Question for Jehovah's Witnesses?

Question

I grew up with my mom, who's a Roman Catholic. She gave me freedom to choose my own religion, which I'm grateful for.
I lived with my father for some time in my teenage years before I became a Jehovah's Witness. He's Muslim and I practiced the religion at the time because I lived under his roof and I was underage.

I never really had a good relationship with my dad because he had forced me into a religion I hated. Now, as an adult, the fact that he's still my dad, I want to have a good relationship with him. But he's hindering me from doing so because I chose to be a Witness and not a Muslim.

He says a lot of hurtful things to me, like "I'm rebellious like my mother", because I'm not Muslim. Is there any way I can have a fulfilling relationship with someone as "Pig Headed" as him?
I'm sorry to say that about him over the net but that's just the nicest way I can discribe his behaviour.

Answer 1

But of course that there is a way, there's always one.

Jehovah Witnesses have really interesting points in common with the Muslims.

Indeed, although the three main monotheistic religions of the world are the Judaism, the Christianity and the Islam, from Muhammad's point of view the first two religions had wandered from the path of truth. In fact, according to some Islāmic commentators, the Qur’ān implies rejection of Jews and of Christians in stating: “Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.” (Surah 1:7)

A Qur’ānic commentary states: “The People of the Book went wrong: The Jews in breaking their Covenant, and slandering Mary and Jesus . . . and the Christians in raising Jesus the Apostle to equality with God” by means of the Trinity doctrine. (Surah 4:153-176, AYA.)

As Jehovah's Witnesses we totally agree with what Mohammed expressed about the truly Christianity, I mean that the Christendom wandered from the path of truth adopting pagan beliefs as the trinity, the idols worship, celebration of pagan origin dates, etc.

However Jehovah's Witnesses didn’t do that, in fact we condemn that practices (as Muhammad did too) of Jehová continue practicing the true Christianity which chord goes with many of the beliefs of the Islam.

The principal teaching of Islām, for utter simplicity, is what is known as the shahādah, or confession of faith, which every Muslim knows by heart: “La ilāh illa Allāh; Muhammad rasūl Allāh” (No god but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah). This agrees with the Qur’ānic expression, “Your God is One God; there is no God save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” (Surah 2:163) This thought was stated 2,000 years earlier with the ancient call to Israel: “Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.” (Deuteronomy 6:4) Jesus repeated this foremost command, which is recorded at Mark 12:29, about 600 years before Muhammad, and nowhere did Jesus claim to be God or to be equal to Him. (Mark 13:32; John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:28.)

Regarding God’s uniqueness, the Qur’ān states: “So believe in God and His apostles. Say not ‘Trinity’: desist: it will be better for you: for God is One God.” (Surah 4:171, AYA) However, we should note that true Christianity does not teach a Trinity. That is a doctrine of pagan origin introduced by apostates of Christendom after the death of Christ and the apostles.

The same as the Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses we believe fervently in a God only, we have made an effort to maintain our “Book of God” without altering as for content and doctrine. We make an effort to follow the example and the teachings of the prophet Jesus, and to direct all our adoration to our God the only one and Almighty.

Here you have, three key points to use with Muslims:

1. Our beliefs are completely different from those that Christendom have, ours come from the truly Christianity of the “Prophet” Jesus.
2. We believe that Jesus was Jehovah’s son only, a human being and not God himself.
3. We believe that Christ resurrected in spiritual form, and he was not in flesh when he was raised up to the sky.

I have had really interesting conversations with Muslims; I recommend you to use the “Reasoning” book of course, besides the tract “How to Find the Road to Paradise” and the booklet “The Time for True Submission to God.” This publications are made exactly for this kind of conversations.

Check also “Our Kingdom Ministry” November 1999, “What Will You Say to a Muslim?”

Well, I hope this could be useful, I hope you could enter to your dad's heart. Don't forget to ask Jehovah for that skill.

Agape,
A.

Answer 2

It's very important to respect others beliefs and respect your parents but it should never hinder your own spiritual welfare!

