The following is a work in progress. It is an attempt to give a non-JW a way to have a discussion with a JW without frightening them off and without having to learn a lot of doctrines and history and stuff that they are not really interested in themselves.
Cheers
Chris
Never try to tell a JW anything. There is a huge amount of information on the internet that you can show them. Don't tell them any of it. They are trained not to listen. They are taught that you are trying to take them away from Jehovah and that you are influenced by Satan.
So, what can you do???
Ask questions
They are trained to teach, so ask questions. Ask in such a way that they feel obligated to answer. They are taught that they have knowledge that is neccessary to survive Armageddon, which is coming soon, and that it is their duty to share it. Use that to your advantage.
The primary doctrine is that the WT was selected by Jesus, in 1919, to be God's sole channel of communication to mankind in our day. As long as they believe that, the WT has full mind control.
Everything the WT teaches is believed because of that doctrine. If the WT changed a doctrine tomorrow, they would believe the change, even if it is contradicted by the Bible or Jesus or Jehovah himself. Don't waste your breath discussing scripture with them as they only give lip service to believing the Bible. Your questions should be constructed to steer them towards stating their belief in that doctrine, but try not to put the words in their mouths.
Some sample questions:
How do you know the WT is better than the Catholics/Evangelicals/Muslems/Mormons/whatever?
How do you know Jesus selected them?
Why did Jesus select them?
When did Jesus select them?
Can you show me an article that says that, please?
All the time asking, "How do you know ...?" type questions to steer them where you want them to go, using what they have said as a basis for the question.
If they say anything that doesn't seem quite right, ask them for documentation. Every time. This is important. Don't ever let them get away with unsubstantiated statements.
If they are being extremely evasive and will not own up to their primary doctrine, you might have to state the doctrine and ask if it is true. This should be a last resort as it shows that you have been doing some homework and they will ask how you knew that doctrine. Do not tell them. Just insist on them telling you if it is true. If they deny the doctrine, they are lying to you. Act offended and/or accuse them of lying, depending on your circumstances. There is no point in carrying on the discussion, or changing to another subject, if they are prepared to be dishonest with you.
Don't get sidetracked.
Red herrings are a major teaching tool. They are trained to distract you from your subject and they are experts at it.
Rule #1: Don't let them change the subject.
Rule #2: Don't change the subject yourself.
Every time you read a disaster story about a conversation with a JW, they have discussed a multitude of subjects.
They love diversion tactics. They will:
Talk volumes about a related subject without discussing your question.
Ask a question about another subject.
Attack another religion or religious belief.
Attack your character.
Attack your motives.
JWs never stay with a subject that they are uncomfortable with, and when one tries to change the subject, that is a very good indication that you should stay on that subject. Try to make them feel guilty for attempting to use these tactics on you. Use parallels to religions that they consider to be false if you can. If they have previously denegrated a religion for using the tactics they are using on you, point it out and pour on the guilt for it. Act offended that they should do such a thing to you. Guilt, guilt, guilt.
If a conversation reaches a stalemate, or one of you needs to go away to do some research, finish the conversation and walk away. Do not start another subject. Do not let them start another subject. They will always want to start another subject, one that they are comfortable with. It is time to go. Now. You can talk about sport or politics or itchy underclothing, but do not discuss another religious subject unless you are an old hand at this game or a cult deprogrammer and know their psychology, tactics, Bible, doctrines and literature better than they do.
Once they have confirmed that they believe their primary doctrine, it is time to ask them how they know that they were selected in the year 1919 .... and that is another subject. It is an easy subject and once again, you must know how to control the subject and not get sidetracked. They know how to take an easy subject and make it sound really complicated, so you must learn control, control, control, control to keep it simple.
Remember:
One subject per conversation.
Your next discussion should not be on another subject.
They don't get to choose the subject .... you do. Every time. They are trying to save you .... so they have to answer your questions.
Never pretend that you have something to teach them. You are the student. You need saving. You are just a little confused about one of their doctrines. Always.
Don't make statements that you have to prove. Ask questions based on their statements.
Control, control, control.
If you are in trouble, get back here and tell us about it.
