Japanese Jehovah Witnesses

[HoneyBea]

I currently live in Japan and every month I have Japanese Jehovah witness knock on my door. The first time they knocked I answered and told them I was Catholic and happy, I try to avoid them but they are kinda sneaky. Anyways it occurred to me perhaps I should be the one witnessing to them. Perhaps these Japanese have never had the opportunity to hear about the Catholic faith as religion is very rare here. Somebody got to them and maybe this is all they know. If they “know” Jesus perhaps I could share the whole story with him. The problem is I’m not really sure how. Also, there is a language barrier. Any suggestions for the next time they come knocking and ask me if I know God?

 

[Elostirion]

There are Catholics in Japan. Lots of Jesuits too I think. You may be right though, it would be a good idea to act as an example for those around you. However, for visitors to your door, I would politely tell them you are uninterested. I’m not sure how door-to-door etiquette works in Japan, but you might try putting a NO SOLICITING sign up.

 

[adf417]

I currently live in Japan and every month I have Japanese Jehovah witness knock on my door. The first time they knocked I answered and told them I was Catholic and happy, I try to avoid them but they are kinda sneaky. Anyways it occurred to me perhaps I should be the one witnessing to them. Perhaps these Japanese have never had the opportunity to hear about the Catholic faith as religion is very rare here. Somebody got to them and maybe this is all they know. If they “know” Jesus perhaps I could share the whole story with him. The problem is I’m not really sure how. Also, there is a language barrier. Any suggestions for the next time they come knocking and ask me if I know God?

I hope you tell them “Yes”!

They will probably continue to come back unless you are able to get a question in that they will actually address to your satisfaction without twisting it in a way that will confuse you. They are very persistent and are trained to avoid the situations and questions that, if answered in a logical way, would destroy their theology.

There is much information here on CAF and places like this…
catholic.com/tracts/stumpers-for-the-jehovahs-witnesses
but if you have specific questions, which Im sure will get to, feel free to ask.

Peace!!!

 

[pensmama87]

You might see if the parish you attend has any literature on Catholicism in Japanese that you could share, to help with the language barrier. Or ask a friend to translate your story for you in print to share.

There are lots of threads on CAF about this as a PP mentioned…and some really great ideas…I’m not familiar enough with the Bible (in terms of memorizing chapter and verse) for that kind of thing on the fly, but I would think an effective point would be pointing out translation errors. Or just that it’s changed so many times, that certain things have been taken out completely…but I have no idea how that would work with the language issue.

 

[VivienneJ]

As well as checking out resources here at CAF, it is probably a good idea to check with a priest at your Catholic Church if there are any restrictions on proselytizing to Japanese before you share anything.

 

[SunriseMarian]

2 things you need to read:

Beginning Apologetics #2:Answer Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons

and…

Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses by Jason Evert

God bless

 

[HoneyBea]

Thank you!

 

[tomarin]

I currently live in Japan and every month I have Japanese Jehovah witness knock on my door. The first time they knocked I answered and told them I was Catholic and happy, I try to avoid them but they are kinda sneaky. Anyways it occurred to me perhaps I should be the one witnessing to them. Perhaps these Japanese have never had the opportunity to hear about the Catholic faith as religion is very rare here. Somebody got to them and maybe this is all they know. If they “know” Jesus perhaps I could share the whole story with him. The problem is I’m not really sure how. Also, there is a language barrier. Any suggestions for the next time they come knocking and ask me if I know God?

If you’re living in Japan you really should learn some of the language regardless of who is coming to your door. It will take time, however. In the meantime you could point to a crucifix on your wall and say “watashi wa katorikku kyoto desu” – that will freak them out since they believe crucifixes are demonic.

 

[HoneyBea]

If you’re living in Japan you really should learn some of the language regardless of who is coming to your door. It will take time, however. In the meantime you could point to a crucifix on your wall and say “watashi wa katorikku kyoto desu” – that will freak them out since they believe crucifixes are demonic.

I do know the language…or at least I’m learning. I’ve only been here 3 months but the point of this post is to find out what to say to them. I thought it was obvious that I would be translating it in Japanese.

Also, I do wear a crucifix and I showed it to them lol maybe that explains their nervousness. I had no idea they think that! Thanks for the info.

 

[tomarin]

I do know the language…or at least I’m learning. I’ve only been here 3 months but the point of this post is to find out what to say to them. I thought it was obvious that I would be translating it in Japanese.

Also, I do wear a crucifix and I showed it to them lol maybe that explains their nervousness. I had no idea they think that! Thanks for the info.

Good luck with learning the language. It’s a fun language although not too easy.