I agree with the suggestion of 'maintaining a good relationship at a distance'. Even if your strong enough to not let a poor relationship take you away from Jehovah, it could still affect you by making you 'resent' the truth because it appears to cause problems with important people such as your dad.

If i were you i'd live your life and enjoy it with the brothers and sisters but remain in contact with your dad. a phone call now and then and a visit just you see how he's getting on. I know that there are always going to be issues that make you want to preach, and thats great, but if you know a certain subject may lead to an arguement or tension then cunningly change the subject by saying something like 'oh, speaking of that-' and comment on something loosely related to the topic, or excuse yourself to get a drink, visit the toilet or something.

Im lucky enough to have been brought up a Witness by my mum and have a dad who, although being an athiest, enjoys the company or other witnesses and respects our beliefs. my uncle, however, became a witness after my gran died and as he was the youngest boy out of 8 boys he was often 'bullied' and guilt-tripped by some of the family. my mum is the oldest, though and as she is respected by them all she is able to sort things out. but we moved and didn't see my uncle a lot so he took it upon himself to limit contact and in return he recieved more respect AND he's happily married and strong in the truth.

Stay close to your spiritual family but don't cut off your dad. your right that you should respect him but he is a part of you too. I think the most you can do is do your best and prey to Jehovah and you'll be fine. hope all goes well! x

Answer 3

You can only have a meaningful relationship with if that is what he wants. The only thing you can do at this point is what the Bible say

Ex.20:12 "Honor your father and your mother in order that your days may prove long upon the ground that Jehovah your God is giving you."


Eph. 6:2 "Honor your father and your mother" which is the first command with a promise.

Continue to let your light shine

Answer 4

Remember, you can win him without a word. I did this for 12 years and my husband that did everything you hear about when a spouse is not a Witness, has been coming to the Hall for 2 years now and studying with an Elder. He's a very different man and I praise Jehovah for it every day.

Answer 5

The Bible clearly commands: “Honor your father and your mother.” (Ephesians 6:2) Just what does this involve? And are there good reasons to do so, even when parents make honoring them difficult?

What Does “Honor” Mean?

“Honor” involves the recognition of duly constituted authority. For instance, Christians are commanded, “Have honor for the king.” (1 Peter 2:17) While you may not always agree with a national ruler, still his position or office is to be respected. In the family circle, God vested parents with certain authority as his representatives. Therefore, godly children should honor that authority. But children should show more than just formal respect.

The original Greek verb rendered as “honor” in the Bible basically means to consider someone as of great value. A parent should thus be viewed as precious, highly esteemed, and dear to you. This involves having warm, appreciative feelings for them.

Respecting someone does not necessarily mean that you agree with him. “Keep the very order of the king [or parent], and that out of regard for the oath of God,” advises Ecclesiastes 8:2. As long as the order does not violate God’s laws, show your love for God by honoring it. “Be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.”—Colossians 3:20.

Furthermore, even if a parent’s example is bad, do not conclude that everything he or she tells you is wrong. During the days of Jesus Christ, the religious leaders who had the authority to teach God’s Word became very corrupt. Yet, Jesus told the people: “All the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds.” (Matthew 23:1-3, 25, 26) By respecting the counsel given from God’s Word, the people would be blessed by God. This can also be the case with you by honoring godly advice from your parents.

Answer 6

If your dad's religion is his "life" and being a Witness is your life, then you will more than likely never come to terms with one another. When people are passionate about something, it's REALLY hard not to talk about it (not *preach about* but just share pleasant conversation about). If the two of you can refrain from discussing ANY religious/political/national topics, there may be hope. If not, you may have to be content with sharing superficial pleasantries and that's it.
Such is how I have to be with my family. My family is "Christian"... but they don't read the Bible or go to church or live in harmony with Bible principles. They're [sometimes] "good people" and they feel that's all that's required.
My mother is very bitter about me taking the holidays away from her and my four kids. She disagrees with me on almost anything that's major or religious in nature.
So, I talk to her about 2-6 times a year. I love her because she gave me life but if she wasn't my mom, I wouldn't associate with her at all. Sadder still, even if I wasn't a Witness we would have limited contact. I was always the black sheep of the family with my thoughts of God and my empathy for others.
The best way I can show my respect is by keeping my distance. And I'm usually okay with that. (Especially seeing how I live in West Virginia and she lives in Florida)

I hope the two of you can make peace..

