When evangelists knock on your door...

[stvdv]

From a psychological standpoint, the true point of all this isn't so much about gaining converts; if it were they would utilize a more effective method (e.g., charitable works). Rather, the primary effect is to create and cement a sense of "us vs. them" and make it more likely that you'll stay in the "us" and reject the "them". It's a classic pain-reward cycle, where you become increasingly dependent on the religious community for emotional support to help deal with the pain you've suffered while evangelizing.

People in the top of a large organisation usually think in terms of "making the most profit", so this does make sense (for all organisations not only religious ones)

Religious businesses try keeping their customers (using the tricks you mentioned and emotional blackmail using fear for Hell or reward as in Heaven)
Pharmaceutical businesses try keeping their customers (giving medicines with huge side effects + talking negative about alternative medicines)
Insurance businesses try keeping their customers (Using fear as an incentive and together with crazy high hospital bills it's a very safe business)
Housing businesses , Job businesses etc (in 1900 they started renting houses to the workers, so they were obliged to stay and work)

They all use their own "emotional blackmail" to keep the money flowing to themselves. In the end it is all business (when seen from the top leaders)

It's an interesting question ... what is the real reason to stay in an organisation, calling themselves religious and asking money (or even not asking)

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

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

They don't come in my area. I haven't had JWs to my door since I left the hood. At that time, my mom was still alive and she took care of them. Now I just see Mormons around the OSU campus and Southside at times. If one did show up at my door, I'd just say I'm not interested. If they kept pushing it, they would meet my blunt side.

 

[Deeje]

Of course, some think our neutral stand regarding politics and war is a flaw. Out in service (house to house), I’ve been attacked (verbally) by many a veteran — and others — on this issue.

I remember encountering a very patriotic Catholic gentleman at the door once (a long time ago) who was very down on Jehovah's Witnesses for not serving in the armed forces, and getting quite agitated about those who refused to "serve their country"......saying that he had served in the last World War and he had lost many good friends.....he was reduced to silence when it was brought to his attention that none of his mates would have been killed by any JW's. But, when asked if they may have been killed by fellow Catholics, he went very quiet....and then said he had never thought of that.

 

[Hockeycowboy]

I remember encountering a very patriotic Catholic gentleman at the door once (a long time ago) who was very down on Jehovah's Witnesses for not serving in the armed forces, and getting quite agitated about those who refused to "serve their country"......saying that he had served in the last World War and he had lost many good friends.....he was reduced to silence when it was brought to his attention that none of his mates would have been killed by any JW's. But, when asked if they may have been killed by fellow Catholics, he went very quiet....and then said he had never thought of that.

That was certainly something for him to consider!

 

[Jose Fly]

People in the top of a large organisation usually think in terms of "making the most profit", so this does make sense (for all organisations not only religious ones)

Religious businesses try keeping their customers (using the tricks you mentioned and emotional blackmail using fear for Hell or reward as in Heaven)
Pharmaceutical businesses try keeping their customers (giving medicines with huge side effects + talking negative about alternative medicines)
Insurance businesses try keeping their customers (Using fear as an incentive and together with crazy high hospital bills it's a very safe business)
Housing businesses , Job businesses etc (in 1900 they started renting houses to the workers, so they were obliged to stay and work)

They all use their own "emotional blackmail" to keep the money flowing to themselves. In the end it is all business (when seen from the top leaders)

It's an interesting question ... what is the real reason to stay in an organisation, calling themselves religious and asking money (or even not asking)

I'm not so sure it's (door-to-door evangelizing) really about making money for the organization. I'd say it has more to do with psychologically manipulating vulnerable people into the "us vs. them" tribal mindset. There are other ways of looking at evangelism from a psychological standpoint. THIS ARTICLE has an interesting take (see pt. III). Basically, the author sees the need for evangelism as a means to recreate and reinforce one's own conversion and salvation...