 

[Logically]

I currently live in Japan and every month I have Japanese Jehovah witness knock on my door… Anyways it occurred to me perhaps I should be the one witnessing to them. …

Witness to them for sure! Jesus commanded Christians to spread the truth. (Matt 28:19,20)
Why not invite them in. Get your Bible out and compare what it says to what they are trying to tell you?
If they are not teaching from God’s word you will soon see through them and you can use that as an excuse not to listen to them again- or better yet, correct them!.

 

[ishii]

I currently live in Japan and every month I have Japanese Jehovah witness knock on my door. The first time they knocked I answered and told them I was Catholic and happy, I try to avoid them but they are kinda sneaky. Anyways it occurred to me perhaps I should be the one witnessing to them. Perhaps these Japanese have never had the opportunity to hear about the Catholic faith as religion is very rare here. Somebody got to them and maybe this is all they know. If they “know” Jesus perhaps I could share the whole story with him. The problem is I’m not really sure how. Also, there is a language barrier. Any suggestions for the next time they come knocking and ask me if I know God?

I worked along side of some Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan. I found them to be very kind and not at all pushy the way they are here in America. Of course, the fact that we had to work together every day probably had an influence. You would do well to remember that the JW’s are a cult and will really do anything to rope people in, including phoniness and even deception. I wouldn’t let them in. If you really want to give them something to read, you could check out the Catholic bookstore in Yotsuya located across from Sophia University (across from the Maranouchi Yotsuya station). They have mostly Japanese language books and might have something of use to you. As for speaking with them in Japanese, I have a hard enough time convincing the American ones of anything in English, but I admire your desire to engage them. Maybe you could “witness” to them as to why you are a Catholic? The gospel of John, and the bread of life discourse. Or that Jesus said to Peter, “you are rock and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Pretty hard to be a JW and also believe that passage at the same time. If you engage them, they will probably come back again and again, maybe even bring a better English speaker with them next time. Remember, their goal is to rope you into their cult. Anyway, good luck. I wish I was in Japan in some ways.

Ishii

 

[Cathoholic]

Logically said.

Witness to them for sure! Jesus commanded Christians to spread the truth. (Matt 28:19,20)

Unless you are very well catechized and prepared for their script, I would not allow the JWs in your home. I am not sure why Logically would say this as he/she lists him/herself as a Jehovah’s Witness and the JWs teach Catholics are not Christians (even though it is the other way around). In other words, it is doubtful Logically thinks you are a Christian so WHY the appeal as above (quoted)?

Have literature to offer them at the door so when they ask you to accept their literature, you can say “only if you accept mine and read mine”.

They won’t even touch it. The JWs are told that is “eating off the table of satan” to accept and read such literature. Yet they frequently quote (out of context) Catholic literature. Makes you wonder where the elders at Bethel in Brooklyn are eating (HOW do you KNOW that’s what Catholics said? Did you READ it? Did you “eat” of it?").

The bit about Jesus commanding us to spread the truth assumes living out your faith cannot give witness to them. I suspect Logically is just baiting you.

That being said, if you are very well catechized and know their script, by all means do so. We always invite them in and they never have had any answers for us yet. The last couple we gave several questions to (orally as they won’t take them written) and told them to go back and get the answers from their elders (but if you JWs insist upon answers, you will not be allowed “to play reindeer games”–you will get socially ostracized).

They quit coming but later a new batch shows up. They likewise quit (do the look at the watch routine and say they’ve got another appointment–but what about the “command” to witness?). We never see the same two more than once any more. I think it has been over a couple of years since we’ve seen any JWs at our door.

When the Witnesses have asked us why don’t Catholics do door-to-door ministry they were surprised to tell them that Catholics do and that I used to be part of a door-to-door Catholic ministry.

If interested in engaging the Witnesses prepare yourself well. A good place to begin would be here in CD or here in MP3.

About half way down this page there are free tracts for you under the section “Cults”. More from that site here and here.

Here is a radio show explaining some things too

Here is an introductory video that is free by a Franciscan Friar. There are many more (this is only the first of a series) and if the follow-up links are not readily seen on YouTube, post it and I will get them and post the links here.

A Testimony here. The actual testimony itself is here. Comments which are interesting are at the bottom of the page here.

A whole free audio series from the Catholic Hack here: catholichack.com/jehovah-witness-series-revisited/

The book Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses is clearance priced right now from Catholic Answers here.

More resources here:

Also here.

For JWs who have happened upon this thread and are interested in more truth contact Jeffery Schwehm. Jeffery is the founder of The Fellowship of Catholic Ex-JWs. Now seen here. Dr. Schwehm has an article here. Marcus Grodi and the Coming Home Network I am sure can help facilitate contact information.

Tom Cabeen (an ex-Jehovah’s Witness, now Catholic) has an article here.

Hope this helps.

 

[Logically]

Unless you are very well catechized and prepared for their script, I would not allow the JWs in your home.
Have literature to offer them at the door so when they ask you to accept their literature, you can say “only if you accept mine and read mine”.

