Have you ever had a Jehovah’s Witness knock on your door and want to talk/evangelize to you? How did you engage with them?
I think It’s helpful to be familiar with key doctrinal differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christianity, such as beliefs about Jesus, the Trinity, and salvation. The article below has been helpful for that.
Some other things that I’ve found helpful are asking thoughtful questions, genuinely listening, and sharing personal experiences of faith in Christ. Above all, the goal should be to reflect Christ’s love and truth, creating an open dialogue rather than trying to win an argument. Prayer is also key to meaningful conversations!
Check out this Crosswalk article to learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Meaning, of course, doctrinal differences between JWs and “conservative, evangelical, one-dimensional, my-way-or-the-highway Protestant Christianity.”
I am not JW and have never even attended a service, but I believe the JW are as doctrinally sound as any other ostensibly Christian segment of the faith and certainly walk the walk far better than most. Anyone who is fully informed about the not-so-pretty history of the doctrine of the Trinity knows it was arrived at via a tortuous, centuries-long path of theological and political intrigue, including violence and murder, and is an exceedingly iffy litmus test for deciding whether someone is or isn’t a Christian. I think it’s more honest and accurate to say the JW aren’t orthodox Christians. If by their fruits you shall know them, in my considerable experience the JW are quite “fruity” in comparison to most.
JWs are bleeding members as they deconstruct their faith, along with young Mormons and Fundamentalists. An honest look at church history tends to cool the faith of those brave enough to honestly investigate .
Most JWs are deluded and misled by the evil Satanist Freemason leaders who secretly worship Baal and Baphomet the goat.
That is why they put subliminal images of Baal, Pan, Baphomets, beasts nudity etc in the pictures in theire magazines and books.
Most Jws are too brainwashed to listen to any sound doctrine so they will be destroyed when Jesus retuurns.#
Engaging with Jehovah’s Witnesses has been a rewarding experience for me. I appreciate their warm fellowship and genuine care in our discussions. To foster respectful dialogue, I focus on our common love for the Bible and approach conversations with humility, as encouraged in (Philippians 2:3).
When discussing our differing beliefs, like the nature of Jesus, I remember (Romans 14:1), which encourages acceptance without quarreling. Listening actively and expressing my views thoughtfully is key, as (Proverbs 18:13) reminds me that answering before listening is folly. Overall, it’s about building relationships rooted in love and respect, celebrating our shared journey of faith.
I’ve always given them the benefit of the doubt, understanding that I can’t judge what goes on inside their Kingdom Hall. After all, as (Matthew 7:1-2) reminds me, why I shouldn’t judge others, as we’re all imperfect. Only Christ knows who His true followers are.
My late wife studied with the JW in our home for a few months, right in the shadow of their NY headquarters. They sent out increasingly Big Guns. When she finally said, “Look, I enjoy this, but I am NEVER going to become JW,” they immediately bid her a friendly adieu. I love the JW, but the reality is that they have NO interest in ANYTHING you have to say. They have ONE purpose, and it isn’t “engaging” with non-JW. Unless they see you as a potential convert, they move on. Whatever you may think is going on in your dialgoues, they aren’t giving YOU the benefit of the doubt.
I will add on behalf of the JW: Anyone who defines True Christian solely by reference to one’s position on the Trinity should read the heroic history of the JW in Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany. THAT’S what True Christians look like, folks - not kids who squeal “Jesus is King!” at Kamala rallies. In my modern experience, the JW have little competition in terms of Christians who are deeply committed to living their faith (somewhat ironically, Mormons would be a distant second). When I was still in my futile attempt to arrive at a rational, connect-the-dots Christianity, it became almost humorous the extent to which my conclusions matched what the JW believe.
