How should I respond to a JW friend? (Australia)

summerinvincible

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post this - brand new member here.

I recently caught up with an old friend who is a JW. She's been witnessing to me, and I've accepted all her handouts because I don't want to hurt her feelings. But now she's asking me for my "thoughts" about what I've read so far. Actually, I haven't read any of the things she's given me, because I already know the kind of rubbish they contain. I have however, been reading a lot of great stuff from the JW Facts website (the author of which is a member here, I believe).

I'm not so naive as to think I can save her from the JWs (she said she and her husband have just become pioneers), but I don't want to waste this chance to maybe plant a seed, or at least make her think!

As most of you guys are ex-JWs, I'd love to hear your opinions. How should I respond? I really don't want to get into a back-and-forth on quoting scriptures, because I don't think I'd get anywhere with that.

I was thinking instead, about getting to the heart of the matter - everything depends on JWs being God's chosen organisation. So how do we know it is? ... The whole issue of mind control, not being allowed to research independently, etc.

Or should I tackle one issue at a time? Like the blood transfusion thing?

Any advice or thoughts appreciated. Thanks for reading.

summerinvincible

Also is there a trick to reading private messages? Apparently I have 1 message, but all I can see is advertising.

Black Sheep

Hi. Welcome to our forum.

everything depends on JWs being God's chosen organisation. So how do we know it is?

That is the best question. As she answers, point out any loopy logic and ask for proof of any claims that sound the slightest bit shonky. You don't need to know much about the JWs, just appear keen to learn to keep her wanting to convert you, but question everything that seems silly.

She needs to do research to find out that the WT isn't what it pretends to be. Don't try to do it for her. Appearing too knowledgeable will frighten her off.

Or should I tackle one issue at a time?

Absolutely, yes. Don't let her dance around diffent topics either. If she tries to change the subject ..... you have the right subject.

Good luck

Chris

Black Sheep

Click on the envelope, top right.

Click on the message. You will get an error. Go back.

Reload the page.

Click on the message.

RADHESYAM

You are right about going head to head with scripture it's not gonna do much.

Most experts on cult exiting tend to agree that its better to take an example of someone in a DIFFERENT cult (so for JW's use a moonie etc) because its less comnfrontational and then point out to the cult member the similarities of their cult.

Now the whole Camping Rapture thing is still pretty fresh and you CANT get a better example than that!

Since all JW doctrine is based around armageddon, chosen people etc etc, you need to hit at that issue.

Forget blood, forget anything else... focus on the things that makes JW's what they truly are.

If you take away the WTS as the faitful slave and you take away armageddon they have nothing.

summerinvincible

Thanks guys. I will have to find out what the "Camping Rapture" thing is!

Also sorry to whoever sent me a message, I still can't read it. When I click on the envelope, I don't see a message. Only long rectangular advertisements :)

sizemik

summerinvincible . . .

Welcome to the forum.

In order to open your PM's you have to perform the exercise TWICE . . . the first time you get a blank . . . just click on the envelop again and then the message again.

The first reply to your thread tells you all you need to know . . . ask on one subject that has no provable answer and press for proof. Don't allow the conversation to progress beyond that until you have your answer to YOUR satisfaction.

Black Sheep

It seems a little wierd to me that someone would be sending you a PM based on the little information on your thread.

Try my instructions again. If that doesn't work, try another browser.

LouBelle

One subject at a time. JW's are known from jumping from topic to topic without actually giving you a clear answer on anything.

You could try the truth - " I haven't read anything just yet as I have heard things like you claim to be the only true religion" or whatever other claim, BUT let her know you are willing to take time to discuss these things.

It is very difficult to get a witness to change their faith. The desire to learn the truth about the "truth" has got to come from them, you can however have a dialogue that gets the witness thinking.

summerinvincible

Thank you again all.

Black Sheep - thanks for trying to help, a different browser doesn't help.

Just wondering if anyone would be willing to help me respond to her explanations? As in, write them for me? I just don't want to ruin this opportunity - I'm not confident enough to do it myself...

If not, that's okay. I will give it my best shot. Just thought I would ask...

How should I respond to a JW friend? (Australia)

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