Hostility from Jehovah's witnesses

[Nicea325]

But, the spirit that motivates the JWs is alive and well. When the JWs fail, it seeks another path to believers. It is always at work, but has manifested itself in a palpable way amongst Catholics just recently. Time to read Ephesians 6:10-20 once again.

Amen!

 

[Phyllo]

Simply put, the JEWs place their entire faith upon the personal opinion of one man: their founder, Charles Taze Russell. He claimed to have received no vision and no revelation. He had no authority whatever to interpret scriptural prophecy - which is prohibited by Saint Peter (2 Peter 1:20). Russell was a charismatic man whose style of argument was clearly persuasive. Once he passed, they relied more on persistence than on persuasion.

Ask them if it was by the Holy Spirit that Russell and followers made their false prophecies (insert sound of crickets chirping).

Theirs is a house of cards.

They don’t call them false prophecies. They are errors. They admit they make mistakes. Then there is the enlightenment when the “spirit” tells them they were wrong and corrects their errors. I think errors get corrected every so often and then their beliefs change.
They are to be prayed for. They believe every thing they are told and will fight for what they believe until the next enlightenment and every thing changes. You would think that they would get tired of all the changes.
As far as the Watchtower magazine they bible study from it. I think they use one issue for an entire month. They are to be pitied. Their governing body I think is deliberating holding the truth from them.

 

[po18guy]

They don’t call them false prophecies. They are errors. They admit they make mistakes. Then there is the enlightenment when the “spirit” tells them they were wrong and corrects their errors. I think errors get corrected every so often and then their beliefs change.
They are to be prayed for. They believe every thing they are told and will fight for what they believe until the next enlightenment and every thing changes. You would think that they would get tired of all the changes.
As far as the Watchtower magazine they bible study from it. I think they use one issue for an entire month. They are to be pitied. Their governing body I think is deliberating holding the truth from them.

Sadly, whether considered false prophecies, or simple errors, they point to the utter fallibility of the organization’s leaders. In point of reality, the individual JWs may be held to a lower standarrd of accountability to God. Those who mislead them will suffer the greater condemnation (Luke 12:47-48, James 3:1).

 

[Phyllo]

Sadly, whether considered false prophecies, or simple errors, they point to the utter fallibility of the organization’s leaders. In point of reality, the individual JWs may be held to a lower standard of accountability to God. Those who mislead them will suffer the greater condemnation (Luke 12:47-48, James 3:1).

That is a great point. Why would they continue to follow blindly someone who continues to make mistakes. I think I would have called it quits a long time ago.
With their enlightenment they don’t glean a deeper truth they make a complete 180 degree turn and make another “truth” till the next time.

 

[po18guy]

That is a great point. Why would they continue to follow blindly someone who continues to make mistakes. I think I would have called it quits a long time ago.
With their enlightenment they don’t glean a deeper truth they make a complete 180 degree turn and make another “truth” till the next time.

They are extremely deserving of prayer, as they have been greatly mislead, just as were the Sadducees of Jesus’ time (Mark 12:27). God loves them at least as much as He loves us - they are truly lost sheep. Who are the shepherds called to go fetch them back for the Lord? Thus, I tell them at each visit that they have been greatly mislead. Same with the Mormons.

 

[Phyllo]

They are extremely deserving of prayer, as they have been greatly mislead, just as were the Sadducees of Jesus’ time (Mark 12:27). God loves them at least as much as He loves us - they are truly lost sheep. Who are the shepherds called to go fetch them back for the Lord? Thus, I tell them at each visit that they have been greatly mislead. Same with the Mormons.

I have met several in my time and they have always been nice. My friend in a JW and she actually took me to one of their Bethel’s’. The place was beautifully situated on a lovely campus. They have underground walkways that lead from the main hall to the residences for the people who actually live and work there. We had lunch there family style which was very nice. Every one in skirts and suits, even the lady who cleaned the bathroom. The place is so clean you can eat off the floor.

She also took me to a Kingdom Hall. It looked like a small theatre. There was a stage with rows of individual straight backed chairs with cushioned seats. Again so very clean. The place as well as the Bethel left me with a cold feeling though.
I found this to be quite an education…

She keeps trying to get me to go to one of her meetings, but I have a big mouth and would probably open it at the wrong time.

I haven’t gotten a visit from them in years and I have never seen a Morman at my door either.

 

[po18guy]

I have met several in my time and they have always been nice. My friend in a JW and she actually took me to one of their Bethel’s’. The place was beautifully situated on a lovely campus. They have underground walkways that lead from the main hall to the residences for the people who actually live and work there. We had lunch there family style which was very nice. Every one in skirts and suits, even the lady who cleaned the bathroom. The place is so clean you can eat off the floor.