They won’t even touch it. The JWs are told that is “eating off the table of satan” to accept and read such literature. …
…
Hope this helps.

Well if the literature you offer them is all bitter anti-Jehovah’s Witness stuff, I don’t blame them for refusing to touch it!
I have looked into some and quickly found it full of half truths, selective quoting, unsubstantiated claims and craftily worded criticism. They are written by people who are not providing “the real truth” and going out to show people from the Bible. (They can not do that) Instead they are just trying to slander those who can.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are spending their time and money trying to help people learn what the Bible really says. If they are teaching the truth God has brought into the world, then literature designed solely to stumble them is obviously from another source.
Why would they spend time examining it?

 

[Cathoholic]

Logically. You stated:

. . . . all bitter anti-Jehovah’s Witness stuff . . .
. . . . literature designed solely to stumble them is obviously from another source.

False assumptions Logically.

You also stated:

If they (JWs) are teaching the truth God has brought into the world . . .

That’s the point Logically. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are NOT teaching the truth.

Please begin a thread concerning this situation and let’s discuss the issues.

If you want me to begin the thread I will but you are not going to like the title (“Laying out common errors of the Jehovah’s Witnesses”).

So go ahead and begin one yourself so you do not have to put up with my thread title if you so desire. I will participate if I can.

If you don’t begin a thread later today or tomorrow I will assume you just wanted me to go ahead and begin it. Is that fair enough?

May the Alpha and the Omega bless you Logically
(Please see Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 22:13 to see who “the Alpha and the Omega” is).

 

[Logically]

The Jehovah’s Witnesses are NOT teaching the truth.

Please begin a thread concerning this situation and let’s discuss the issues.

If you want me to begin the thread I will but you are not going to like the title (“Laying out common errors of the Jehovah’s Witnesses”).

So go ahead and begin one yourself so you do not have to put up with my thread title if you so desire. I will participate if I can.

If you don’t begin a thread later today or tomorrow I will assume you just wanted me to go ahead and begin it. Is that fair enough? …

So I have a choice.
Tomorrow I can either go out and talk to people about God’s Kingdom with my 7 million brothers and sisters worldwide (Matthew 24:14) and show them from the Bible the wonderful blessings it is soon to bring upon the Earth under the reign of Jesus Christ. (Rev 21:3,4)
I can help people answer their questions and watch their faces light up as they see what God’s word the Bible says. I can show Mrs Stevens from the Bible that God does not torture people in hell, but that she can see her dead husband again (John 5:28,29) then help young Daryl understand why God permits suffering (Rev 12:9) and then show Carmen that God does have a name (Psalms 83:18) –

*Or *I could start a thread and spend all day arguing with angry people who hate that Jehovah’s Witnesses can teach people those things, so call them a cult and make big lists of excuses to discredit them.

Hmmm, it’s a tough choice.

You set up your thread if that’s your thing. It sounds very Christian.

 

[pacloc]

So I have a choice.
Tomorrow I can either go out and talk to people about God’s Kingdom with my 7 million brothers and sisters worldwide (Matthew 24:14) and show them from the Bible the wonderful blessings it is soon to bring upon the Earth under the reign of Jesus Christ. (Rev 21:3,4)
I can help people answer their questions and watch their faces light up as they see what God’s word the Bible says. I can show Mrs Stevens from the Bible that God does not torture people in hell, but that she can see her dead husband again (John 5:28,29) then help young Daryl understand why God permits suffering (Rev 12:9) and then show Carmen that God does have a name (Psalms 83:18) –

*Or *I could start a thread and spend all day arguing with angry people who hate that Jehovah’s Witnesses can teach people those things, so call them a cult and make big lists of excuses to discredit them.

Hmmm, it’s a tough choice.

You set up your thread if that’s your thing. It sounds very Christian.

Well, aren’t you so proud of yourself there buddy. There were some people Jesus talked about that liked to list all of their good deeds in public, they probably reported their field service time too. Their reward is given right now, in the praise they get from one another.

And of course the only people that would listen to you are likewise theologically uneducated, so good for you preying on them. And of course a Christian that wants to discuss your beliefs is shrugged off as not worth talking to. I bet that he would even let you be on the attacking side, you showing him what you think is wrong with Catholicism. He wouldn’t need to ever even bring up all the strange 1914, 1925, 1975 dates, the pyriamids, 2 class system, governing body flip flops. Those people that he mentioned used to be JW elders, as was I a JW, we know all that you know, probably a lot more about the religion than you do. That is what caused us to move on to Christianity, not because we wanted to sin, as is the reason that JWs think most people leave the religion.

It is cool that you are on a Catholic website. I like that.

 

[Logically]

…

If you want me to begin the thread I will but you are not going to like the title (“Laying out common errors of the Jehovah’s Witnesses”).

