ok I am already A little mad but this made me even more mad.

[SilverFang]

just as I was getting home from school. a wome from Jehovah's witness cought me just as I was going into my house.

well I told her about me being a christian. the 1st and the last word out of her mouth was "BUT" I sed "no" and walked into the house. she then proceded to nock on the door, now I am realy getting mad by this point, so I open the door and told her to leave or I was calling the cops. well she left, and now I am on here.

[agasfas]

umm okay. I actually have a story about that myself. For some reason I was on thier mailing list, don't know how tha that happened. Anyways they always sent me mags and stuff. A few times they came to our house asking for me, but I was at school. Then one day I looked out the window and saw people walking up in black so I yelled, "oh no the Mormons are back!" *Runs to the restroom and locks the door* No, seriously. Then I realized they wore white.... drr...

But in all seriousness:
Anyways, whether you believe in their faith or not it's always best to respect other religions. Though at the same time they need to be respectful of yours. If they got to the point of harassment, then sometimes you have to be firm.

Or you can do what my grandmother does-- hand out christian pamphlets to them.

Edit: For some reason I see this thread becoming heavily debated... My advice is just to be mindful of others beliefs...

[SorasOathkeeper]

AWWW MAN, i so would of called the cops or yelled at her, but thats not realy nice is it.

[Mangafanatic]

We need to make sure we're kind to people who aren't of our faith. They too need Jesus, and if we're unkind show them a pretty lousy image of our savior. Just a thought.

[Scribs]

You have to be careful when dealing people like that.
Listening nicely sometimes just encourages them, but at the same time being vicious, defencive, or agressive can make cristians in general look bad. There is a fine line to tread in this area. I mainly just ignore them. Like almost anyone they are looking for a responce, and if they get none they will just go away.

[agasfas]

We need to make sure we're kind to people who aren't of our faith. They too need Jesus, and if we're unkind show them a pretty lousy image of our savior. Just a thought.

Listening nicely sometimes just encourages them, but at the same time being vicious, defencive, or agressive can make cristians in general look bad. There is a fine line to tread in this area.

I agree w/ both of them. Like I said earlier, you need to remain respectful because if we become angry then we make all christians look bad. But like Pilowine said, there is also a fine line. Just know your belief and stay strong. LIfe is weird that way, people will always try to tell you what is right and wrong. College is the perfect example; not everyone will share the same beliefs as you, especially many professors. My advice, "in one ear out the other."
Then smile and nod every-so often.

[Arbre]

You have to be careful when dealing people like that.
Listening nicely sometimes just encourages them, but at the same time being vicious, defencive, or agressive can make cristians in general look bad. There is a fine line to tread in this area. I mainly just ignore them. Like almost anyone they are looking for a responce, and if they get none they will just go away.

A big part of the things that led up to me coming to put my faith in Jesus Christ came because some of my friends (who are Christian) took the time with me to discuss. There wasn't severe putting down of my beliefs, and for months I thought they would be converted to my ideas because they were genuinely listening and they had been my friends before.

They never converted. That was wishful thinking on my part then.

But I really think that if they had just started off by being insulting, rude, or arrogant, I wouldn't have wanted to continue discussing things with them. I really think that would have ruined my perceptions of Christians in general too.

I was definitely impressed with them for how respectful they were of me, even as they disagreed with my beliefs and explained the reasons.

I need to be better at respecting others... =/

[Jasdero]

...I like Jehovah's Witnesses.... >.>;;;;

[CDLviking]

I couldn't pay to get JWs or mormons to come to my door when I was in Mesa. It's a shame too because I always wanted to debate with them, in charity of course.

[Vyse]

[quote="Sunako"]...I like Jehovah's Witnesses.... >.>]

They don't like Christians that celebrate Christmas or easter, or rather, their websites says that "true Christians don't celebrate Christmast or Easter"

[ShiroiHikari]

let's not start bashing other denominations/religions, guys. also, let's not turn this thread into a theology debate.

[Heart of Sword]

I would just listen to them and have a debate with them...

They're just trying to help people, really, it's not nice to be harsh with them.

[desperado]

they do have some pretty far out beleifs.... but im not going to go into that
all i can say is i think there scared to come to peoples houses here. one guy i know acted like he had just killed someone (with fake blood and everything ) and met them, and another person i know climbed on the roof and sniped them with a paintball gun.
definetly not the right way to go about dealing with them, i have heard of people basically having them sit down for tea or something then show them the true gospel. that ussually gets you on there blacklist quick. personally i hope more people have the strength to do this but beware they can twist the most obscure verses to meet there need. its really hard to deal with them. unless you know the bible in and out from cover to cover

[termyt]

You don't need to debate with them, and I would caution anyone who does - these people are trained in how to handle debates over religion. Just know this and be prepared yourself.

But all humans deserve respect. Politely decline to speak with them and ask them to leave. They will, generally.

[skynes]

One of my friends when the JWs knocked at his door said "Would you like to talk about God?", he said "Sure, yours or mine?"

Another friend when they came knocking offered them to come in as they were having a Bible Study at that time... She told me they freaked out and were very against the idea then left... lol

[Jaltus-bot]

Hey, that is cool really cool about the Bible study. lol, such perfect timing.

