A Mormon or Jehovah Witness comes to the door

[Ddavid from NC]

A knock comes at the door and someone with materials from a local Hall or Temple representing a local gathering of Witnesses or LDS, do you engage them in conversation or dismiss them quickly with "I'm not interested thank you."

[sweetycakes]

Having had a great many encounters with Mormons and JWs over the years, I am inclined to tell them I am not interested.

BOTH my parents were Jehovah's Witnesses (they are both now dead)...so I have quite a grasp on what they believe and teach.

Of course, I have had a few encounters with them where I have told them the story of Nicodemus (being 'born again'). Only one or two have listened, unfortunately.

Regarding Mormons (Moomins).....we used to get them regularly. I once asked a Mormon if I could 'aquire' a copy of the book of Mormon off them....and they were happy to oblige.

I then said to them....'So...now this book belongs to me.....and I can do with it whatever I choose'......to which they replied,

'Yes, absolutely'.

I then proceeded to tear up the book before their eyes.

Obviously, the reaction I got was less than 'friendly'....you might say.

I protested that the book was now mine....and I could do with it whatever I will.

I got two mormons at my door last night, in fact. Our Connor (aged 6) was sad that I threw the leaflet I got from them about 'Jesus' straight in the bin.

I explained it as best I could. But it's not easy.

These cults are so insidious.

I would say....if you don't know the scriptures......best to keep well away from any argument with them.

[kitty1]

I am so looking forward to hearing ppls responses because I am currently in that exact postion.

The pastor at the Church I was attending told me to just send them away because they will confuse me. But that didn't sit well with me.

1. I felt as if he thought I couldn't discern the truth from false teachings, but as a Christian I put my faith that the Lord, that he will guide me in truth.

2. I feel if they are willing to share with me there views should I not share with them my faith in Jesus Christ?

But then the difficult part is how to turn them away, I am not by any means a confrontational person, nor am I easily swayed to anothers point of view.

They will be coming back again soon so how should I handle this.

Thanks for opening this topic, it's just what I have been asking Jesus how to handle.

[kitty1]

I am so looking forward to hearing ppls responses because I am currently in that exact postion.

The pastor at the Church I was attending told me to just send them away because they will confuse me. But that didn't sit well with me.

1. I felt as if he thought I couldn't discern the truth from false teachings, but as a Christian I put my faith that the Lord, that he will guide me in truth.

2. I feel if they are willing to share with me there views should I not share with them my faith in Jesus Christ?

But then the difficult part is how to turn them away, I am not by any means a confrontational person, nor am I easily swayed to anothers point of view.

They will be coming back again soon so how should I handle this.

Thanks for opening this topic, it's just what I have been asking Jesus how to handle.

[deershot]

2 John 9-11 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.

He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the father and the son.

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house,

neither bid him God speed.

11 For him that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deed.

I take this scripture as not taking nothing they are giving out, dont even tell them bye. Just close the door.

[Guest LadyC]

unless you are very firmly grounded in the word and can counter their beliefs right out the gate with memorized scripture, i recommend telling them you aren't interested.

many years ago, i spent an hour or two with a couple of mormons who came to my door, and by the time they left, they were questioning THEIR religion.

sadly, i don't think i would still be able to do that today.

[sweetycakes]

I get JW's at my door from time to time. I nicely tell them that I am familiar with their beliefs and do not adhere to them. There is no need to be rude or to ask for their books, then destroy them in front of them. We are supposed to be the light of the world. Actions like that make Christians look crazy and is not a very good witness of having the spirit of Christ living within us.

It was not 'their' book, at that point. It was my book.

I did this to show them the disdain I have for their religion.

[AFaceInTheCrowd]

Well these folks need JESUS too. Ask them about their relationship with CHRIST.

[sweetycakes]

I get JW's at my door from time to time. I nicely tell them that I am familiar with their beliefs and do not adhere to them. There is no need to be rude or to ask for their books, then destroy them in front of them. We are supposed to be the light of the world. Actions like that make Christians look crazy and is not a very good witness of having the spirit of Christ living within us.

It was not 'their' book, at that point. It was my book.

I did this to show them the disdain I have for their religion.

What do you think you accomplished? I'd bet that you reinforced their belief that nonmormons are without knowledge and they themselves would never want to be like you....a crazy Christian.

What if the Lord should open their hearts at some point in the future to want to investigate the truth of the gospel? Could your actions possibly be remembered and cause them to harden their hearts?

Ooops........I forgot to mention the fact that I had spent the previous four hours debating the true Bible with them.

They then decided to 'hit on' my kids.....totally bypassing me....and spew their false doctrine around me.

I wasn't having that. Sorry.

[godrulz]

2 John 9-11 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.

He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the father and the son.

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house,

neither bid him God speed.

11 For him that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deed.

I take this scripture as not taking nothing they are giving out, dont even tell them bye. Just close the door.

The historical background must be factored in. They were not to welcome, condone, bless, extend hospitality, help the mission of, etc. travelling false teachers and philosophers. It is not a prohibition from dialoguing with the kingdom of the cults, a mission at our doorsteps. We are to defend and proclaim the gospel once for all entrusted to the saints (Jude 3; apologetics). We are to preach the gospel to all men and groups, including those who are deceived by pseudo-Christian religions (Great Comm.). We are to be prepared to give a reason for the hope in us. We are to study and reason from the Scriptures with those who disagree with us.

Practically, many people from Christian or nominal Christian churches (a large % if JWs are ex-Catholics) end up deceived. Unless one is well-grounded in what they believe and why (if you have the genuine, you can deal with any counterfeit), there is great risk in dealing with slick presenters of a canned salespitch designed to create confusion and lead you into error. It is not worth the risk to your soul, so get help from an experienced person (vs alone with them).

We need to be informed (much internet info), compassionate, etc. 2 Tim. 2:24-26 is helpful advice. It is a spiritual warfare.

The big issue with JWs is the the Deity of Christ vs their Arian (Christ as creature view). Their NWT is terrible, so they will use KJV hopefully. Their scholarship is also terrible, so don't be intimidated by their proof texting.

With Mormons, it is polytheism vs monotheism (they teach the 'plurality of gods'). No Mormon missionary has been converted on their mission due to tight controls. We can plant seeds and leave it to God to bring fruit later.

We need more light than heat, but the reverse usually happens. Plant a seed and thought, but don't spend hours if they reject the light they are given. Stay on topic. They will argue peripheral issues that are not salvific (essential for salvation).