I welcomed and Praised a Jehovah's witness

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Please tell me if there a moral fault in this.

I welcomed and listened to a Jehovah’s witness, without defending the Catholic faith. I even praised him for coming into our house and other houses and reaching out to other people to share Jesus Christ. I did this even whilst I know them and some of their teaching.
  1. I praised the courage of the man for his boldness to knock on doors and share the faith (it was one of their precepts). I am a catechist myself and I know how difficult it is to share the gospel with people…I couldn’t imagine myself knocking on doors…but I found in him what Pope Francis was saying **: to reach out to others…**He did and found the gospel alive in him. So I am really challenged.
  2. I admire how they try to follow the bible teaching, especially the acts of the apostles (Acts 20:20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,). It reminded me of St Francis of Assisi literally interpreting and following the gospel teaching. Oh my, we have so much to learn from other christians. He also brought his son with him…and they were a team.
  3. He gave me a brochure to further learn about the faith and offered me bible study.
I am not new to this my friends…I dont know if I did something not catholically good by not defending the faith. But honestly, I am more accepting of christians of the different faith. I admired his faith and dedication to share the gospel…that really made my day.I almost came to the point that if he were going to ask for a donation, I would give him. I feel comforted that christians (though) not catholic are reaching out to the world to share Jesus.

What do you think?
 
This is good, & good to highlight the.common ground, but if u r really going to help, u need to point them in the right direction. Do they believe Jesus is God? There are real problems with their beliefs from a christian point of view. Spend ur time welcoming them, & spend ur time showing the differences & how their understanding can be improved. God has placed them in your path: they are doing their bit, u have to do yours!
 
Joy2day said:
This is good, & good to highlight the.common ground, but if u r really going to help, u need to point them in the right direction. Do they believe Jesus is God? There are real problems with their beliefs from a christian point of view. Spend ur time welcoming them, & spend ur time showing the differences & how their understanding can be improved. God has placed them in your path: they are doing their bit, u have to do yours!
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What Joy2day said. I don’t think there is a moral fault because you did it in good conscience, and besides that, you were telling the truth that you admired their sharing Christ with others (which you find difficult to do in the way that they do). It’s not like you praised something else like things they believe that we explicitly do not. When you say you did not defend the Catholic faith; if he were saying things that targeted the Catholic faith to which you did not defend the Church, then I think it is possible that you were at a moral fault through inaction. The circumstance to defend is only present if an attack were present. Did the Jehova’s Witness make an attack on the Catholic faith, or did he share beliefs they hold that are contrary to the Catholic faith? I think the two are different. While a belief they hold may be contrary to to our beliefs, I don’t think we can call it an attack on our faith, or let alone our ideas. Just like in any debate or discussion; there will be differing positions but they generally should not make attacks but rather pose questions and provide possible answers.

I agree with Joy2day that this is a chance for YOU to evangelize. They’re already knocking at your door – that’s one step forward! (No puns intended). There is no harm in introducing Catholic thought to them. After all, for one to grow in faith, it is necessary for them to ask questions and consider different perspectives. It is possible that they will earn something from you and come back with more interest. Questions and answers, questions and answers!
 
Joy2day said:
This is good, & good to highlight the.common ground, but if u r really going to help, u need to point them in the right direction. Do they believe Jesus is God? There are real problems with their beliefs from a christian point of view. Spend ur time welcoming them, & spend ur time showing the differences & how their understanding can be improved. God has placed them in your path: they are doing their bit, u have to do yours!
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, Im not a gifted apologist…thank God, but he never attacked. I grew with an environment where christians (catholic vs protestant) debate over religious matters even in my family. It’s most likely the protestant sides (unfortunately ordinary catholics are not biblically verse). I also get this anti-protestant feelings from my Catholic mentors.I also read post of fundamental catholics here…and more importantly i’ve read saints who have anti-catholic ideas like st. teresa of avila (who is a very influential saint to me)

The man just explicitly shared some biblical thoughts, like God should be called Jehovah and why are they knocking from house to house (acts 20:20) and insinuating that one should follow the bible teachings. I dont see anything wrong with what he taught me.

Thank you for your replys. They are very helpful:D
 
Now that you have encouraged them, they will be back; then what will you say?
 
janiruchan said:
Unfortunately, Im not a gifted apologist…thank God, but he never attacked. I grew with an environment where christians (catholic vs protestant) debate over religious matters even in my family. It’s most likely the protestant sides (unfortunately ordinary catholics are not biblically verse). I also get this anti-protestant feelings from my Catholic mentors.I also read post of fundamental catholics here…and more importantly i’ve read saints who have anti-catholic ideas like st. teresa of avila (who is a very influential saint to me)

The man just explicitly shared some biblical thoughts, like God should be called Jehovah and why are they knocking from house to house (acts 20:20) and insinuating that one should follow the bible teachings. I dont see anything wrong with what he taught me.

