Since I gave testimony against the Society almost three years ago, I have not had a single JW call at my door. Historically, when they did come, I would take different positions in debate, and not reveal my ex-JW background. Once they could see that I was not impressed by their message, and was able to seriously challenge them, they would start looking for a qick out. Recently, however, some JWs rang my bell. I was surprised to see them. So, I stepped outside to talk with them. As usual, I avoided mentioning my ex-JW background, and instead focused in on them and the things that they teach. They left a couple of magazines with me, so I will comb through these and see what I can come up with to post here on JWD. One magazine is an Awake! that promotes their latest blood teachings ... which basically have not changed, but continue to push the same old arguments.
The interesting thing is that these JWs offered to return, and asked for a specific time so they could be sure to catch me at home. Surely the Society must have notified them that I am an ex-JW, or even a dangerous apostate who testified against them. While I took the magazines, I gave no signs of interest in their message. I drew upon my upbringing as a Roman Catholic, and involvement in the Greek Orthodox. I was able to nail them on the pedophile issue, as well as the fact that their NWT Bible is originally a Catholic product ... something that was put together by what JWs call "apostates."
As they tried to make the point that the Catholic Church is apostate from true Christianity, I countered by saying that Rome views them as an apostate cult that left the truth by not staying with the original true organization. They seemed slightly shocked, but continued to dialogue with me. We even freely tossed around the word 'apostate.' Although, the one JW seemed awefully nervous, and was starting to sweat a little. I don't know if the individual was naturally nervous, or was scared of me or what I was saying. The individual has been a JW for several decades, so I suspect that the person was not nervous at the doors.
But, these JWs seemed otherwise more confident and less troubled by my counter-arguments. They kept veering off topic, so I had to bring them back again, but otherwise they hung in ther with me, and did not seek to get away as previous JWs have done. I wonder if JWs are receiving new training to get them to argue more with people at the doors. I hope I am not growing soft, and sending wrong signals. Rather, I hope to have the opportunity to help them see things from a better perspective. Well, we did have a nice and respectful discussion, so, as long as we can maintain such mutual respect, then I will enjoy giving them some of my time.
I will keep you all posted if they actually do come back to see me.
Jim