What is their objective?

by dmouse 4 Replies latest jw friends

  • dmouse
    dmouse

    Ask a JW if they go around trying to convert people to their religion and they will invariably say something like ‘ No, we are NOT trying to convert people to our religion we simply want to spread the good news.’ Or ‘We are just bringing comfort to people who are crying out at the distress in the world.’

    Why do they want to deny the fact that their main objective is to get new converts?

    Well, they can deny it no longer. The October kingdom Ministry for Britain (Vol,44 No.10) has an article entitled ‘What is the objective?’

    Here is what the article says in full:

    1. Why do we conduct home Bible studies? Just to impart knowledge, to improve people’s lives, or to brighten their outlook for the future? No. Our ultimate objective is to make disciples of Jesus Christ! (Matt.28:19; Acts 14:21) That is why the ones with whom we study need to associate with the congregation. Their spiritual progress is directly linked to their appreciation for the Christian organization.
    2. How to achieve it: Right from the start, continually urge the student to attend congregation meetings. (Heb.10:24,25) Explain how these will strengthen his faith , aid him in doing God’s will, and provide wholesome association with others who also wish to praise Jehovah. (Ps. 27:13; 32:8; 38:18) Your personal expressions of love and appreciation for the congregation and the meetings will stimulate his desire to attend.
    3. New ones need to understand that Jehovah’s organization is an international brotherhood. Show them the videos ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses – The Organization Behind the Name’ and ‘Our Whole Association of Brothers’. Help them to appreciate that Jehovah is using millions of dedicated individuals worldwide to accomplish his will. Let these new ones know that they are invited to serve god too. – Isa. 2:2,3.
    4. It is a cause for immense joy to see a bible student become a true disciple of Jesus. That is our objective! – 3 John 4.

    Dean.

  • TR
    TR

    Thanks, dmouse. No more theocratic lying on this issue!

    TR

    The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
    —Edmund Burke

  • Ranchette
    Ranchette

    dmouse,
    I can tell you why I used to lie and say something like, “we are encouraging Bible study.”
    I knew that if I told them the truth I’d never get anyone to listen to me!
    That article really exposes their true motives.
    Ranchette

  • Moxy
    Moxy

    Well, that's really it. There's no subterfuge ont he part of the organisation really, but as individuals, we KNOW we can't just come right out and state the matter plainly. Usually tho we would find ways of stating our objective without an outright lie like 'we are NOT trying to convert people.' a more subtle reply that is common is, 'WE are not trying to convert you. that is something only YOU can do.' often the second sentence is not stated, and then the remainder DOES become a sort of a lie, depending on how stringly you feel the second sentence is implied or not.

    it is quite humorous to remember the game of words we'd play to get around this. one CO would berate us for being subtle: 'why do you say we're not trying to change their religion? that's EXACTLY what we're trying to do. we HAVE to. we shouldn't shy away from it.'

    yeah sure, good luck with that we'd all think.

    mox

  • ashitaka
    ashitaka

    ranchette, right-i think my congregation elders used the term "scare them off."

    scare, indeed.

    ashitaka

    "I pray that I may never see the desert again-hear me God."-Robert Bolt

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