will my JW's return?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dirtydog
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

dirtydog

Guest
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, but at times a younger lady with her daughter, her husband a couple of times, and on one occasion, his sister. I’ve always just listened to them, accepted their material, and politely declined a couple of invites for Bible study. At one point the younger lady made a point about how she converted from Catholicism because “that religion” doesn’t use the Bible. I just nodded and laughed a bit, because they had no idea I was a Catholic or a catechist.

A couple of days ago, the older lady came back with her son who was visiting in Michigan. The same ritual ensued, but when she got around to asking if I wanted answers to their scripted questions as presented in their magazine, I responded this time by letting them know I already had answers to those questions. That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, not the other way around. They had enough after I went into how some of the apocrypha, especially the Didache, is held in high regard even though it’s not canonical. She made a last ditch effort with the old “call no man your father” routine. I then pointed out how Paul had referred to himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, so we only take that to mean we must acknowledge God as our true creator. They both acted like they had never read the passage before and quickly excused themselves from the discussion. Then as they walked out she told me that I could call them when I wanted to have more discussion. I never called them for any discussion to begin with!

So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
 
Yes, they have come back, expect them to refute your Jamnia myth first since historicans and scholars no longer see that as a council which determined the Jewish canon.

Likely, when they come back they will have someone more knowledgable with them.
 
dirtydog said:
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, but at times a younger lady with her daughter, her husband a couple of times, and on one occasion, his sister. I’ve always just listened to them, accepted their material, and politely declined a couple of invites for Bible study. At one point the younger lady made a point about how she converted from Catholicism because “that religion” doesn’t use the Bible. I just nodded and laughed a bit, because they had no idea I was a Catholic or a catechist.

A couple of days ago, the older lady came back with her son who was visiting in Michigan. The same ritual ensued, but when she got around to asking if I wanted answers to their scripted questions as presented in their magazine, I responded this time by letting them know I already had answers to those questions. That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, not the other way around. They had enough after I went into how some of the apocrypha, especially the Didache, is held in high regard even though it’s not canonical. She made a last ditch effort with the old “call no man your father” routine. I then pointed out how Paul had referred to himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, so we only take that to mean we must acknowledge God as our true creator. They both acted like they had never read the passage before and quickly excused themselves from the discussion. Then as they walked out she told me that I could call them when I wanted to have more discussion. I never called them for any discussion to begin with!

So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
My reply to JW’s who wish to visit is that I will let them in if they promise to come back at least five times, as we cannot have a serious discussion in only an hour or so. After that visit, I have never had them return. Are you aware that your house is on a map that they carry? If you could see that map, some of the houses will have an X drawn through them, meaning don’t bother with these folks anymore. You may see them again but my guess is that your house now has an X drawn through it. They are looking for the gullible, the uncatechized; those that are ignorant of their own faith. When you demonstrate that you know your stuff, they are usually not interested in engaging you any longer.
 
dirtydog said:
So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
From my understanding, these folks have a time quota to fill. You may move up or down the desirability list depending on how comfortable they are or how uncomfortable you are.

Secondly, steer them towards the morals teaching of the CC. It’s a good way to put them on the defensive.

Third, ask them if they know the pope’s cousin is a JW.
 
dirtydog said:
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, but at times a younger lady with her daughter, her husband a couple of times, and on one occasion, his sister. I’ve always just listened to them, accepted their material, and politely declined a couple of invites for Bible study. At one point the younger lady made a point about how she converted from Catholicism because “that religion” doesn’t use the Bible. I just nodded and laughed a bit, because they had no idea I was a Catholic or a catechist.

A couple of days ago, the older lady came back with her son who was visiting in Michigan. The same ritual ensued, but when she got around to asking if I wanted answers to their scripted questions as presented in their magazine, I responded this time by letting them know I already had answers to those questions. That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, not the other way around. They had enough after I went into how some of the apocrypha, especially the Didache, is held in high regard even though it’s not canonical. She made a last ditch effort with the old “call no man your father” routine. I then pointed out how Paul had referred to himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, so we only take that to mean we must acknowledge God as our true creator. They both acted like they had never read the passage before and quickly excused themselves from the discussion. Then as they walked out she told me that I could call them when I wanted to have more discussion. I never called them for any discussion to begin with! So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
JL: My house must have an X on it from the previous owner. I have been here ten years and found two leaflets in my door. Acutally I would welcome discussion with them, but I would not let them lead the discussion. I would set the topic, for instance, they teach the MAN Jesus Christ ceased to exist when he died on the cross, he is Michael the arcangle again. Yet in 1Tim2:5 scripture tells us the MAN Christ Jesus is our one mediator.

