When evangelists knock on your door...

[Deeje]

I heard an interesting theory recently, that this sort of "cold call evangelism" isn't really about trying to gain converts (how many people are actually converted by door knockers? Seriously, what's the success rate?)

I think you'd be surprised. I have studied the Bible with quite a few people that I have met at their door. I was one myself.

These days though, our website JW.ORG is probably our greatest gateway......we get hundreds requests for Bible studies every day.

it's actually far more about creating group unity within the religion, and otherising outsiders. People get sent out on their missions, face hardships among the outgroup who general ignore or ridicule them, then return to the ingroup who praise them. It's a pretty good way to make you stick to your ingroup and avoid the outgroup, with all that entails.

Whether this is a conscious plan of any religion's leaders, or if it's just a useful aspect of doing what they think they're called to do, I don't know. Makes sense as a theory, though.

Very psychoanalytical but the simple fact is that its a command from Jesus....it wasn't optional (Matthew 28:19-20)....and it wasn't just door to door either. Christians were to preach anywhere they find people. You will often see our mobile carts on the street, or going around the businesses early in the morning when they are not busy. Sometimes its just incidental, waiting in a doctors surgery or at a bus stop or train station......we're everywhere.... and we love to tell people about God's Kingdom.

 

[stvdv]

What do you say when members of a religious group (such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses) knock on your door, evangelising?

I tell them: "I met my guru in India and He is to me as Jesus is to you". I found my way and I am not searching for something else.

I do like to share personal experiences with others, so you are welcome to enter. Sharing is fine to me, arrogance and belittling the faith or feelings of others is not fine to me. If you believe that your faith is better than my faith and feelings then it's better you don't enter.

 

[Terry Sampson]

But the next time it happens I think I’m going to say something outrageous

No need. Just tell 'em, "No thanks: I'm a Trinitarian." and close the door. JW's tend to be a dedicated lot and can take a lot of abuse.

 

[Deeje]

I usually, if I have time, have a conversation with them. They eventually realize that they aren't going to get anywhere and say thank you.

If people are happy with their current faith, then we do not have anything to offer them but the truth from God's word.
We don't like to waste our time or yours, so as Jesus said.....we "shake the dust off our feet" and bid you good day. (Matthew 10:11-14)

But nice people and they love God.

That we are....and that we do. Nice of you to say so.

 

[BilliardsBall]

What do you say when members of a religious group (such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses) knock on your door, evangelising?

I currently politely say “sorry, I already have a religion” and leave it as that

But the next time it happens I think I’m going to say something outrageous such as “I don’t need religion, I have a direct line to God” (don’t worry, I don’t believe I have a direct line to God!) or make up a religion and tell them I belong to that

IMHO, they have a different Jesus than the biblical Jesus. Talk to them about that.

 

[Deeje]

IMHO, they have a different Jesus than the biblical Jesus. Talk to them about that.

We actually have the same Jesus that is in the Bible....we just don't worship a three-headed God because you won't find him in the Bible....Jesus didn't teach about a trinity either. We would be more than happy to discuss that.

Do Messianic Jews believe in a trinity?

 

[Deeje]

No need. "Just tell 'em, no thanks: I'm a Trinitarian." and close the door. JW's tend to be a dedicated lot and can take a lot of abuse.

We respect your right to hold whatever religious view you like.....but when it comes to those who just want to be nasty, we will quietly take our leave....Jesus said that we should expect a similar treatment that was meted out to him. (John 15:18-21) It's all part of being a Christian.

 

[ChristineM]

What do you say when members of a religious group (such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses) knock on your door, evangelising?

I currently politely say “sorry, I already have a religion” and leave it as that

But the next time it happens I think I’m going to say something outrageous such as “I don’t need religion, I have a direct line to God” (don’t worry, I don’t believe I have a direct line to God!) or make up a religion and tell them I belong to that

Back in the UK i had a sign on the gate, "Neighborhood Watch Area, unsolicited callers will be reported to the police"

When a JW group called, i politely asked if they had read the sign. F they replied 'yes' usually with some other tripe to follow, i reached for the phone and began to dial. It is amazing how quick they left.

If they said 'no' i asked if they would please read it and closed the door.

I believe there is nothing more ignorant and annoying than disturbing a family meal just to "spread the word "

 

[Sand Dancer]

What do you say when members of a religious group (such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses) knock on your door, evangelising?