She also took me to a Kingdom Hall. It looked like a small theatre. There was a stage with rows of individual straight backed chairs with cushioned seats. Again so very clean. The place as well as the Bethel left me with a cold feeling though.
I found this to be quite an education…

She keeps trying to get me to go to one of her meetings, but I have a big mouth and would probably open it at the wrong time.

I haven’t gotten a visit from them in years and I have never seen a Morman at my door either.

If you ever go again, you could spend the time praying for them. You could also secrete a Saint Benedict medal somewhere inside. That has been done in a certain LDS facility that I know of…

 

[Phyllo]

If you ever go again, you could spend the time praying for them. You could also secrete a Saint Benedict medal somewhere inside. That has been done in a certain LDS facility that I know of…

I think the chances of the happening again are slim to non. But I will keep St. Benedict in mind.

 

[eo_chibears]

youtu.be/Fw1Vg8HsMK4

Not sure how accurate this video is.

 

[mrsed]

As a former JW, I can attest that this website (see link below) is the single best resource out there to show the JW’s doctrines from the beginning and how it has developed over the years.

jwfacts.com/

As a former JW, since I know how JW’s think, everything boils down to one and only one thing. Who has the authority bestowed upon them by Jesus Christ. This is the question that they cannot/will not answer. Always, and I mean always, when discussing religion with JW’s, make them answer where they receive authority and how do they know they can trace themselves back to the Apostles. Ask them where the “faithful and wise servant” mentioned in Matthew 24:45 was before Charles Taze Russell, the founder of their religion. Since they cannot answer this, well, you know where to go from there. This issue is KEY before any discussion can have any hope of developing. Do not get sidetracked by them redirecting the discussion to the Trinity, the Papacy, Mary, the immortality of the soul, etc, etc. Make them stick to the subject. Their own relgions publications paint them into a corner on this issue:

The Watchtower makes the claim that:

“Beginning with Pentecost, 33 C.E., and continuing through the 19 centuries since then, this slavelike congregation has been feeding its members spiritually.” Watchtower 1981 Mar 1 p.24

They contend that they are this “faithful and discreet slave”. They define their teaching authority, what they call their governing body, as this slave. And they claim it has been feeding other JW’s (or what they would call, “lovers of truth”) for 2000 years. Put the onus on them to prove it to you. Then I would ask them how about the bible and how we got it, tying that in with the question of authority.

Pray for them. They are seriously misguided people that have a genuine love for God.

It was not my intent to include this entire quote. I only want to reply to ‘T. More’ and ask him what it was that brought him to (or return to) the Catholic Church.

This may not be the forum to share your story but it surely would be a source of encouragement for us to continue praying for all JWs. They have come to our home and I can identify with many of the comments made in this thread regarding their approach.

 

[po18guy]

It was not my intent to include this entire quote. I only want to reply to ‘T. More’ and ask him what it was that brought him to (or return to) the Catholic Church.

This may not be the forum to share your story but it surely would be a source of encouragement for us to continue praying for all JWs. They have come to our home and I can identify with many of the comments made in this thread regarding their approach.

Within a quote, just highlight and delete that which you do no want, and only the rest will appear.

 

[aicirt]

I don’t know many Jehovah’s witnesses. I do work with three of them and they seem to have a lot of anger and hostility toward the Catholic Church. One of them asked me, “How can you believe in a religion that was started by a Roman Emperor?” Or that, “You are definitley going to hell.” Obviously I don’t know much about their faith. I also am not here to make fun of them. It’s hard to get a feel for there beliefs from 3 people. Have other people experienced this kind of theatment from them? God Bless

Yes. Just met a JW who said the same thing to me. Also added that the cross was some type of pagan symbol of some Babylon diety. Suspicious of the letters on our communion. That had some sinister meaning to her too. Statues means idol worship ditto with birthdays and Christmas. However, JWs did celebrate both until 1940s.

I plan on being very kind and quiet with her because my thoughts are, after reading up on JWs, there’s a lot of misconceptions, no basis on historical or theological facts, and no belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God. Obviously, not Christian. Can’t be from the Holy
Spirit. So what’s inspiring the lies?

 

[po18guy]

I plan on being very kind and quiet with her because my thoughts are, after reading up on JWs, there’s a lot of misconceptions, no basis on historical or theological facts, and no belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God. Obviously, not Christian. Can’t be from the Holy Spirit. So what’s inspiring the lies?

It is as disquieting as it is simple: the spirit of antichrist.

 

[Phyllo]

Yes. Just met a JW who said the same thing to me. Also added that the cross was some type of pagan symbol of some Babylon deity. Suspicious of the letters on our communion. That had some sinister meaning to her too. Statues means idol worship ditto with birthdays and Christmas. However, JEWs did celebrate both until 1940s.

