JWs are what got me into apologetics. I remember living in MA and hearing on a Christian radio show about showing these groups that we are Christians by how we act. How it is uncharitable to slam the door in there faces and just reinforces to them that we are not truely Christian if we act that way. The infacis was put on being polite.
Now, fast forward about 4 years and living in VA. It is Saturday morning and I am making pancakes. The doorbell rings, and I answer it. It was a JW woman and her daughter. I waved her in and told her to come on in. I had to flip the pancakes. She followed me into the kitchen not exactly knowing what to do. She told me it was the most unique way someone has answered the door. I just remembered that radio show and was polite. I offered her some water, and listened to what she had to say. Then I pulled out my Bible and Catechism. Have to admit that it was the NIV bible because I didn’t realize at the time that there was a difference between the Protestant and Catholic Bibles.
Anyway, we ended up having a good conversation. Because of that, I realized that I needed to learn more about the Catholic faith. I knew that it was the right one. I just needed to become more informed. I looked forward to the times that she would come over. She would even bring other ladies with her. I always thought it was because I was a novelty in how I treated her. I was right up front with not converting, and always saying, “well, lets see what my Bible has for that verse and read the rest of it” or “lets check the catechism to see what the church says about that”.
Now, you have to realize something. I was, and still am, a stay at home mom with 3 young children who, at the time, were 4yo, 3yo, and 1yo. My dh was active duty military and often gone or only home to sleep. I was DESPERATE for adult conversation. I didn’t care what it was about. But, since I love to debate, this was something that I just loved. I was actually upset when we got transferred that I wouldn’t be able to do this anymore.
Now, since we have come back stateside, I have had JWs and Mormons come to the house. But, now I have a German Sheppard which is a bit jumpy. I tend to have conversations outside. Not as condusive to conversation. The Mormons I usually brush off with a really good excuse. If I have any questions about it, all I have to do is talk to my grandmother or aunt. I was actually blessed as a baby in a Mormon church. My mom got excommunicated from the church because of me and my sister. I’m always polite to them, but let them know that I am Catholic and not changing. This is where God led me, and this is where I am staying. They get the point, and don’t give me any problems.
The JWs were interesting. Somehow in telling them that I am Catholic, the crucifix got brought up by me. Well, they were like if your child got shot by a gun would you wear a picture of him and a gun. I was like, what a weird comment. #1 my child is not my savior. Not the same thing. All I could tell them was that Jesus died to save us. Therefor, it is appropriate to remember that. Now, I wish one of them would come around and ask me the same question. I would say sure I would wear that, and see how they respond to it!