"The obsessional need to preach the gospel, to find a way as soon as possible to let every stranger one meets know that one is a Christian, born again, are practices that derive not from a lack of social skills but from a manic necessity. For the saved there is and can be nothing but the story of their salvation. It is the master narrative to which all lives must conform, the tale one must tell as often and ardently as the Ancient Mariner tells his. Though for antithetical reasons. The Mariner tells his tale to relieve an inner pain by injecting it into the consciousness of listeners who will be existentially individuated by the tale. Evangelists tell theirs to reassure themselves about their “identity” by trying to compel others to participate in it. Structurally and psychologically, however, both tellers labor under the same necessity. Repetition as the attempt to retain an identity in order to flee something else"​

 

[Deeje]

They don't come in my area. I haven't had JWs to my door since I left the hood. At that time, my mom was still alive and she took care of them. Now I just see Mormons around the OSU campus and Southside at times. If one did show up at my door, I'd just say I'm not interested. If they kept pushing it, they would meet my blunt side.

It would be very unusual for Jehovah's Witnesses to be missing from any area. They often set up their mobile information carts near University campuses and busy city areas and shopping centers. For us, it's about finding people, not just knocking on the doors of empty houses. We do not approach people in public, but allow interested ones to come to us.

We have the same approach at the door....information is offered but never forced. Those who may be a bit over zealous, if they persist when told to leave, are not following directions. We are taught to respect everyone's right to believe whatever they wish.
Like Jesus, we offer the message, but it is up to the person to accept it or reject it.

 

[stvdv]

I'm not so sure it's (door-to-door evangelizing) really about making money for the organization. I'd say it has more to do with psychologically manipulating vulnerable people into the "us vs. them" tribal mindset. There are other ways of looking at evangelism from a psychological standpoint. THIS ARTICLE has an interesting take (see pt. III). Basically, the author sees the need for evangelism as a means to recreate and reinforce one's own conversion and salvation...

"The obsessional need to preach the gospel, to find a way as soon as possible to let every stranger one meets know that one is a Christian, born again, are practices that derive not from a lack of social skills but from a manic necessity. For the saved there is and can be nothing but the story of their salvation. It is the master narrative to which all lives must conform, the tale one must tell as often and ardently as the Ancient Mariner tells his. Though for antithetical reasons. The Mariner tells his tale to relieve an inner pain by injecting it into the consciousness of listeners who will be existentially individuated by the tale. Evangelists tell theirs to reassure themselves about their “identity” by trying to compel others to participate in it. Structurally and psychologically, however, both tellers labor under the same necessity. Repetition as the attempt to retain an identity in order to flee something else"​

No, I was not thinking that door to door evangelizing is about making money. Reading your post I thought 'why they want us versus them?". One reason is that they stick to the group. Why they want them to stick to the group? Otherwise the group is gone. Who would have a problem with that? Not the people themselves. Only the people who earn money in the religious organisation, otherwise they have to find another job to make money. So I think indirect "door to door evangelizing" is about making money (but not by the people who do the "work" (walking door to door)). Of course there might be exceptions where the top leaders do it all for free. But I visited quite a few groups in Holland where money flow to the top was obvious, and the "normal" people did all the hard work for free.

Thank you for sharing the link. Very interesting ideas. Makes a lot of sense. I never thought about this much. Good/handy to know.

Interesting idea (red part). They need reassurance. I think that means: a)they have low self esteem and/or b)they go against their conscience. I think, that if you follow your conscience you feel senang. No need for reassurance by having others believe the same.

I have observed the same as the article states. It's always a one way conversation with these people.

Spoiler: My "favorite" part of your link

It’s not just the repeated literal citation of the Bible as absolute truth (“do you know that satan was once an angel close to God; that’s why he’s so powerful”) or the repeated refrain that puts an end to all discussion (“well I believe the Bible and the Bible says”); or the inability to hear anything we say except as a sign that we’ve not yet grasped the truth that’s galling. It’s the recognition that despite the charitable demeanor, evangelical activity is based on a total lack of respect for the minds of those they are trying to convert.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I would be very unusual for Jehovah's Witnesses to be missing from any area. They often set up their mobile information carts near University campuses and busy city areas and shopping centers. For us, it's about finding people, not just knocking on the doors of empty houses. We do not approach people in public, but allow interested ones to come to us.

We have the same approach at the door....information is offered but never forced. Those who may be a bit over zealous, if they persist when told to leave, are not following directions. We are taught to respect everyone's right to believe whatever they wish.
Like Jesus, we offer the message, but it is up to the person to accept it or reject it.

