Comments on: Not Scaring Them Off

By: The Nerd

The Nerd — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:05:40 +0000

Lovely! I am delighted when people are surprised by science.

By: Blue Linchpin

Blue Linchpin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:56:51 +0000

Again, why are all these nice Christians flocking to you? :(

My mom and I recently lived in a home that was extremely close to a Jehova’s Witness church, and it was not pleasant. When we first lived in the house years ago, I was seeking an alternate religion and was interested in Wicca at that time (no longer, though I still have a fondness for the religious path, I admit), and the neighborhood knew it. Well, of course the JWs found out…needless to say, they never spoke to me and decided to instead give me dirty looks while debating with my mother every few days.

By: the chaplain

the chaplain — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:53:42 +0000

You’ve got far more patience than I do. My husband is more likely to invite folks in and chat with them than I am.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:36:18 +0000

I live in San Antonio, TX, which has a large Hispanic population. Whenever a JW comes to my door, the first thing they ask is if I speak Spanish. When I say no, they promptly say goodbye and leave. So, I never even get a chance to discuss. I guess there’s no salvation for a gringo like me.

By: Eshu

Eshu — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:21:06 +0000

When the squadron of witnesses descend on my neighbourhood (literally, multiple cars turn up at once)

Yikes, sounds like a proper invasion! We just get two at a time – maybe that’s for personal safety or maybe it’s so that neither one can show any doubts for fear of getting reported!

I think you’re fighting a losing battle if you’re attempting to convert them, but good job for trying to talk some sense into them! I think most other people just tend to write them off as a lost cause.

Yes, I’m an optimist and I’m not that hopeful I could (de)convert them. I also understand (now better than before) that it can be quite frustrating talking to JWs, which is why I think it’s helpful to share any ideas about what works and what doesn’t.

By: Leif

Leif — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:53:37 +0000

I must say you’re far more tolerant than I, and I applaud you! When the squadron of witnesses descend on my neighbourhood (literally, multiple cars turn up at once) I usually hide around the corner until they’re gone… Hmm, maybe I should get a “no religious nuts” letterbox sticker as well as “no junk mail”.

I think you’re fighting a losing battle if you’re attempting to convert them, but good job for trying to talk some sense into them! I think most other people just tend to write them off as a lost cause.

By: Eshu

Eshu — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:27:31 +0000

Thanks, I didn't think of that approach. I guess to me it seems like arguing from consequences, but anything which gives them pause for thought and might awaken their critical minds (I know they're in there somewhere!) is a good thing.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:22:42 +0000

[N]o one can properly understand the Bible without the official interpretations of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower Society.

I don’t know much about JW’s, but is their society somewhat of a substitute for the “holy spirit” in a sense?

Also, they often come to visit me (I live in the South–I mean, I’m on the buckle of the Bible Belt). I ask them how they view their god’s demand of a blood sacrifice as ethical, and then I ask them to explain to me why I should worship a god that demands such sacrifice. That usually gets them. They try to use the Bible to explain the “how,” but I question their ethics (and thus critical thinking), so I’m asking a “why.” They never seem to have a “why.”