…

Infact I have a good scripture from the Bible you can use (since you haven’t quoted God’s word yet)
You should put 2 Peter 3:3 in big letters as your opening title!:

“For you know this first, that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep [in death], all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.”

That’s a fantastic quote!

Then start off with: “100 reasons why those people who are preaching God’s Kingdom is coming all over the world are wrong!:”

Ha! Sorry mate, only teasing.

 

[DelsonJacobs]

You may want to share with the Witnesses information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, namely CCC 1042-1050: “The Hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth” and have them look up the many Scripture texts in that section. The Witnesses are taught that their hope in a Paradise earth is unique to their religion. But this section of the Catechism shows that we have had the same belief for 2000 years now. This has been an eye-opener with some.

If they speak English and have a copy of the recently released revision of the New World Translation, you may want to have them compare their new rendition of John 17:3 with the one in any of our Catholic Bibles. We can use this and many of the other new changes in their Bible to show that they are adjusting their beliefs to come closer to ours, demonstrating there may be a basis for more open dialogue (to illustrate, the Witnesses used to claim that our rendition of John 17:3 was incorrect, only to change this after 50 years to read like ours–perhaps Jehovah is leading them to a mutual understanding?).

Show them a copy of the Liturgy of the Hours and a missal. Witnesses are unaware how much Scripture we Catholics read and use in prayer. Showing them the official public prayer of the Church and how it is basically Scripture texts has impressed many to exclaim: “You folks read the Bible more than we do!”

Above all, treat them with respect. Show concern for them personally, get to know them if you can. Do they have any practical needs they need met? Witnesses generally will not accept our ministering to their spiritual needs, but they may appreciate the physical assistance we provide. After all if you can’t reach them with the gospel through reason, you might reach them by expressions from the heart.–Compare Matthew 25:33-40.

 

[Cathoholic]

pacloc. You are an ex-Witness? Well I’ll be! I see you made it to the Catholic Church.

Welcome home brother (or sister). We had an ex-Witness in one of our Catholic Bible study groups in the past.

Logically. You stated:

Tomorrow I can either go out and talk to people about God’s Kingdom with my 7 million brothers and sisters worldwide . . . .

You neglected to mention the last part of Matthew’s Gospel.

MATTHEW 28:19-20 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Notice Jesus is with His people who He entrusted this commission with ALWAYS . . . until the end of the age.

This “age” is the “last days” that St. Peter is talking about in the (wonderful) verse you quoted. This “age” is the New Covenant era. Not just since the late 1800’s. Not merely in 1975, or 6 months from now or any other invention of men either.

2nd PETER 3:3 3 First of all you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions

Again notice Jesus is with His people who He entrusted this commission with ALWAYS . . . until the end of the age. Jesus didn’t just begin being with His people in the late 1800’s. (Yes Catholics affirm Jesus Second Coming)

NOT MATTHEW 28:19-20 (PHANTOM VERSE) 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am not with you until almost 2000 years from now when I will send Charles Taze Russell to invent a new religion, deny me, ridiculers with their ridicule against my disciples, and build “God’s organization”. So don’t worry about Pioneering until CTR comes along.

So when you say . . .

Tomorrow I can either go out and talk to people about God’s Kingdom with my 7 million brothers and sisters worldwide (Matthew 24:14)

Don’t forget to include “over the last two thousand years” but then again if you said that, it would be quite obvious that Matthew’s Gospel cannot be referring to new-fangled traditions of men recently invented. It would be quite obvious that Matthew’s Gospel cannot be referring to the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

A Witness with any integrity, cannot honestly say:

Tomorrow I can either go out and talk to people about God’s Kingdom with my brothers and sisters worldwide here AND in union with us over the last 2000 years . . .

Catholics do honestly say that all the time . . . because it is true.

I will begin a new thread and I hope Logically to see you there.

I hold no animosity toward you personally, but I will defend the Catholic faith that Jesus gave us every chance I get. I love the fullness of the Truth (Jesus primarily and Jesus’ body, His Church, in a secondary sense). I love the Church.

And out of respect for you being here Logically, I will not use the thread title: “Laying out common errors of the Jehovah’s Witnesses”.

I’ll go with: Jehovah’s Witness Doctrinal Differences With Catholicism & Biblical Citations

I will cite this thread for contextual insight so the readers may know how this new Jehovah’s Witness thread came about.

This new title (not a particularly polemic title) should provide us with a reasonably appropriate springboard to begin our discussion. (I myself may not be contributing to speak of, at least for awhile though. But I will be watching from bed on my Android device *. If I feel up to it, . . . . I’ll be there. But the Catholics who are on this Forum are well-catechized and they will be around I am sure.).

Come. Let us reason together . . . . Biblically and logically Logically.*