My neighborhood is mostly college grad students with some families and older homeowners. I only saw JWs in the Linden area here where I used to live. Either way, I live in apartment building so solicitors can't really come in because the front security door is locked. They could bang on the individual back doors, but that's very rude for some stranger to be knocking on your back door. I usually ignore people knocking on my door whom I am not expecting. I don't like being bothered. I like peace and quiet.

 

[Deeje]

No, I was not thinking that door to door evangelizing is about making money. Reading your post I thought 'why they want us versus them?". One reason is that they stick to the group. Why they want them to stick to the group? Otherwise the group is gone. Who would have a problem with that? Not the people themselves. Only the people who earn money in the religious organisation, otherwise they have to find another job to make money. So I think indirect "door to door evangelizing" is about making money (but not by the people who do the "work" (walking door to door)). Of course there might be exceptions where the top leaders do it all for free. But I visited quite a few groups in Holland where money flow to the top was obvious, and the "normal" people did all the hard work for free.

It is true that no organization on earth could exist without money. Remembering the arrangement in Israel, donations were based on a 10% tithe. All were expected to support God's theocratic arrangement, physically, spiritually and financially. Those whose role was to carry out God's work at the Temple were fully supported.

But that didn't mean that those ones expected to live in the lap of luxury. They were provided for....food and lodging. JW's work on the same principle, but for Christians, there is no tithing....all donated funds are between God and yourself. For many, their spiritual work is funded by secular work. No one gets paid for any service....everything is free. Weddings, funerals or ministry....no one is paid. No one profits from God's service more than food and lodging.

Interesting idea (red part). They need reassurance. I think that means: a)they have low self esteem and/or b)they go against their conscience. I think, that if you follow your conscience you feel senang. No need for reassurance by having others believe the same.

I think you misunderstand the need for 'grouping'. God actually did it first. He kept Israel as a separated nation for over 1500 years. They were nothing like the nations around them because God's laws made them different. Only when they disobeyed him and imitated the ways of those nations, did God punish them, sometimes very severely. His laws were not negotiable. By the time Jesus arrived, they had lost the plot.

Jesus also separated his disciples out of an apostate religious system. He taught them what God required of them and told them to stick together. God never authorised sectarianism. Operating as a brotherhood has nothing to do with low self esteem, but it's a resolute position that is fiercely defended against all opposers....especially those who want to psychoanalyze others because they have no religious beliefs of their own. Anyone with religious leanings must of necessity be lacking in their thinking or intelligence.......such arrogance does not go unnoticed by the Creator.

Funny how they never notice that the 'birds of their own feather stick together'.

As for this.....

It’s the recognition that despite the charitable demeanor, evangelical activity is based on a total lack of respect for the minds of those they are trying to convert.

Did Jesus lack respect for those to whom he preached? The minds of humans will believe whatever they wish.....and that is the whole point of the preaching work that Jesus assigned to his disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20) We are not out to convert people....no one can convert anyone except the person themselves. Hearing the message or even seeing one of Christ's cisciples attempting to impart it is enough for God to judge the hearts of men. Those who genuinely seek God on his terms will find him and once they do, they will want to share that with others.....those who don't will complain about his servants intruding on their privacy.

Anyone can be a legend in their own lifetime in the estimations of men, but unless God sees them as willing workers in his service, their estimations of themselves and the accolades they receive from others are pretty worthless.

That is how I see things.

 

[stvdv]

"The obsessional need to preach the gospel, to find a way as soon as possible to let every stranger one meets know that one is a Christian, born again,

Interesting idea (red part). They need reassurance. I think that means: a)they have low self esteem and/or b)they go against their conscience. I think, that if you follow your conscience you feel senang. No need for reassurance by having others believe the same.

Note: I remember when I first met my Master, I was very enthusiastic and talked about it a lot. Once a woman told me "Why do you tell me all this?". Immediately I woke up, and thanked her for telling me this. Since then I try to only tell people about my belief when they ask me; they seldom ask

My Master explicitly told us "I do not want you to evangelize, because that would not be respectful to their feelings/(non) belief". So it was a shocker when this woman told me. I was just insensitive, and not paying attention to her, whether she was really interested or not. Was a great lesson.

Note: I think my Master meant with evangelizing that you tell the other that his (non) faith is less good than the one you are offering. I did read also in Bible or Koran (if I remember correctly) that you should not spread your religion to people who already have another faith. But if you bring it very respectful, then I think it is possible to evangelize without irritating them. Of course some will be happy if you bring them the good news. Then I see no negative in evangelizing. So, when evangelizing one needs to be very attentive, how the other feels and receives your words.