I would like to share something I thought was so funny from a Theology Web thread on door to door salesmen, which I guess would sort of include them.

GoBahnsen: "I've discovered that if you tell them you're a Calvinist they almost always run off. Maybe that's why I have embraced Calvinism ."

LakeGeorgeMan: "I've discovered if you tell them "GoBahnsen's a Calvinist", they usually just look at me dumbfounded, and say things like - Huh? or What? or What does that mean?
Then after I keep just repeating it over and over, louder and louder, with a scary look in my eye, and a little drool for effect, they almost always run off...

Maybe thats why I embrace GoBahnsen's Calvinism...

LGM
...only the really brave salespeople will stand their ground in the face of this technique...for those special few, I go get my collection of bigger than lifesize GoBahnsen avatar pictures... (the eek! smiley there)"

Attached is GoBahnsen's avatar. I just thought this was so funny.

[YMHiK]

You don't need to debate with them, and I would caution anyone who does - these people are trained in how to handle debates over religion. Just know this and be prepared yourself.

Does it imply that some christians (I'm just saying some) are not strong in their beliefs?

Anyways, debating for the sake of debate IMO usually achieves nothing. If people understand religion differently, the best way to safely show them your determination in beliefs is not to intrude upon their opinions, rather compare their experiences with the ones (for example) you had.

Moreover, I believe that showing some respect for their effort is not a bad thing , and surely your respect for them will not go unnoticed.

[skynes]

Does it imply that some christians (I'm just saying some) are not strong in their beliefs?

It's not that some Christians aren't strong in their beliefs, it's that JWs are TRAINED especially to deal with Christians in particular.
Put the average JW and the average Christian in a room and the JW will win a debate hands down (provided God doesn't make an intervention).

If you want to speak with JWs you need to be prepared:

Learn their arguments
Learn about Watchtower
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

JW's are indoctrinated heavily (brainwashed more like...). They're not easy to speak to (I know that from personal experience)

[serena]

when this happens to me, i actually let them talk, until they are done questioning my beliefs, then i question theirs, when they ask me why i question their beliefs i tell them that i just want to understand why they think the way they do

[agasfas]

Put the average JW and the average Christian in a room and the JW will win a debate hands down (provided God doesn't make an intervention).

I don't necessarily buy that. BUt then again, I'm not the average christian]If you want to speak with JWs you need to be prepared:
Learn their arguments
Learn about Watchtower
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!
JW's are indoctrinated heavily (brainwashed more like...). They're not easy to speak to (I know that from personal experience)
[/QUOTE]
Well, kind of what Skynes has stated, if you really want to stay and debate with them you need to know your facts, sources and know good counter-points and examples. They are quite crafty at twisting/Manipulating (squeing) ideas and facts -- including the Bible. All you need is the truth of God.
-Or-
Do what my grandmother does. I've stated this eariler but what my grandmother will let them talk only if they take her pamphlet about Jesus. More of a "I'll listen if you listen to too." Usually then they desist and usually leave reluctantly. But it's only fair right?

But like I said before, I hope this doesn't turn into a debate about beliefs and such... That wouldn't be beneficial.

[ashfire]

I have at times run into people of different religions and faithes from JWs, Black Muslims, Islam, Hinduism and Budda. Some of them are members of the fire service. Sometimes you just have to be pleasent either listen a little or accept some pamphlet or some sort of printed material. Sometimes they have asked for donation and I have had to say sorry you got me at the wrong time.
I won't argue religion because it could create hard feels between those you work with or make a big scene. I just deal with my religious believes and let those who have others have theirs.
When you have to deal with the public or those you work with you can't be bias. Because it will come back to bite you.

[Ashley]

I just deal with my religious believes and let those who have others have theirs.
When you have to deal with the public or those you work with you can't be bias. Because it will come back to bite you.

I just want to say something of note here. While it's true that we as Christians are called to love one another, and to love the world...there is a very thin line between love and toleration. I agree with the second part of your statement, Ashfire and the general sentiment of the thread: be courteous to others of a different faith when they approach you.

However, "letting those who have other [beliefs] have theirs" is a very dangerous attitude for a Christian to have. If the apostles had just let everyone have their own religious beliefs, I guarantee you none of us would be a Christian today. We are clearly told to go out into the world and preach the good news; sitting back and just letting others continue living in ignorance is a cold, selfish, and shallow way to make sure someone goes to hell.

My point is I think we all need to be aware that there's a vast difference between being polite to someone, and just letting them believe what they believe even though you know they believe a lie. I'm not saying go out and bash everyone on the head with a bible and scream "TURN OR BURN HEATHEN!", but do be mindful in your relations with non-Christians that they need to hear the truth--I think this can best be accomplished by geniunely respecting them and wanting to be their friend first, and letting the Holy Spirit worry about their conversion after He has prepared their hearts for the gospel. If the Lord chooses to use you as the mouthpiece for the gospel to them, praise the Lord, but if not rest assured the Lord will make sure they have a chance for salvation because He is a loving and fair God.