I plan on being very kind and quiet with her because my thoughts are, after reading up on JWs, there’s a lot of misconceptions, no basis on historical or theological facts, and no belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God. Obviously, not Christian. Can’t be from the Holy
Spirit. So what’s inspiring the lies?

They do believe that Jesus is the Son God but not the God. They believe in the Almighty God, who is God the Father and Jesus is a “little” God. They believe that Jesus is divine but not God. If you tell them that they believe in two gods they will tell you no, right after they tell you that Jesus is a little god and the Almighty is the God. Go figure. To me that would be believing in two gods.

In Hebrews where God says that he calls no son angel they will tell you that Jesus is Michael the arch angel. Figure that on out if you can:shrug:
They believe that Jesus has no authority or “power” on his own but only what the Father gives him.

 

[Miriam1947]

Amen!

[BIBLEDRB]Ephesians 6:10-20[/BIBLEDRB]

I just love that little Bible icon here. And the Douay Rheims is my favorite translation.

 

[sedonaman]

i thought my JW neighbor mentioned once that she donated ahead of a schedule surgery her own blood that could be used for a transfusion if there needed to be one.

It is called autonomous blood donation. I did this once prior to major surgery because you just don’t know what you will be getting from the blood bank. Can’t speak for JWs on this, though.

 

[sedonaman]

A few more references:

History of the Jehovah’s Witnesses
catholic.com/library/History_of_the_Jehovah_Witnesesses.asp

Strategies of the Jehovah’s Witnesses [Very interesting]

Excerpt:

Sample Openings

Five openings are given under the heading “Bible/ God.” The first reads this way: “Hello. I’m making just a brief call to share an important message with you. Please note what it says here in the Bible. (Read Scripture, such as Revelation 21:3-4.) What do you think about that? Does it sound good to you?”

Notice the hook: “an important message.” It works for the advertising industry; why not in this context? Then come the Bible verses, followed by questions. The missionaries don’t tell their listener what to think – at least not at this point. Instead, they elicit his views. Once he gives them, it’s awkward for him to back out of the conversation. They can toss out a few more questions, then make their point.

catholic.com/library/Strategies_of_Jehovah_Witness.asp

Stumpers for the Jehovah’s Witnesses *
catholic.com/library/Stumpers_for_Jehovah_Witnesse.asp*

 

[Trishie]

I don’t know many Jehovah’s witnesses. I do work with three of them and they seem to have a lot of anger and hostility toward the Catholic Church. One of them asked me, “How can you believe in a religion that was started by a Roman Emperor?” Or that, “You are definitely going to hell.” Obviously I don’t know much about their faith. I also am not here to make fun of them. It’s hard to get a feel for there beliefs from 3 people. Have other people experienced this kind of treatment from them? God Bless

Pray for them because their behavior and words are unChristian, and as they believe it is okay to treat people and speak to them in a rude and unChristian way, they definitely need your prayers. Accept this opportunity to pray for them that they remember to heed Jesus teaching of charity to others.

 

[dcana]

I asked them that very question, specifically about the canon, the last time they dropped by. They told me the Bible was put together by “people just like us.” So I asked them who these people were and when they lived. They were stumped.

And they haven’t been back since.

I think they’re looking for the “easy-pickins’.” They’re probably told to just “shake the dust off their feet” and leave when people (who know their faith) start responding to their “arguments” instead of saying, “Oh, really? I had no idea the Roman Catholic Church was founded by Constantine. That’s very interesting. Please, tell me more.” Unfortunately, there are many, many of us who do not know our faith and who do not know how to respond to such questions. I’m sure the higher-ups think, “Why should we have our missionaries waste time on such people who have fully bought into the lies of the evil one that the Roman Catholic Church teaches when there are so many who are easy to convince and bring in to the WTBTS? Such people are probably much more likely to become lifelong members as well.” And that makes perfectly good sense. It’s a great strategy. I would imagine that it’s these people who fall for the lies told against their former Church who go on to become the most vehement anti-Catholics.

 

[dcana]

So many of you relate how Mormons, JW’s, and others have come knocking at your doors, and many times over, at that. As you can see, I live in the “buckle of the Bible Belt.” It’s all Bible-Churches, Non-denominationalists, and Fundies here. I even have a bumper sticker on my car, which I park on the side of the driveway about 12 feet from the street, that says, “Pray the Rosary to End Abortion.” We have never had, in 27 years of living here, any “knocks on the door.” I find that interesting. But we do live in the suburbs. I would guess that most of the door-to-door activity goes on in more urban areas - but maybe not, I don’t know. For one thing, there’s a much higher density of homes, which would make for more efficiency, as there would be less walking to do.