 

[stvdv]

Thank you for your nice and informative reply

It is true that no organization on earth could exist without money. Remembering the arrangement in Israel, donations were based on a 10% tithe. All were expected to support God's theocratic arrangement, physically, spiritually and financially. Those whose role was to carry out God's work at the Temple were fully supported.

Yes, well said. In India they had the caste system. Originally it was a good system taking care of all people. Priests did the spiritual part, warriors kept the country safe, people working took care of the material need. Sadly jealousy, greed, arrogance stepped in, and we see degeneration now.

But that didn't mean that those ones expected to live in the lap of luxury. They were provided for....food and lodging. JW's work on the same principle, but for Christians, there is no tithing....all donated funds are between God and yourself. For many, their spiritual work is funded by secular work. No one gets paid for any service....everything is free. Weddings, funerals or ministry....no one is paid. No one profits from God's service more than food and lodging.

That feels good to me also. Jehovah Witnesses are good at that. I am happy for others to be rich, but it's not on my to do list.

Interesting idea (red part). They need reassurance. I think that means: a)they have low self esteem and/or b)they go against their conscience. I think, that if you follow your conscience you feel senang. No need for reassurance by having others believe the same.

I think you misunderstand the need for 'grouping'

Thank you for phrasing it so nicely. Normally I post and then have a look what I should change. I pressed the "edit" button yesterday but "God" crashed my internet, just 1 milli second after I posted this one. And I could net get back for like 12 hours.

Reading my quote again, I can see it's not so clear. I read that long psycho analyzing text in the link I was given. And my reply was about that. Some people need reassurance ... and that's their reason to want others to believe the same. I was not talking about "grouping" though.

Grouping has nothing to do with "needing reassurance". So I was only speaking about people who try to convert others out of "needing reassurance" (and that's not only with spirituality ... many people claim "it's okay I take a cake, we should enjoy life, you only live once (others need cake"space version" to enjoy life) ... that's all the same reassurance needing". I think that part makes sense (in this article).

Jesus also separated his disciples out of an apostate religious system. He taught them what God required of them and told them to stick together

I can't agree more. My Master said "when you start on the spiritual journey you are fragile like a tiny sapling ... needing a fence to protect yourself".

God never authorised sectarianism

Operating as a brotherhood has nothing to do with low self esteem, but it's a resolute position that is fiercely defended against all opposers....especially those who want to psychoanalyze others because they have no religious beliefs of their own. Anyone with religious leanings must of necessity be lacking in their thinking or intelligence.......such arrogance does not go unnoticed by the Creator.

That can sometimes be seen maybe as a kind of evangelizing also. There is 1 exception though ... if someone psychoanalyzes me, then I psychoanalyze him too. Evangelists can be seen as psychoanalyst also (or maybe more accurate soulanalyst). From this context I see now more clear than ever, why my Master warned us to not evangelize, because very easily you behave arrogant, and do the same as psychoanalysts.

In this article this man was psychoanalyzing the people who evangelized him first. So in this case it was just. I used to do a lot of psychoanalyzing others, because they attacked my feelings/faith all the time. Since I become more confident and keep them on a distance I do not feel the need to psychoanalyze them anymore (I don't even see them anymore .. to big a distance now). So I am grateful that @Jose Fly gave me the link.

Funny how they never notice that the 'birds of their own feather stick together'.

Thank you for this one. First time I hear it. And fits perfectly in this thread.

evangelical activity is based on a total lack of respect for the minds of those they are trying to convert.

We are not out to convert people.

So, the above quote in blue does not apply to you

Anyone can be a legend in their own lifetime in the estimations of men, but unless God sees them as willing workers in his service, their estimations of themselves and the accolades they receive from others are pretty worthless.

That is how I see things.

 

[Deeje]

. I did read also in Bible or Koran (if I remember correctly) that you should not spread your religion to people who already have another faith.

Can you point out where in the Bible it says this? I don't recall seeing it.

On the contrary, God wants people of all faiths to come to know him.
Jewish procelytes were Gentiles who, upon hearing about the true God, converted to Judaism. Though they were never considered "Jews" in the fleshly sense, they were to be treated as "brothers" and fellow worshippers of Yahweh. In order to serve the true God with his people, they had to become part of God's nation and abide by his laws. They were not permitted to bring their old forms of worship with them, and they were not free to bring their own ideas into the religion that they had adopted.

