Should I record a JW conversation?

[fermat]

I was recently engaged in another rousing discussion with the JW’s that come to the door. As it can be difficult to nail down their exact line of reasoning, I was considering recording the conversation so I could play it back and study it.

Aside from any possible legal complications, what are your thoughts on the moral aspect of making such a recording. I would not tell them that I was doing it; I want to have an unrestrained conversation. Would that be a violation of some kind?

When I put myself in their shoes, I am somewhat ambivalent about having my self recorded, but that is only because I don’t want to make any mistakes.

God Bless!
Fermat

 

[JPUSC]

No, you shouldn’t record them.

Do yourself a favor and just keep the door shut.

 

[DrumminFool91]

No absolutely not. I understand that there are many points that one would want to address in a discussion, but really the best thing you can do is try to keep the discussion focused on only one or two issues and don’t let it stray outside of those points. Also, write down, in front of the people you’re talking to, the points you want to think about, or can’t address at the present moment, and readdress them at your next meeting. The recording bit is really deceptive if you ask me, not to mention illegal. The only way you could do this morally and legally is if you ask them before hand and they consent.

 

[FickleFreckled]

I once bought a JW religion book at garage sale just to try and understand what in the world they believed. If you really want to know,
instead of recording conversations (people who come to your door aren’t necessarily well-versed in their own religions.), look it up. Check out a used book store and buy a book written for JW’s rather than for others. Here’s a good starting place:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovas_Witnesses

If you’re familiar with their beliefs as well as Catholic ones, they might even think a little about what you have to say.

 

[Ruthie]

This website has excellent material on the JWs. Click on “faith” at the top of the page, then type “Witnesses” into the search box on the upper left.

Occasionally, one will appear in the “Non-Catholic Religions” forum, but they don’t usually stay around very long. They are usually told by their leaders to stay away from other faith’s materials, so participating here is a no-no.

My sister has been a JW for some 35 years, so I have some knowledge. They get misrepresented a lot, just like we do. The ones I have met have been good people, but their high-up leaders are severely deluded, at best, or perhaps dishonest.

Heart of Jesus, wherein are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us.

Ruthie

 

[Ali_formerJW]

As it can be difficult to nail down their exact line of reasoning

Because they use cult like circular logic that does not make any sense to a non-believer.

You can plant the seed, and pray that God waters, but don’t expect any door way conversions while they try to preach to you.

 

[Ruthie]

Hi, Ali, welcome to the forums!

Because they use cult like circular logic that does not make any sense to a non-believer.

Yes, I’ve kinda noticed that… I love my sister, and I sure wish she’d jump ship.

God, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Ruthie