Today I had the pleasant experience of a brief encounter with some Jehovah's Witnesses. We had a nice little chat, they gave me a book and then went on their way.
I really don't mind visiting with them, honestly. They are typically nice and polite, as are the Mormons when they come by. And honestly, you gotta give kudos to people that evangelize like this. It can't be easy. In today's day and age, they are as welcome as a telemarketer calling during dinner time. So, it's nice to see people keeping up with and sharing their faith.
Being the type of person I am, I of course started reading the little book they left with me. I flipped through the pages and read excerpts when something caught my eye. I also started looking up some other information about the beliefs and origins of Jehovah's Witnesses. It's quite interesting. Now, I also have to consider the source, because the source of information tells you just as much as the information they are providing. I'm learning quite a bit, and despite some similarities and commonalities, I can't say I really agree with a lot of what they teach. It is, however, enlightening.
I've always been one to try to learn about the beliefs of others and share my own beliefs. I love religious discussions. I do draw the line though, when they change from respecting my beliefs and sharing theirs to converting me or questioning and challenging what I believe. That's a conversation stopper for me. If I were asking about their beliefs because I wanted to learn and found my own beliefs to be lacking, that's different. But I don't. And every religious discussion I've been in, whether from someone simply conversing or trying to convert, has never done anything more than strengthen my own beliefs. Funny how faith works.
They may come again, I told them it was ok. I don't mind people evangelizing. I do, however, have a better idea of what they believe and teach and the methods in which they do so. If they do come again, that's fine, I don't mind brief discussions, but they won't get anywhere with me if they try to convert me. That's just the way I am.
I like that. I also think that you taking the time to chat with them is really nice, considering they are doing the same thing we do: promote their beliefs. I do admire that they, and Mormons, step out of their comfort zones to do this, and I face the challenges to invite my own family and friends to church...isn't that sad?
ReplyDeleteThe only ones we have come to our door have been Hispanic women looking for other Hispanic women to share their faith with. Though I am not one, I do try to direct them to a unit that might have a couple.
But thank you for reminding me that they are doing what they believe is right, and that I shouldn't brush them off, as long as they don't get pushy about me changing beliefs (sorry...I believe in celebrations!)