I currently politely say “sorry, I already have a religion” and leave it as that

But the next time it happens I think I’m going to say something outrageous such as “I don’t need religion, I have a direct line to God” (don’t worry, I don’t believe I have a direct line to God!) or make up a religion and tell them I belong to that

I so want to be say something snarky, but like you, I just say, "I already have a religion but thanks."

 

[Sand Dancer]

They were so obnoxious in our town we just said "get off my porch".

Don't forget to add, "...you punks!"

 

[Sand Dancer]

It's never happened but I would talk to them.

Do you live on a tiny island? How did you get to be so lucky?

 

[Sand Dancer]

We may find their method annoying but they are just doing what all Christians are asked to do, 'go forth and spread the Gospel'.

It would be received better if people actually asked about it first.

 

[Kenny]

If people are happy with their current faith, then we do not have anything to offer them but the truth from God's word.
We don't like to waste our time or yours, so as Jesus said.....we "shake the dust off our feet" and bid you good day. (Matthew 10:11-14)

That we are....and that we do. Nice of you to say so.

Yes, Deeje, And we love God too! Is that why I dust my feet as I go back into my house?

(I don't really, I leave the judging to God)

 

[Spirit of Light]

Back in the UK i had a sign on the gate, "Neighborhood Watch Area, unsolicited callers will be reported to the police"

When a JW group called, i politely asked if they had read the sign. F they replied 'yes' usually with some other tripe to follow, i reached for the phone and began to dial. It is amazing how quick they left.

If they said 'no' i asked if they would please read it and closed the door.

I believe there is nothing more ignorant and annoying than disturbing a family meal just to "spread the word "

It is a part of being spiritual, and as far as i know, it is still a good way to spread the word, there is not only JW who do it, as a Buddhist i could do the same, but if i wish to spread Buddhism i go to a public area where people can come to me freely (i have a poster up telling why i stand there of course)

 

[savagewind]

As I have stated before, I have a particular antipathy to those of the evil JW cult, after being told by a couple of their acolytes that our adopted baby Down's Syndrome son would have been better off dead than having the blood transfusion, which saved his life in 1986!

Well, I did not wish to upset the apple cart but seeing that it has already been turned over.....
THE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ of which the Jehovah's Witnesses usually trust that they "are spreading" Is in actuality, not the good news that Jesus Christ intended because what they do is learn obedience to their governing body but to obey just Christ leads to real freedom. The truth sets a person free. But the Jehovah's Witnesses are about perfecting themselves under law. The truth is about perfecting ourselves under God. God is not the law. They have thousands of rules and regulations to learn and you better learn them and obey them because if you don't God won't save you. < I don't believe it and I certainly did not think that up. It is what is being taught to them, in my most humble opinion.

 

[Rival]

Do you live on a tiny island? How did you get to be so lucky?

Yeah it's called Britain

I just live in the sticks.

 

[ChristineM]

I wonder what they really said.....? We would never say anything like that....and if anyone did they would get into trouble. Its none of our business what you do with your own child, just as its none of your business what we do with ours. Sorry, but I don't think you wouldn't know an "evil cult" if you fell over one....the "evil" is all in your own mind.

1986? You've been harboring all that angst for over 30 years? Time to get over it and move on....don't you think?

A friend had a child that needed a complete blood transfusion, it was done within 3 days of birth. It saved her life, the child is now 26 and a productive member of society.

On two occasions my friend has been told by JWs that the transfusion was against god and child should have been left to die.

As for your last paragraph. When someone wishes death on your children you never get over it. It will always be remembered and saying sorry or whatever does not make it go away. Condemning the recipient wirh "get over it" is really quite ignorant

 

[ChristineM]

Do you live on a tiny island? How did you get to be so lucky?

Where i am now is the same, 22km from the nearest town,. Never had a cold callet here.

 

[ChristineM]

It is a part of being spiritual, and as far as i know, it is still a good way to spread the word, there is not only JW who do it, as a Buddhist i could do the same, but if i wish to spread Buddhism i go to a public area where people can come to me freely (i have a poster up telling why i stand there of course)

Interfering with family life would never work on me, in fact it has the opposite effect. Your ploy of public proselytising at least has the decency to allow people to ignore you. I am assuming you also dont let your proselytising interfere with others.

 

[Shiranui117]

I've either lived in my parents' house, lived in a dorm where no solicitors are allowed or can even enter, or lived in an apartment building where there are also no solicitors. You can't exactly walk into an apartment building with a security door without having a key or somebody to buzz you in...