[Fsiphskilm]

Does it imply that some christians (I'm just saying some) are not strong in their beliefs?

LOL, I've just got better things to do than to talk to a brick wall over and over.

They're cool though, but they are soooo stubborn, I was thinking about playing along one day. Or answer the door with "No english" (I can speak heavily accented English, or another language all together).

But, I'd prefer Jahova's Witnesses over Mormons any day. Mormon's will just camp out on your porch till you come outside. Jahova's witnesses will eventually leave. I'd never EVER call the cops on them, they're just doing their thing...

Instead of calling the cops I'd rather use that time wisely as get as much attention and entertainment as I can. Like playing little games with them

volt:"you can come in but you have to play this game"
(it's a scavenger hunt, of things in my backyard)

I' pretty sure they'll give up, I haven't been able to find some of those things myself, heheh some of them are actually inside, but they don't know that.

[skynes]

[quoteInstead of calling the cops I'd rather use that time wisely as get as much attention and entertainment as I can. Like playing little games with them[/quote]
You could always just run outside with a tea-towel wrapped around you head with a semi-automatic shouting "Allah, be praised!!!!!"

I don't necessarily buy that. BUt then again, I'm not the average christian; i've a highly trained ninja... <.< II >.>

By average Christian I meant a Christian who knows only the very basics about JWs. As you said they are excellent at twisting words, regular Christians won't be able to handle it.

If you're a ninja, you got nothing to worry about. JWs are scared of katanas

[YMHiK]

[quote="Ashley"]However, "letting those who have other [beliefs] have theirs" is a very dangerous attitude for a Christian to have. If the apostles had just let everyone have their own religious beliefs, I guarantee you none of us would be a Christian today. We are clearly told to go out into the world and preach the good news]

OK, I'll bite.

For me it is dangerous to take such an attitude as you have. Let alone apostoles didn't profess Christianity for sake of spreading religion, but for brining it to the knowledge of people that there is some hope in the world that will help them cope with miserable lives they have. It is just plain wrong, IMO, to assume that Christianity have to spread just because it has to
In addition, I believe that Christians are witnesses of Jesus's Glory. But that doesn't nessesary mean that we have to "go out in the wild to get some huntin' ", that is to say convert people to Christianity.

Christianity for me is more than set of believes, it is about hope, faith and love

Anyways, I'm just wondering if some Christians have same attitude toward preaching as JW have... Just for a sake of comparision

[John316]

Another friend when they came knocking offered them to come in as they were having a Bible Study at that time... She told me they freaked out and were very against the idea then left... lol

As far as I know Jehovah's Witnesses place an extremely high emphasis on bible study and they strongly encourage daily reading of the bible. It's possible that they're against the idea of bible study with non-JW people, though.

However, "letting those who have other [beliefs] have theirs" is a very dangerous attitude for a Christian to have.

This is very interesting to me. It's true that as Christians, we have an obligation to inform others of the truth. Yet, even within our own ranks we do not all believe in the same things and some of these differences in beliefs are in fact very crucial to our salvation. But on this site we refrain, and are even prohibited to discuss these differences because it would divide us. So while we pursue an attitude similar to what you advocate outside of the "accepted" Christian denominations, we are discouraged from doing so within. It's kind of ironic to me that I can freely preach the truth to an atheist, but when I see a fellow Christian holding beliefs that are obviously wrong on this board, I can't do much to save them.

Also, what is it that makes us a unified whole? Is the belief of salvation through Jesus Christ's death for our sins enough (most Christians believe that this is sufficient for one to be saved and be called a Christian)? In that case Mormons and JWs could be called Christians too, since they believe this basic tenent. Why are we bashing them so much here then?

Questions questions and more questions. All I can do is pray.

[Jasdero]

Instead of calling the cops I'd rather use that time wisely as get as much attention and entertainment as I can. Like playing little games with them

You could always just run outside with a tea-towel wrapped around you head with a semi-automatic shouting "Allah, be praised!!!!!"

=_= .....

[AnsemK_R]

My Dad once invited some JWs to his office to discuss their religion with him. They quickly agreed and made an appointment with him, my Dad was thrilled and put together a very in-depth (according to him, I never saw it) argument. But they never showed up, I think they realized he was a pastor. My theory is they always give up when they think the person they are talking to is well educated in theology.

[CDLviking]

To YMHiK: Jesus has given us a divine command to go forth into all nations, teaching them and baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

To John316: There is a rule against debate on the boards. If you want to correct someone you can always feel free to do so in PM. I have done so many times. There is also the link to the theology boards for those who feel the need. I don't feel that there is a contradiction there at all.

[skynes]

Also, what is it that makes us a unified whole? Is the belief of salvation through Jesus Christ's death for our sins enough (most Christians believe that this is sufficient for one to be saved and be called a Christian)? In that case Mormons and JWs could be called Christians too, since they believe this basic tenent. Why are we bashing them so much here then?

Belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That is a must to be saved. when I say 'Son' I don't mean 'child of', I mean 'likeness of'. When the Jews heard Jesus say "Son of God" they didn't hear him say child of, they heard him say "I am God".

Neither JWs or Mormons believe that Christ is God.