I did an awful thing

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I personally think you did nothing wrong. I have had them come to the door and use a very young child to start the “shpiel”… and then, the harangue would ensue. I would politely tell them I was a Catholic, which just seemed to add fuel to the fire. I usually had to end up making an offer they could’nt refuse 😃

Don’t apologise for standing up for your faith, ever!!! Personally, given the treatment I and other Catholics have receive at the hands of non- Catholics… I see little or no reason to be “nice” at times. I know what Christ said…and I have turned the other cheek many times, but its getting more and more difficult as it seems it is “politically correct” or “societally correct” to bash and attack Catholics. :mad:

Again, you did no wrong.
 
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Sagefrakrobatik:
well well well
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well what? :confused:
 
With prayer, it is always possible to respond gently but firmly, holding fast to the truth. If we get a bit “edgy” at times we don’t have to get down on ourselves, but just go on.

Because we love Jesus, we don’t want to see others deceived. They may not “hear” you at the moment, but the grace of God and your firm gentleness is a seed planted.

Peace,

Dorothy
 
You dind’t do anything wrong…After all, you have a right to refuse any literature that comes to your door…
 
You were stalked by these people and would have been in your rights to call the police when you found this woman in your own backyard waiting for you. How creepy is that?!

I think you handled it just fine considering the way they have had no regard for you and your life–waiting for you to come home from work, tired and wanting your privacy. Shoving their unwanted material in your door, and then having the gall to preach at you when you’ve rejected their advances over and over again.

If it had been me I’d have ordered this woman and her kid off my property with the threat of calling the police the next time I find then waiting to pounce at my own back door. Sheesh!

You know, Christ never intended that we should accept this kind of nonsense from people. It’s one thing if they come to your front door once, and you tell them nicely you’re not interested, then that should be the end of it. I think you have been a saint putting up with this kind of stalking for months on end.

We have a “No Solicitation” sign on our mailbox right by our front door, and it has saved us the bother of telling people, in the middle of dinner or whatever else we might be doing, that we’re not interested. As for our Catholic witness, we have a lovely statue of St. Joseph in the front of our house. They know what that means, but they certainly don’t care about our beliefs and sensibilities, so I don’t see why we should have to pander to theirs.
 
st julie:
For about 3 years I have been getting watchtower magazines. Rarely did I see the person. I’d just find them in my screen door. About a year ago a new lady figured out my schedule and would catch me before I went to bed in the morning. She was never interested in talking much. About May I told her I was not interested in getting any more magazines.Then last week someone new came and I reacted poorly. I told her that I would never allow a watchtower magazine in my home again. That they were so negative that I got depressed reading it. I said that whoever wrote the articles were very poor researchers or deliberate liars. The articles use any slander,negative adjectives and misinformation to tear down everyone else. Furthermore they use the positive adjectives for Jehovah Witnesses and it is often followed by a list of vices to be overcome.
I felt a bit ashamed after for I had been practicing for years a kind response, although I had never been able to get a word in egdewise.
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You were probably kinder than some. Don’t forget, they were pushing themselves on you. When I was little, I still remember my dad’s response: “Thanks. I needed some fire starter.”
 
I am not so sure that what you said was so wrong. I think the followers of that organization are themselves victims of deceit.
 
carol marie:
I agree with what you said… perhaps how you said it is what’s making you feel badly? I agree that most of the Watchtower articles are very depressing… they are looking for a certain audience - someone who is very discouraged with his life - thinks the world is a terrible place full of evil people and would be VERY happy to see this “system of things” end. The articles normally start out by pointing out all that’s wrong with the world - and then they shift to… here’s what you can turn to: Jehovah’s Organization. So your observations were right on the money. Don’t feel badly about that.

However, as a former JW I can tell you that more often than not when I went door to door, people would spew out, “I’m a Christian. !!!” and then SLAM the door in my face. It made for a terrible example of someone serving the Lord. And yes… I know it’s annoying to have them come at all hours… not letting you get a word in edgewise… I agree - however, we should all remember that we have - in that moment an opportunity to give a good impression or a bad one. How easy it would be to say, “Thank you for the offer of your literature… I am not interested in reading it. I am a Christian and very secure that my faith is correct. I will pray for you.” Smile sweetly and then if you want the conversation to end there say, “I need to shut the door now. Have a nice day.” And then shut the door (and say a prayer.)

This post isn’t directed toward you, st.julie - (you were tired… heaven help the people who bug me when I am tired!!!) I’m just wanting to make a suggestion for others when the witnesses come knocking.

God Bless,
CM
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This wonderful post was going through my mind as the young JW man stood on my doorstep this morning. I have blown it before myself. This time I just opened my mouth and let The Holy Spirit speak.

I remember talking about how I sad I was that they were not allowed to experience the love and joy of Jesus in the Trinity. I said I would pray that this young man come to experience the full Truth of the Mass and especially The Eucharist. How sad I was that The Watchtower allowed contraception to pervert the beautiful act of procreation (as my son crawled around my feet.)

I remember the Sprit’s focus was on the Truth and the love that Jesus as LORD has for this young man. The man asked if I had any questions about the Bible, and The Spirit went into the authority of those who interpret Scripture to be weighed heavily. That it was an enormous gift God doesn’t give lightly.

I remember very little of the conversation but my neighbor heard it all and was amazed. She heard so much emphasized of joy and love. I told him if he ever wanted to experience the real presence of Jesus to come back and I would be happy to help him. I never got the chance to say, “I need to shut the door now.” That poor man bolted to the sidewalk.

