A Few Questions

Amelia

Hi, I've been lurking awhile and now I need some advice/answers to a couple of questions:

One of my co-workers is a Jehovah's Witness, and we have become pretty good "at work friends." She doesn't push anything on anyone at work, but I knew that since we were getting to know each other pretty well there would probably come a time when she would "make her move" with the literature and whatnot. Also, since I've looked into JW beliefs (although she doesn't know this), when she talks about her Kingdom Hall or Pioneering I don't look at her like she is speaking another language, and she appreciates that. So we do occasionally talk about things that happen at her meetings and so on, but not because I'm interested in becoming a Jehovah's Witness, it's because I genuinly like her and care about her life. Anyway, my grandfather recently died and she gave me a nice card and the What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? pamphlet. My question is: if I write her a thank you note that basically says "I don't hold your beliefs but thank you for sharing them with me," would that be an appropriate response, and also, regardless of the way it is said, if someone responds with "no" to the attempt does that strain the pre-existing friendship? She gave me the card and pamphlet out of real concern and compassion so I'm not questioning her motives, just her possible reaction to my disinterest.

And also, out of curiousity, is this pamphlet saying that the actual bodies buried in the ground will be resurrected? That is what it sounded like to me. If that is true and God doesn't "make new ones," then what happens to people who were cremated? Lastly, if God did create new bodies for everyone, then why in the world are they reuniting at a graveyard (in the picture)? There is no reason to be there if it isn't your buried body.

Amelia

TweetieBird

To the first part of your post, I would think that a simple thank-you would be appropriate. I wouldn't think she would be offended if you mentioned that you do not share her beliefs. Most JW's are aware of that fact.

As far as the resurrection is concerned, according to JW doctrine, those resurrected would be given a new body, and you would be able to recognize your loved ones by certain mannerisms.

"By doubting we come at truth" -Cicero

ChuckD

Amelia,

Your questions about what would happen with a resurrection are quite logical, and point out how simple common sense shows that many of their beliefs just don't hold water. There is nothing to explain how this would work – it is just a fantasy.

I think that you don't even have to go as far as telling her that you don't accept the teachings in this case. Just tell her something like "thank you for your concern and for thinking of me in this difficult time.” Then, don't mention the pamphlet. Chances are, she did want to express her condolences, but most witnesses don't know how to do that without introducing a "sales pitch" as well. It is often at times of crisis, such as the death of a loved one, that the organization is able to make inroads with someone. That is why the JW leadership encourages its members to speak with people at these times. Still, that does not mean she was not honestly saddened by your loss, so accept her gesture it in that spirit and ignore the rest.

nelly136

Firstly sorry you lost your grandad,

That one always puzzled me, my mum always said if she died she wanted to be buried, I cant remember ever going to any jw cremations (thats not to say that none get cremated I just dont remember any)
I could never work out why an all seeing all knowing god would want
people to hang around graveyards at resurrection time like a 24/7 body shop.
I wont question her motives for giving you the pamphlet either, she probably genuinely thinks it will bring you comfort, and hopefully the golden carrot to save you from this worldly system by using the promise of seeing dead relatives again and the hope of everlasting life.
One of the best times to recruit a person is when theyre down and vulnerable. Nothing wrong with sayng thanx for the pamphlet it sounds like youre already pretty aware its an opening to 'further discussion'
you could always skirt round the subject saying youre not ready to get into discussions on it
nelly

ballistic

The Jehovahs Witnesses are quite used to people taking leaflets to keep them quiet and then never reading them. It may pay, in this case, to do nothing.
However, if she does approach you on the matter (a return visit), I think you'll be forced at that stage to politely state you're not interested (something else they are used to).
Bear in mind, that the org frowns upon any friendships with outsiders and this could affect which way the relationship goes in the long run.

What Goes Up Must Come Down

outnfree

I see that this has been read 13 times and nobody's ventured to fashion a reply, so I'll give it a shot Amelia:

Your response to the card and the Hope for Dead Loved Ones tract would be just fine and will likely prevent her from presenting you with the brochure When Someone You Love Dies (that would've been my next move if you gave me a favorable response). I think the relationship will continue pretty much as is, because she will want to keep things cordial at work, and you have no idea how nice it is for a witness just to be able to have a co-worker who doesn't look at him/her cross-eyed when they talk about pioneering and field service, etc...

The bodies at resurrection will be re-created. It doesn't matter if one is cremated or completely decomposed. According to JW belief Jehovah has "all our parts down in writing" and we, being in his memory (complete with personality traits and memories as well as our unique genetic make-up), will have similar bodies which will be made perfect.

There is no logical reason for Witnesses to go to any cemetary to be reunited with resurrected dead ones, I think the artists just use the setting because it makes it obvious to the viewer/reader that there has been a resurrection. Obviously, Jehovah could bring your loved ones right back to your doorstep, if He so desired.

Did that help any?

outnfree

Par dessus toutes choses, soyez bons. La bonte est ce qui ressemble le plus a Dieu et ce qui desarme le plus les hommes -- Lacordaire

outnfree

LOL at myself!

Took so long to answer that my first line of the last post looks ridiculous!

biblexaminer

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses I can tell you that we are told to ACT sincere at such times. Not in so many words mind you, but take for instance how we treat folks at the door.

We are directed (programmed) by means of a monthly newsletter called the "Our Kingdom Ministry". When we ask a question of someone at the door, we are told basically to discard whatever the reply you make might be, save any possible incorporation into our 'sales pitch' of a few of your thoughts that we are not ignoring. Basically, as you talk, we are formulating our sales pitch, and all the while we look sincerely interested in what you have to say.

As far as your friendship goes, WE DO NOT HAVE "FRIENDS" in the non-JW community. Only loose aquaintences. And these are easily discarded if you do not "take the truth" (become JW)

I can go to the platform and give a sermon to 120 persons. And while I am up there, I am thinking of my next post here on JW.net.

Acting class one night a week for 4 decades.

RedhorseWoman

Amelia, I'm sure that your JW friend meant well in offering the pamphlet along with her condolences. As others have pointed out, I'm also sure that she is hoping that this will open the door for her to begin a Bible study with you and that you will accept the "Truth".

Personally, I would thank her for the card and avoid mentioning the pamphlet.

Amelia

Thanks everyone! I may leave out responding to the pamphlet in the thank you note then. I would just rather write my response than have to talk to her about it if she asked. She is my favorite person in the office, and handled the situation exactly right in terms of giving sympathy yet also not dwelling on it, so I have no doubt that the card was an honest expression of condolence.

As for the resurrection, the reason I thought it meant the existing bodies would be raised is because all the examples they give were those of Jesus resurrecting the bodies that were already there.

Amelia

A Few Questions

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