Answer 7

If your beliefs cause you to make changes in your life, try to understand your parents’ point of view. They will likely be pleased if, as a result of your learning and applying Bible teachings, you become more respectful, more obedient, more diligent in what they ask of you. However, if your new faith also causes you to reject beliefs and customs that they personally cherish, they may feel that you are spurning a heritage that they sought to give you. They may also fear for your welfare if what you are doing is not popular in the community or if it diverts your attention from pursuits that they feel could help you to prosper materially. Pride could also be a barrier. They may feel that you are, in effect, saying that you are right and they are wrong.

As soon as possible, therefore, try to arrange for your parents to meet some of the elders or other mature Witnesses from the local congregation. Encourage your parents to visit a Kingdom Hall to hear for themselves what is discussed and to see firsthand what sort of people Jehovah’s Witnesses are. In time, your parents’ attitude may soften. Pray to Jehovah.

Reasonableness Is Vital. The fact that our parents do not accept our religion does not cancel our relationship with them. The apostle Paul also counseled Christians “to speak injuriously of no one, not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.”—Titus 3:2.

Keep in Touch and Express Love -

At 1 Peter 2:12, Christians are given this encouragement: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations [unbelievers] that . . . they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God.” Often, loved ones who do not share our beliefs see the changes that the Bible has made in our life. Remember that many who were indifferent or even opposed to Bible truth have changed their mind. It may have taken many years of closely observing the good conduct of a marriage mate or a child for some individuals to investigate the reason behind that conduct. When people do not accept Bible truths, let it not be because they were neglected by a Christian loved one.

Assure our loved ones of our affection. Keeping in touch with your loved ones will assure them of your affection.

It will be beneficial to talk the matter over with the overseers or a mature Christian sister in your congregation.

"Awake!" 11/8/03. p. 26.

Answer 8

Jehovah God wanted us to use his name. Matthew 6:9, Jesus told us that we should pray: "Our Father in the heavens, let your NAME be SANCTIFIED." Also Isaiah 43:10 also brings out that Jehovah said, "You are my WITNESSES." God is a Title. Even with Arabs. A good dictionary will show you, “Allah” is a shortened form of the Arabic term meaning “the god", this is not a name. The title “God” is neither personal nor distinctive. In the Hebrew Scriptures the same word (ʼElo‧him′) is applied to Jehovah, the true God, and also to false gods. The Imperial Bible-Dictionary says: “It is everywhere a proper name, denoting the personal God and him only; whereas Elohim partakes more of the character of a common noun, denoting usually, indeed, but not necessarily nor uniformly, the Supreme. . . . The Hebrew may say the Elohim, the true God, in opposition to all false gods; but he never says the Jehovah, for Jehovah is the name of the true God only. He says again and again my God . . . ; but never my Jehovah, for when he says my God, he means Jehovah. He speaks of the God of Israel, but never of the Jehovah of Israel, for there is no other Jehovah. He speaks of the living God, but never of the living Jehovah, for he cannot conceive of Jehovah as other than living.” Hope This Helps

Answer 9

Well sweetie the only thing u can do is just Love him no matter what keep watch over him cause this is what God says we should do always give him respect and let him be who he is as a father and a Muslim you can's change who he is but if u are being pig headed and he is being pig headed who does god give his holy spirit to..........

Answer 10

He is your father, so you can still show him respect Ephesians 6 v 2. But as he is a Muslim, they consider anyone who leaves the faith as a traitor. But keep it a matter of prayer, the power of prayer can move mountains. May Jehovah bless your efforts. Agape