, one will generally do the talking, while the others are just there for "moral support" and will generally keep quiet. Pick one of the quiet ones, not the talkative one, because the talkative one always does the talking and so knows what to say to try and win you over. The quieter ones are more likely to give you a straight answer, not a sugar-coated one. That, plus these quieter ones are also the ones who are more likely to listen to your words in turn, and not block what you are saying out with their false doctrine.

Don't listen to flattery, don't thank them for it, because that will make them think they are getting through to you. Just ignore it: focus on the three or so points that you want to talk to them about, and go over one after the other.

Answer 8

Offer to sit down and study the Bible with them. You can get into some good discussions if they actually say they have the time. Sometimes, they are not willing to study, other times they are.

There are many concepts held by the Jehovah's Witnesses that are contrary to the Bible. Some of them may not be aware of them and could actually benefit from the studies.

Answer 9

The best thing that you can do if you are serious, is to study not only the Bible but also what the Jehovah's Witnesses believe. And be ready with your challenges and the answers to their challenges. The same goes for the Mormons.

Answer 10

Yeh sure I mean you don't have to i'm a cahtolic and i've being brought up and taught we are all made in 'Gods image and likeness' Genesis. And so you don't have to turn them away, there our brothers and sisters :) Just explain your beliefs and I'm sure they wont pester you.

To be honest I don't thnik they'll mind, I've heard most people who do go to doors actually only do it for their own benefit, remeber a ex jehova witness who went to the doors was tellign me on here.

I'm not sayign all are, my Grandma was one, she was the kindest person you could meet.

So invite them in have a good chat, at the end of the day you both have somethign in common you have a belief in a GOD :)