If you don’t want them to come back, just tell them you don’t, or tell them you think the WT is nothing but a deceiving false prophet.
 
dirtydog said:
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, but at times a younger lady with her daughter, her husband a couple of times, and on one occasion, his sister. I’ve always just listened to them, accepted their material, and politely declined a couple of invites for Bible study. At one point the younger lady made a point about how she converted from Catholicism because “that religion” doesn’t use the Bible. I just nodded and laughed a bit, because they had no idea I was a Catholic or a catechist.

A couple of days ago, the older lady came back with her son who was visiting in Michigan. The same ritual ensued, but when she got around to asking if I wanted answers to their scripted questions as presented in their magazine, I responded this time by letting them know I already had answers to those questions. That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, not the other way around. They had enough after I went into how some of the apocrypha, especially the Didache, is held in high regard even though it’s not canonical. She made a last ditch effort with the old “call no man your father” routine. I then pointed out how Paul had referred to himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, so we only take that to mean we must acknowledge God as our true creator. They both acted like they had never read the passage before and quickly excused themselves from the discussion. Then as they walked out she told me that I could call them when I wanted to have more discussion. I never called them for any discussion to begin with!

So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
Years ago I had such a discussion with JW’s after they’d been visiting for about a year and they literally shook the dust from their feet when they left & never returned. I’ve moved and the JW’s are always texting me and wanting to come over. This time I’m trying to be more careful in how to approach them - small bits of information rather than overwhelming.

A great site for information and to read conversion stories of JW to Catholic is: www.catholicxjw.com

JW’s are required to record each of their house visits and share the information at their meetings - you probably now have a documentation at the local level and at the Watchtower headquarters that you are an Opposer and should be avoided.

If it were me, considering she left the door open for you to call her, I’d wait a couple of weeks and then call her and invite her over again and when she comes ask her to tell you 1 thing that she doesn’t like about the Catholic Church and try to address that issue and that issues alone for the duration of that particular visit and as she leaves give her your telephone number telling her she can call you anytime day or night.

The sad thing is that if they become convinced that the Watchtower is false, if they leave they loose every friend and family member - JWs will no longer be allowed to even greet them on the street, let alone speak with them or have them over. JWs need to know that there are people outside of the Watchtower who love them and will be their friends when they leave.
 
dirtydog said:
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, but at times a younger lady with her daughter, her husband a couple of times, and on one occasion, his sister. I’ve always just listened to them, accepted their material, and politely declined a couple of invites for Bible study. At one point the younger lady made a point about how she converted from Catholicism because “that religion” doesn’t use the Bible. I just nodded and laughed a bit, because they had no idea I was a Catholic or a catechist.

A couple of days ago, the older lady came back with her son who was visiting in Michigan. The same ritual ensued, but when she got around to asking if I wanted answers to their scripted questions as presented in their magazine, I responded this time by letting them know I already had answers to those questions. That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, not the other way around. They had enough after I went into how some of the apocrypha, especially the Didache, is held in high regard even though it’s not canonical. She made a last ditch effort with the old “call no man your father” routine. I then pointed out how Paul had referred to himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, so we only take that to mean we must acknowledge God as our true creator. They both acted like they had never read the passage before and quickly excused themselves from the discussion. Then as they walked out she told me that I could call them when I wanted to have more discussion. I never called them for any discussion to begin with!

So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
Yes, they did. But this time it was the elders! And one of them was even of the 144,000. So, against someone who is knowledgeable, they won’t let the inexperienced ones keep going into the fray, where they might lose, or become convinced you are right!
 
I used to have JWs come all the time. My brother would accept their material and sometimes give them a quarter for it.

And then I put up on the front door a small ornament with the Virgin Mother, Baby Jesus and angels.