Jesus was sent exclusively to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel". But after gathering all of those lost sheep, his disciples were directed to approach Gentiles with the good news of God's kingdom. They too would benefit from hearing the message of salvation. But the same rules applied. They could not bring their old religion with them, not even parts of it. Why? Because God considers it spiritually "unclean".

The apostle Paul explained it this way....

"Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” 18 “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’says Jehovah, the Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

So this is why we do what we do. To help others to become one of God's "sons and daughters".....is the greatest privilege a human can ever receive. But there are conditions that have to be met. That means we have to find God's religion, not just search for the one that suits us.

 

[calm]

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

Jehovah's Witnesses are neither Christians nor do they spread the (true) gospel.
They deny that Jesus was crucified on the cross.
They even see the cross as idolatry, but their own founder ,Charles Taze Russel, has had a pyramid placed next to his grave, on which you can see a cross that has fallen over.
They deny the divinity of Jesus.
They deny the hell.
They invent things that have nothing to do with the Bible. They say, for example, that Jesus was made king in heaven in 1914 and that Jesus appointed them as the new people of God in 1919. They also say that Jesus is the angel Michael. Things that have nothing to do with the Bible.
Jehovah's Witnesses, Adventists and Mormons (they are all related) are not Christians because they have nothing to do with the Word of God. But the followers are not the evil ones, it is the respective leader. Jehovah's Witnesses only think and do what the Watchtower tells them.

It is also remarkable that the faith principles of the witnesses have changed drastically over the decades. Some of the teachings have been alternately rejected as false and then "rediscovered" a few years later. This is officially justified by the fact that God supposedly reveals the truth only slowly and step by step ("the light becomes brighter"). For this the term present truth was coined: the individual witness must obey this current doctrine proclaimed by the leadership.
An example from practice: a young man decides in 1995, against the current teachings, to do civilian service and is excluded for it. A year later, the Jehovah's Witness leadership declared civilian service acceptable. The so-called "renegade", however, was not readily resumed as he disobeyed God's organization. This sin must first be adequately repented of, which depends strongly on the elders' discretion and can last for months, even years. During this time, the above-described ostracism by all other members applies.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

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

Depends on my mood... I've responded differently just about every time. It doesn't happen much in Belgium though, that they come knock on your door. But it does happen. Perhaps every year, or every 2 years or something. Street preachers are a little more common, but even that is only like... perhaps 1 every 3-4 months?

Once it ended up in a very friendly exchange of ideas about the world in general, without even really talking about religion. Bought the guy a coffee. It was fun. Good talk.

Another time, they came to my door. I opened the door and realised what they came to do so I just closed it again before they could even finish their first sentence. It was like "Hi, we are from the church of...." *door slams shut*, lol. I really wasn't in the mood then.


The funniest time ever was when I was home alone during college, playing some playstation while high. I opened the door and for some reason started out the conversation pretending I've never even heared of the bible or christianity. I was just having a laugh but for some reason the guy at the door was completely on board... To this day I wonder if I got counter trolled. If he was just pretending to believe me, then the guy was a grade A actor, I'll tell you that much.

I trapped him a few times with silly questions and then just send him on his way when it was no longer funny. It sure was a weird conversation....

 

[pearl]

Jehovah's Witnesses are neither Christians nor do they spread the gospel.

I agree with what you have said. I associated their willingness to spread 'their' belief with what used to be the final words after Mass, 'go forth and spread the Good News.' I think what they do not believe is anything beyond what Jesus taught during his ministry. And that's where the Gospels actually begin, post D/R.

 

[Jose Fly]

No, I was not thinking that door to door evangelizing is about making money. Reading your post I thought 'why they want us versus them?". One reason is that they stick to the group. Why they want them to stick to the group? Otherwise the group is gone. Who would have a problem with that? Not the people themselves. Only the people who earn money in the religious organisation, otherwise they have to find another job to make money. So I think indirect "door to door evangelizing" is about making money (but not by the people who do the "work" (walking door to door)). Of course there might be exceptions where the top leaders do it all for free. But I visited quite a few groups in Holland where money flow to the top was obvious, and the "normal" people did all the hard work for free.