Thank you for your replys. They are very helpful:D
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You’re welcome! Glad to hear it was helpful. I’d be careful next time, though. I don’t want them to get the wrong idea that I might eventually convert or take on their beliefs. Also keeping in mind what I know about what we believe, I wouldn’t want to respond to them in a way that encourages them to teach things that are against our Church’s beliefs. I’m the type to question a lot of things (whatever side it may be). For example, if members of a Christian denomination were to tell me that getting a blood transfusion is wrong because all they need is faith in God, I would be inclined to discuss fideism and its implications. Maybe it’s the philosophy fan in me that likes to question and explore things, though. :rolleyes:
Catholic1954 said:
Now that you have encouraged them, they will be back; then what will you say?
Click to expand...
Interesting question, if I may say! I, too, am curious. I’ve never had Jehovah’s witnesses at our door in years. Last time was when I was in elementary and my mom would let them in.
 
Janiruchan #1
I welcomed and listened to a Jehovah’s witness, without defending the Catholic faith.
I admired his faith and dedication to share the gospel…that really made my day. I almost came to the point that if he were going to ask for a donation, I would give him. I feel comforted that christians (though) not catholic are reaching out to the world to share Jesus.
Click to expand...
The welcome is salutary; the avoidance in countering the false views by explaining the truths of Christ’s teaching and the fact that He founded the Catholic Church to teach, rule and sanctify with the fullness of His truth is a reality that study and application can remedy.

We also have an obligation not to support or further the religious aberrations of those who have rejected Christ’s Church and try to get Catholics to leave the faith of our fathers.
 
You know they deny Christ’s divinity, right? They are considered Unitarian. And their baptisms aren’t valid. You gave praise to a group that doesn’t believe in the Holy Trinity.
If they come back, please defend the basics at least.
 
janiruchan said:
Please tell me if there a moral fault in this.

I welcomed and listened to a Jehovah’s witness, without defending the Catholic faith. I even praised him for coming into our house and other houses and reaching out to other people to share Jesus Christ. I did this even whilst I know them and some of their teaching.
  1. I praised the courage of the man for his boldness to knock on doors and share the faith (it was one of their precepts). I am a catechist myself and I know how difficult it is to share the gospel with people…I couldn’t imagine myself knocking on doors…but I found in him what Pope Francis was saying **: to reach out to others…**He did and found the gospel alive in him. So I am really challenged.
  2. I admire how they try to follow the bible teaching, especially the acts of the apostles (Acts 20:20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,). It reminded me of St Francis of Assisi literally interpreting and following the gospel teaching. Oh my, we have so much to learn from other christians. He also brought his son with him…and they were a team.
  3. He gave me a brochure to further learn about the faith and offered me bible study.
I am not new to this my friends…I dont know if I did something not catholically good by not defending the faith. But honestly, I am more accepting of christians of the different faith. I admired his faith and dedication to share the gospel…that really made my day.I almost came to the point that if he were going to ask for a donation, I would give him. I feel comforted that christians (though) not catholic are reaching out to the world to share Jesus.

What do you think?
Click to expand...
Forgive me but why would you praise the JW’s for spreading false teachings about Christ?
 
janiruchan said:
Please tell me if there a moral fault in this.

I welcomed and listened to a Jehovah’s witness, without defending the Catholic faith. I even praised him for coming into our house and other houses and reaching out to other people to share Jesus Christ. I did this even whilst I know them and some of their teaching.
  1. I praised the courage of the man for his boldness to knock on doors and share the faith (it was one of their precepts). I am a catechist myself and I know how difficult it is to share the gospel with people…I couldn’t imagine myself knocking on doors…but I found in him what Pope Francis was saying **: to reach out to others…**He did and found the gospel alive in him. So I am really challenged.
  2. I admire how they try to follow the bible teaching, especially the acts of the apostles (Acts 20:20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,). It reminded me of St Francis of Assisi literally interpreting and following the gospel teaching. Oh my, we have so much to learn from other christians. He also brought his son with him…and they were a team.
  3. He gave me a brochure to further learn about the faith and offered me bible study.
I am not new to this my friends…I dont know if I did something not catholically good by not defending the faith. But honestly, I am more accepting of christians of the different faith. I admired his faith and dedication to share the gospel…that really made my day.I almost came to the point that if he were going to ask for a donation, I would give him. I feel comforted that christians (though) not catholic are reaching out to the world to share Jesus.