Haven’t seen them since.
 
dirtydog said:
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, but at times a younger lady with her daughter, her husband a couple of times, and on one occasion, his sister. I’ve always just listened to them, accepted their material, and politely declined a couple of invites for Bible study. At one point the younger lady made a point about how she converted from Catholicism because “that religion” doesn’t use the Bible. I just nodded and laughed a bit, because they had no idea I was a Catholic or a catechist.

A couple of days ago, the older lady came back with her son who was visiting in Michigan. The same ritual ensued, but when she got around to asking if I wanted answers to their scripted questions as presented in their magazine, I responded this time by letting them know I already had answers to those questions. That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, not the other way around. They had enough after I went into how some of the apocrypha, especially the Didache, is held in high regard even though it’s not canonical. She made a last ditch effort with the old “call no man your father” routine. I then pointed out how Paul had referred to himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, so we only take that to mean we must acknowledge God as our true creator. They both acted like they had never read the passage before and quickly excused themselves from the discussion. Then as they walked out she told me that I could call them when I wanted to have more discussion. I never called them for any discussion to begin with!

So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
The last time the JWs visited my Dad’s house (I live in a gated apartment now, so no visitors for me), my dad’s over-excitable cockerspaniel got out and despite my warnings not to, one of them bent over and pet him… at which point he peed all down the poor guy’s leg.

They never came back…
 
When I was quite a bit younger and living in Santa Monica, Calif., there were two JW little old ladies who would invariably come to the door on a Sunday morning after we had been out on the town Saturday night.

I’m a UU, my roommate at the time was Jewish. Neither of us was interested in becoming a JW, but we couldn’t be nasty to the old ladies. The problem was they always came by early, meaning we were not in the best form to receive guests and often had to quickly get dressed to answer the door.

We finally and to resort to being direct. So, the next time they appeared, we answered the door in the nude.

Never saw two old women move so fast. They never came back.

Seeker.
 
Here we used have one or two groups “do” our town in the course of proselytizing season, none have ever come November through March:shrug: But one year we were swarmed not only by all the heavy hitting religious proselytizers, (this was the first year we had LDS missionaries show up), the aggressive magazine salespeople and equally aggressive house painters, but also what seemed to many to be a shady dealer in heating fuel. Our village received many calls and complaints that year and as a result printed up and mailed out “No Solicitation” signs to everyone in town along with a letter explaining that if they put them up NO ONE could knock on their door. The letter advised residents that if the sign was displayed and people knocked on their door anyway, that they should “call 911”. For a few years after this, all the proselytizers and salespeople pretty much ignored my sign and I never did call 911 on them. It seemed an extreme response to the situation, but on the other hand we did have a number of scammers targeting the elderly in town. Again the village has been proactive in informing residents of their activities and it seems that people have called on those who ignore the signs. Why do I think so, because the sign finally works, so well that not only do I have no proselytizers or salespeople, I have to work to get girl scout cookies, boy scout wreaths, support my local HS and sports activities, and the various churches charitable efforts.
 
mark_a said:
From my understanding, these folks have a time quota to fill. You may move up or down the desirability list depending on how comfortable they are or how uncomfortable you are.

Secondly, steer them towards the morals teaching of the CC. It’s a good way to put them on the defensive.

Third, ask them if they know the pope’s cousin is a JW.
Click to expand...
No. There is no time quota. Though Jesus did command Christians to teach. (Matt 28:19,20.)
We can set a time quote for ourselves if we wish. Some, if they want and can - enroll as “pioneers” promising to do 50 or 70 hours a month, for one month or indefinitely. But that is voluntary, as is all the evangelizing we do.

Yeah, I saw a News paper artical on the popes (I thought sister) cousin. She lives in Australia. He rang her up after years of loosing contact and said: “Guess what! I’m the Pope!” Ha. Imagine that.
He also said of the JW’s “You are doing what we should be doing.” (referring to the preaching and teaching work.)
 
dirtydog said:
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, …
… That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, …
Click to expand...
Poor old lady. She probably had no idea what you were talking about!
Sola Scriptura and Jamina and canon development from 382…

Jesus apostles were considered “unlettered and ordinary” by the pharisees. (Acts 1:13) Yet they were granted the ability to go out and preach.