Ah, I see now. I'm sure in some cases you are spot on.

Thank you for sharing the link. Very interesting ideas. Makes a lot of sense. I never thought about this much. Good/handy to know.

You're welcome.

Interesting idea (red part). They need reassurance. I think that means: a)they have low self esteem and/or b)they go against their conscience. I think, that if you follow your conscience you feel senang. No need for reassurance by having others believe the same.

I have observed the same as the article states. It's always a one way conversation with these people.

Spoiler: My "favorite" part of your link

It’s not just the repeated literal citation of the Bible as absolute truth (“do you know that satan was once an angel close to God; that’s why he’s so powerful”) or the repeated refrain that puts an end to all discussion (“well I believe the Bible and the Bible says”); or the inability to hear anything we say except as a sign that we’ve not yet grasped the truth that’s galling. It’s the recognition that despite the charitable demeanor, evangelical activity is based on a total lack of respect for the minds of those they are trying to convert.

Yup, and I totally agree with that part. The evangelizers are basically coming to your home to tell you that your beliefs are all wrong and theirs are completely right. Pretty rude, IMO.

 

[stvdv]

I did read also in Bible or Koran (if I remember correctly) that you should not spread your religion to people who already have another faith

Can you point out where in the Bible it says this? I don't recall seeing it.

Thanks. I forgot if I read it in Bible or Koran. If you don't recall seeing it in the Bible then it probably was in the Koran.

On the contrary, God wants people of all faiths to come to know him.

My Master could have said that (probably He did say that).

 

[stvdv]

Yup, and I totally agree with that part. The evangelizers are basically coming to your home to tell you that your beliefs are all wrong and theirs are completely right. Pretty rude, IMO.

If the evangelizers tell you that your beliefs are all wrong and theirs are completely right than that is very rude. No need for IMO IMO

I pray to God to show me 1 evangelizer who does not belief that the other's belief is wrong (or not as good as his belief)

Do you think there is 1, have you ever met 1? If I remember correctly, I never met 1. So it's a fact so far for me

 

[Hockeycowboy]

Jehovah's Witnesses are neither Christians nor do they spread the gospel.

Christian means follower of Christ, not worshipper.
Who really 'follows' Christ in times of conflict? The religious group who refuses to join in killing others, or the one who does? Most of Christendom has built a reputation of supporting bloodshed.....

In his book "The Modern Use of the Bible", minister Harry Fosdick wrote: “Our Western history has been one war after another. We have bred men for war, trained men for war; we have glorified war; we have made warriors our heroes and even in our churches we have put the battle flags. . . . With one corner of our mouth we have praised the Prince of Peace and with the other we have glorified war. So well have we succeeded in blending Christ and carnage, the Gospel and organized slaughter, that recently a missionary in an Oriental country, after an address upon Christian goodwill, was taken aside by a native, who said, ‘You must know that the educated people of this country look upon Christianity as a warring, blood-spilling religion."

Are you part of that? Why?

Matthew 24:14, we take very seriously. What is that "Good News" of the Kingdom? How will that Kingdom accomplish God's "will.....on Earth"? Matthew 6:9-10

They deny that Jesus was crucified on the cross.

Jesus was executed, that's the important teaching. And what his death means for mankind.

The mode of execution is not important. (If anything, it should be abhorrent. You don't kiss it, and hang it around your neck, do you?)

They even see the cross as idolatry, but their own founder ,Charles Taze Russel, has had a pyramid placed next to his grave, on which you can see a cross that has fallen over.

Yes, could be...but we accept the Bible's words @ Proverbs 4:18, the path of the righteous "grows brighter and brighter."

How does your light "grow"? Or does your religion still teach the same things it did 400 years ago? Any new "light"?

 

[Jose Fly]

If the evangelizers tell you that your beliefs are all wrong and theirs are completely right than that is very rude. No need for IMO IMO

I pray to God to show me 1 evangelizer who does not belief that the other's belief is wrong (or not as good as his belief)

Do you think there is 1, have you ever met 1? If I remember correctly, I never met 1. So it's a fact so far for me

Same for me. Every door-to-door evangelist has let it be known, either directly or indirectly, that the reason they're there is to convince me that my beliefs are wrong and there's are right. The fact that I never requested such a thing and they came to my home to do so is quite rude IMO.