What do you think?
Click to expand...
I had many discussions with J.W.'s , some whom were co-workers ( even my boss) but I always told them how good they were in sharing the gospel, but also told them where they were wrong…mainly about the Divinity of Jesus.
Always defend the True Faith! :knight2: :knight1:
 
While I would praise your kindness and charity I would caution you that those folks tend to be kinda like a bad penny and keep turning up at your door, so be aware of that. Their tactics are persistence if you show any interest. Most are nice enough, but they are assuredly looking to proselytize you away from your faith, and while they talk about the Bible, they do not believe in the Holy Trinity or the deity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. They are essentially a modern revival of the Arian heresy.

They can be extremely challenging to dialogue with but the good news is that you came to the right place to talk about it. 🙂

The following links are from the Ask An Apologist forum and may be helpful.
[Link to more articles on this cult. (http://www.google.com/cse?cx=008187825485874300314%3A1bfkl0u3vji&ie=UTF-8&q=jehovah's+witness&sa=Search)

***A useful resource:
***shop.catholic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/135x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/e/beginning-apologetics-2.5.jpg
Beginning Apologetics Volume 2.5: Yes! You Should Believe In The Trinity: How To Answer Jehovah’s Witnesses
 
MyNameIsDan said:
Interesting question, if I may say! I, too, am curious. I’ve never had Jehovah’s witnesses at our door in years. Last time was when I was in elementary and my mom would let them in.
Click to expand...
I didn’t turn one young lady away last spring and now she’s at my door every second Saturday or so with another person in tow. I made it clear from the beginning that I am Catholic and that that is not going to change.

It usually goes like this:
  • They ask me a question, usually from that month’s “The Watchtower.”
  • I answer.
  • She connects it to her Bible verse of the week.
  • We nod in agreement.
  • One of them hands me a Watchtower.
  • They leave.
  • Watchtower goes in the garbage.
 
Phemie said:
I didn’t turn one young lady away last spring and now she’s at my door every second Saturday or so with another person in tow. I made it clear from the beginning that I am Catholic and that that is not going to change.

It usually goes like this:
  • They ask me a question, usually from that month’s “The Watchtower.”
  • I answer.
  • She connects it to her Bible verse of the week.
  • We nod in agreement.
  • One of them hands me a Watchtower.
  • They leave.
  • Watchtower goes in the garbage.
Click to expand...
This is also a good response. 👍
 
janiruchan said:
Please tell me if there a moral fault in this.

I welcomed and listened to a Jehovah’s witness, without defending the Catholic faith. I even praised him for coming into our house and other houses and reaching out to other people to share Jesus Christ. I did this even whilst I know them and some of their teaching.
  1. I praised the courage of the man for his boldness to knock on doors and share the faith (it was one of their precepts). I am a catechist myself and I know how difficult it is to share the gospel with people…I couldn’t imagine myself knocking on doors…but I found in him what Pope Francis was saying **: to reach out to others…**He did and found the gospel alive in him. So I am really challenged.
  2. I admire how they try to follow the bible teaching, especially the acts of the apostles (Acts 20:20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,). It reminded me of St Francis of Assisi literally interpreting and following the gospel teaching. Oh my, we have so much to learn from other christians. He also brought his son with him…and they were a team.
  3. He gave me a brochure to further learn about the faith and offered me bible study.
I am not new to this my friends…I dont know if I did something not catholically good by not defending the faith. But honestly, I am more accepting of christians of the different faith. I admired his faith and dedication to share the gospel…that really made my day.I almost came to the point that if he were going to ask for a donation, I would give him. I feel comforted that christians (though) not catholic are reaching out to the world to share Jesus.

What do you think?
Click to expand...
Without criticizing your niceness, or condemning your intentions, but from a purely objective point of view, you confirmed and affirmed the Jehovah’s Witness in their errors. They deny the divinity of Jesus Christ, a core dogma of the Christian faith. This is serious stuff. Now, instead of at least giving them some sliver of doubt about their false religion, they have been emboldened in their errors, and perhaps even have their souls even more endangered.

Because of this, and the lack of valid baptism, contrary to what you said in #3, they are not Christians. Because of their serious errors regarding God and Christ, appearance and zeal notwithstanding, they do NOT carry the Gospel with them. We have nothing to learn from them, but much to learn from us. You should be more prepared to welcome JW’s in your home, but so that you can plant the seeds that will steer them to abandon their false religion, be baptized and come home to the Catholic Church.

