Being Pressured by Jehovah's Witness at work?

Question

A work colleague is a Jehovah's Witness, she has started asking me to go to meetings with her. I am Epsicopalian and she knows this. I am not in the least bit interested in going to her meetings or in discovering anything about her faith that I don't already know. She already has one other colleague going with her to meetings and she keeps telling me I need to go too. I'm not talking about the harassment issue here, I just want her to leave me alone. I have repeatedly told her no, I have told her to stop asking me. She keeps asking why I don't want to go, I have told her I am happy in my faith. I have studied other religions over the years but I'm not interested enough to find out more. What can I say to her to convince her I'm really not interested?When I tell her exactly that she tells me I haven't been to a meeting so I can't decide,she's like a child who keeps asking "but why?" What's a good response?

I have said that I'll go to her meeting if she'll come to my church with me, her response to that was that she's not allowed-her faith won't allow it. When I responded with "and my faith won't allow it either" She asked why AGAIN. She's very immature, only 22. I'm 52, I don't want to get into a spiritual discussion with her, neither do I want to report her for any kind of harrassment, I work in a tiny office, there's only 3 of us plus the boss so I really don't want any friction. In all other things she's a good person to work with. Just need a good answer for her, telling her I don't want to go, not interested, my faith won't allow it all get the same response "why not, are you afraid of finding out your religion is the wrong religion?" Just a simple response please!

Answer 1

It is true that Jehovah's Witnesses tend to be quite persistent, and sometimes the immaturity and inexperience of a young or new Witness overwhelms his good intentions. The bible plainly requires overt preaching by each genuine Christian, but in situations with daily or near-daily contact between the Christian and the potential Christian, the bible actually recommends an entirely different approach from nagging:

(1 Peter 3:1-4) If any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word... because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect. And do not let your adornment be [primarily external] but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.


Rather than focusing on her coworker's over-enthusiasm for God and Christ, the questioner might choose to consider her godly qualities and compare them with other young people in the community. Does she dress modestly? Is she careful to avoid profanity? Is she respectful, conscientious, and honest?

Qualities like these certainly seem to indicate that one is enjoying the "fruitage of the spirit" (see Galatians 5:22).


In any event, the question seems to be related less to "Religion & Spirituality" and more to "Etiquette".
http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/;_ylt=?link=list&sid=396545165

One idea that respects etiquette and can be used regarding any unwanted subject matter is to gently interrupt and say, "We've discussed this matter before, and I'll remind you that I don't wish to discuss it again. Please excuse me." Then, walk away or simply ignore the person.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_04.htm
http://jw-media.org/people/ministry.htm

http://watchtower.org/e/19970208/article_02.htm

Answer 2

You have been gracious and kind. The persistence of your coworker is also admirable in it's own right. However, she does seem to have an inability to perceive when enough is enough. This is an individual trait and not something she is taught as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. We are zealous, but at the same time we try to recognize the need to "keep quiet" (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Share this scripture with her and tell her that it's time for her to be quiet about it. Nothing speaks louder and clearer to people than the bible. Use it!

Answer 3

She sounds very young and over zealous which is problematic especially in this situation. I suggest telling her, while making direct eye contact, that you have told her no and you are not going to change your mind. Tell her you like her as a person but if this doesn't stop, you will have to have a sit down with her and your boss because she is causing a distraction while you are trying to work. I know you work in a small office where the politics get a little sticky, but with someone like this who simply isn't getting it, you must go above her head to get it to stop. She WILL NOT STOP unless you have the boss intervene. Be aware that what she is doing really is harassment at this point. Just because it's about religion and not sex doesn't change the fact that she will not take no for an answer. Make her hear it!

Answer 4

you assert you're, "offended and depressed each and all the time" whilst examining with the JW's, what dose that make it easier to comprehend, Christ informed us his burden is gentle and in case you have been with Christ you does not sense this type nor could you are able to desire to circulate with between a synthetic enterprise and what must be the only actual love you will ever have or you are able to decide on God and function the two.

Answer 5

Maybe try something to this effect:

"I'm so glad that you've found a religious experience that works for you. I've found one that works quite nicely for me. Now, let's drop any further discussion of religion, since we both know that it's extremely unprofessional to discuss it in the workplace."

If she says, "But, why?" tell her gently, but firmly, that the discussion is over. You will not be discussing religion in the office anymore. Don't leave it open for a question.

Answer 6

It is obvious she has formed an attachment to you -- seeing in you a friendly motherly type(?). Just be firm and tell her in a friendly voice, "No thank you, I am not interested, and please don't ask me again, I'm really not interested."

If that doesn't work, make a B5 hard page with a big "No !" on -- this way you can have it on your desk so that next time she asks, hold it up for her to see, smile, don't say anything and walk away.

Answer 7

Santone you've got a heart of gold,and it is evident in your mature question.You don't deserve that first answer however from someone who is questionable toward your creator and his Holly spirit.Solarius and Heiss were working with your mode and kind spirit ,and Isn't Bambi a treasure with her ans.as well in saying you may be one who is deserving of something better especially since you have sought for truth.As Heiss said your colleague is probally too excited for you,and I'm sure you will deal with it in a mature way.

Answer 8

I know how annoying that can be.I was in the same situation and i actually went for meetings for few months.Listen,i suggest that you stick to your faith b'cos all they talk about in meetimgs is how their religion is the best.Stick to your guns,ignore her completely and tell her a very firm no.
No matter what,don't go for the meetingselse she'll be encouraged.She won't back off,but keep ignoring her,she may not take a hint but soon she will.

Answer 9

She doesn't really sound like she can be reasoned with--you've already used up the "polite" responses. If she doesn't get "just like your religion doesn't allow you to attend the services of other religions, my religion doesn't allow me to attend the services of other religions" then there's not much you can do.

Edit: Solarius' suggestion is good . . .

Answer 10

Hi

im sorry you are experiencing this and this is not behavior that is encouraged by JW's
Elders often tell us not to push our religion on others and to accept no as no

i would encourage you to go to at least one but obviously you dont want to

try telling her to please leave you alone, and if she asks why again tell her because youre not interested and thats your decision.

and im sorry if she doesnt understand, but please dont get the wrong idea of us just because of own person.Many JW's respect others decision.