Your speech must have sounded impressive though.😉
 
I read a lot about JW proselytizing here and in other forums I visit as well. However, I have never had them show up at my house in the 14 years I have lived here. I sort of wish they would come by because I enjoy discussing scripture and I know it well enough to refute anything they could send my way.
 
Had some JW’s come to the door a few weeks before Christmas. Unfortunately my sister answered the door and she’s about as nominal catholic as they come (agnostic with cultural connection) so i didn;t get the chance to leave them thinking. They may come back eventually, never know, hopefully im the one who answers the door since im the only one in the family who knows anything about what the Church teaches.

For the record they said stuff about how christmas is a pagan holiday, and stuff about “false” traditions. My sister was basically stuck for words and just said we’re catholic and fine with that and accepted the material (put on the table and ignored by everyone)
 
Regardless said:
No. There is no time quota. Though Jesus did command Christians to teach. (Matt 28:19,20.)
We can set a time quote for ourselves if we wish. Some, if they want and can - enroll as “pioneers” promising to do 50 or 70 hours a month, for one month or indefinitely. But that is voluntary, as is all the evangelizing we do.
Click to expand...
How about publishers? It seems there used to be a goal of ten hours a month.

Well, yes…it is voluntary, but isn’t one looked upon as spiritually immature if not evangelizing?
 
mackbrislawn said:
How about publishers? It seems there used to be a goal of ten hours a month.

Well, yes…it is voluntary, but isn’t one looked upon as spiritually immature if not evangelizing?
Click to expand...
There is no time quota for publishers. (A “publisher” is someone who is active in our Bible teaching work) There used to be the countries average hours and studies listed (JW’s love statistics) and there was sometimes an unofficial suggestion to aim for that. Perhaps that is what you are thinking of?
But I haven’t seen that for a long time. Probably because of texts like 2 Cor. 9 :7.: “let each one do as he has resolved in his heart, … not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
You can’t have people starting to say: “You should be doing that much.”

If someone is not doing any preaching at all, the elders would show some concern, since that is usually a sign of discouragement or some other problem.
Sharing your faith with others builds up your own. (2 Tim 4:15,16) 🙂
 
So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
No. They don’t come back because Irefuse to allow them to lead the conversation. I refute their parrotted script and share a Catholic view.
I did have one once who was determined to argue The Bread of Life Discourse as I presented it to her. I felt badly for her companion whom, it was easy to see, just wanted to get the heck off my lawn.
originally posted by Regardless
Click to expand...
Sharing your faith with others builds up your own. (2 Tim 4:15,16) 🙂

Correct. That’s why I make it a point.
 
dirtydog said:
Hi all,

For about 2 years now, I’ve had JW’s delivering magazines to me. Most of the time it’s been an older lady, but at times a younger lady with her daughter, her husband a couple of times, and on one occasion, his sister. I’ve always just listened to them, accepted their material, and politely declined a couple of invites for Bible study. At one point the younger lady made a point about how she converted from Catholicism because “that religion” doesn’t use the Bible. I just nodded and laughed a bit, because they had no idea I was a Catholic or a catechist.

A couple of days ago, the older lady came back with her son who was visiting in Michigan. The same ritual ensued, but when she got around to asking if I wanted answers to their scripted questions as presented in their magazine, I responded this time by letting them know I already had answers to those questions. That led into me turning the tables a bit, explaining the absurdity of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, why Luther threw out Maccabbees for the canon of Jamnia and why he wanted to get rid of James, where the NT canon actually came from, a bit about the Septuagint, and what really is apocrypha. They both remained polite and had serious deer-in-headlight looks as I talked about the canon’s development from 382 AD+, and how the NT’s authority is derived from the Church, not the other way around. They had enough after I went into how some of the apocrypha, especially the Didache, is held in high regard even though it’s not canonical. She made a last ditch effort with the old “call no man your father” routine. I then pointed out how Paul had referred to himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, so we only take that to mean we must acknowledge God as our true creator. They both acted like they had never read the passage before and quickly excused themselves from the discussion. Then as they walked out she told me that I could call them when I wanted to have more discussion. I never called them for any discussion to begin with!

So for any of you who have had such a discussion, did your JW’s ever come back?
Click to expand...
My experience with JW’s has never been good. Every time I discussed historical matters in regards to the Bible,the JW’s usually are itching to leave.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top