Thank you st julie. Without your “awful thing” I would have blown it again! Thank you Carol Marie. You planted a seed in a young man in Boise.
 
Hello everyone… I’m lisa and I’m and an x-jw.

stjulie, you did nothing wrong. as a matter of fact I want to apoligize for coming to your and everyone else’s door over the years.

If it helps any, I honestly thought I was saving your life. :yup:

Also, for those that are interested, I know alot of JW’s my parents included think the internet is the work of Satan and refuse to go online. So much information is available online that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Socity (their mother org) warn their members of the dangers. Also, they are warned against reading any information that goes against their teachings. So they will never know unless you …yes you 👋 …tell them.

The very best thing you can do to help them is show unconditional love. (they only know conditional love) Disagree with them when they try to get you to admit in someway this world is a horrible place. Little Deb did excellent. I’m sure the poor boy was so confused. :confused: JW’s are constantly taught that the rest of the world is evil. …

lisa :love:
 
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Wolseley:
My sister used to go on a guilt trip if she hung up on telephone soliciters. She used to stand there and let them go through their whole spiel, and then try to politely tell them no, she wasn’t interested. Of course, the soliciters are trained to bypass that type of response and go for the harder sell (“But, ma’am, have you considered all the benefits that can be yours for just agreeing to try the new Nosepicker 2000 for one month?”)
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
 
But for Grace:
My personal favorite story about this happened when I was young. Some JWs came knocking on our door and my father who was cooking at the time (chopping up some beef for stew) came to the door bloody knife and all. They never came back
But I guess that isn’t the best way, it is just funny, he forgets to set the knife down and no matter how nice he talks they are quaking in their shoes.
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
 
Before I converted I was raised Southern Baptist. My papaw was Southern Free-Will Baptist. Whenever ANYONE came to the door He’d look at them and say, “You’re going straight to… !!” (I think you know where) and slam the door in their faces. He wouldn’t let us watch the football game if we were playing Notre Dame because, of course, “They pray to Mary!!”

Wonder if he’s rolling in his grave now??
 
I have never had any JW or Mormons come to my house. I actually wish someone would come by…I could invite them in and they could sit by my picture of the Sacred Heart or near one of my Marian statues and maybe I could light some candles and offer them some Holy Water…
But, I live out in the country and I have 3 very big dogs ( the “little” one weighs 85 lbs) that are very intimidating.
I have been approached in town by some Baptists, but when I told them that I was Roman Catholic, they kinda ran 😦
 
Wolseley. I finally said said:
having done my share of phone soliciting in my time, I can assure anyone with similar scruples that it is a positive kindness to end the call if you are not interested and let the caller go onto the next prospect. Anybody that feels offended should be in a different line of work. No comment is necessary except, we are not interested, kindly put us on your do not call list, good evening. Click.

I think OP has a valid point on the negative influence of even having Watchtower, Chick tracts, some of the anti-Catholic stuff we find under our windshield wipers after Mass around, let alone reading it. It is dangerous, it can cause depression and can even be a source of evil influence. It really should be destroyed and placed where no one else can be harmed by it. When I find it in a public place like a doctor’s office, I always ask if it is supposed to be there–the answer is always NO, somebody must have left it, and the article is tossed in the trash where it belongs.
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I was married to a man once who’s parents are JW’s. That totally clashed with my religion I grew up with, Catholicism. I eventually became a JW just to try to get my exe’s family to like and accept me. Didn’t work. I got eventually extremely disillusioned with the
religion. I was totally brainwashed about not having a blood transfusion, and even put off a serious surgery because I was terrfied if they gave me one, I would never be loved by God, and would lose everlasting life! I placed 25 to 40 magazines per week on a street corner in sub zero temperatures, and in the heat. I was totally brainwashed! My exe’s family could never accept the fact that my family are Catholic. There were verbal wars over it for 10 years. I got so disgusted with the JW religion, I just left! I did make good friends with one lady there, and when I left the religion, she came looking for me, even though I did not want to have anything more to do with that religion. I spoke to her, and told her it was not what I wanted to believe in, and she tried and tried to get me to come back. I refused. They believe that placing these magazines at your door whether you want them or not is your ticket to salvation, or opening your eyes as they like to say, and come to an “accurate knowledge of Christ”. The indoctrination is very thorough believe me! It is methodical, and very, very, brainwashing. It took me ( after I left it ) a long time
to accept the fact that maybe Christ wouldn’t mind if I took a blood transfusion! The magazines they give you are designed to
make their religion to be the only true faith, and they will go to drastic lengths to prove it, believe me. I know! They will take up
your time if they even get a foot in the door. Once they get your interest and if they can hold it, they are very very good at keeping it. These magazines of theirs are very good at knocking down other religions, especially Catholicism. I think they are dangerous
to read if you don’t have a strong love for God and Jesus. If your open to Christ, and you love Him with your whole being, and you end up reading a Watchtower or Awake magazine, then your faith will not be swayed. My only advice if you want to read them, it is your decision. I wont ever read one again and that’s just me speaking for myself. My exe’s family were strong witnesses, and good standing ones, and they didn’t hesitate to cut down my family and try to tell me how “evil” the Catholic’s are, ext ext ext.
Iam glad God got me out of there! Thanks be to God!
 
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