So speaking purely objectively (and without judging your interior disposition), your actions were wrong, perhaps even gravely so. Your duty as a Catholic and as a catechist is to learn the faith, including some apologetics so that you can edify them with the truth of the Catholic faith, not vice-versa.
 
Phemie said:
I didn’t turn one young lady away last spring and now she’s at my door every second Saturday or so with another person in tow. I made it clear from the beginning that I am Catholic and that that is not going to change.

It usually goes like this:
  • They ask me a question, usually from that month’s “The Watchtower.”
  • I answer.
  • She connects it to her Bible verse of the week.
  • We nod in agreement.
  • One of them hands me a Watchtower.
  • They leave.
  • Watchtower goes in the garbage.
Click to expand...
JW’s are required to purchase the materials they give out…they do not get them for free to distribute. This is another way the the Watchtower funds its operations.
 
Many years ago, the JWs hooked my wife and kids and turned them against the CC. When I tried to take my wife to our church, she started screaming as if possessed and ranting about not going into the house of the antichrist (or something like that). It ruined my marriage and caused me incredible sorrow, especially since I had two very young sons. The JWs had even offered my wife help with a divorce, since in Italy (where we lived at the time) there was freedom of religion and a spouse could not be forced to abandon his/her creed. This lasted for months. She had been thoroughly brainwashed and would not listen to any criticism of the JWs (I bought and read all the books…) I prayed and was beginning to despair, when it all ended quite suddenly, after I had a mystic vision in my sleep. The following morning she had completely forgotten the JWs and had returned to the CC. I truly believe the JWs are a satanic cult.
 
tryphon said:
Many years ago, the JWs hooked my wife and kids and turned them against the CC. When I tried to take my wife to our church, she started screaming as if possessed and ranting about not going into the house of the antichrist (or something like that). It ruined my marriage and caused me incredible sorrow, especially since I had two very young sons. The JWs had even offered my wife help with a divorce, since in Italy (where we lived at the time) there was freedom of religion and a spouse could not be forced to abandon his/her creed. This lasted for months. She had been thoroughly brainwashed and would not listen to any criticism of the JWs (I bought and read all the books…) I prayed and was beginning to despair, when it all ended quite suddenly, after I had a mystic vision in my sleep. The following morning she had completely forgotten the JWs and had returned to the CC. I truly believe the JWs are a satanic cult.
Click to expand...
very interesting. I could not judge myself since I grew up with these people knocking on my door. I dont really remember my parents entertainting them…but I read there newsletters, magazine and actually I’m thankful for them…but I never had any attraction towards them only towards heaven, hell and God.I only came to appreaciate their outreach now. I feel sad that they believe CC’s are anti-christ. Im very sorry for what happened to you (It seems diabolical from your experienced) It’s not very humane. However in that a firm belief in God and a sincere desire to follow Him (the problem perhaps really lies on what is being taught to him and the things (perhaps hatred) fed to him against the church. This is really sad.
 
Church_Militant said:
While I would praise your kindness and charity I would caution you that those folks tend to be kinda like a bad penny and keep turning up at your door, so be aware of that. Their tactics are persistence if you show any interest. Most are nice enough, but they are assuredly looking to proselytize you away from your faith, and while they talk about the Bible, they do not believe in the Holy Trinity or the deity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. They are essentially a modern revival of the Arian heresy.

They can be extremely challenging to dialogue with but the good news is that you came to the right place to talk about it. 🙂

The following links are from the Ask An Apologist forum and may be helpful.
[Link to more articles on this cult. (http://www.google.com/cse?cx=008187825485874300314%3A1bfkl0u3vji&ie=UTF-8&q=jehovah's+witness&sa=Search)

***A useful resource:
***shop.catholic.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/135x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/e/beginning-apologetics-2.5.jpg
Beginning Apologetics Volume 2.5: Yes! You Should Believe In The Trinity: How To Answer Jehovah’s Witnesses
Click to expand...
Thank you. The man I spoke with clearly shows he has fully accepted the Jehovah’s withness’ teaching. I knew he saw me as a mission. I know their teaching as well. I feel sad that Jesus is only a prophet to them. It hurts me that they dont recognize Jesus and the Holy Spirit…They are missing a lot. Anyhow, I admire their faith and catechetical strategy if Catholics were like that----we would have also been very effective.
 
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