How much should you tell?

Mulan

I am curious how everyone feels about this subject.

If a family member or another person comes to see you, because they know you know something about JW's, how much should you tell them?

Should you tell everything you know or point them to books to read.............the Bible, COC, True Believer, etc? This would be so they could read it for themselves.

If you no longer believe in God or the Bible, or both, should you tell them this too?

If you have gone beyond that to a different life philosophy, should you tell them all of that too?

What do you think the reaction would be?

MegaDude

What sort of result are you hoping to elicit?

kelpie

I would tell them in my experience it is better not to get involved but I cannot make that decision for them.

Tell them to do research from both sides before making any decisions

LB

In regards to JW's I feel you should open up as much as possible, without sounding like a fanatic. Be calm and honest.

As far as personal beliefs go I'm not sure about that. Most people really aren't that interested in a persons beliefs, sadly.

Pathofthorns

I wouldn't think telling them you no longer believe in God/Bible would be "productive".

imo, the most effective thing is to be there when they want to talk. Don't answer all their questions directly but help them to answer their own questions by asking them questions.

Discourage them from following you, but help the appreciate the beauty in learning and the freedom to make their own choices.

Path

SLOAN

Mulan,
I don't know how well you view my opinion; but you did ask......so....

It might be a good idea to show them how the witnesses handle treating disfellowshipped family member; the 2 witness policy in child molestation cases; the UN involvement; etc....

Maybe you could wait to see how they feel about certain belief issues before explaining any new ideas or belief systems that you may have. (Ease them into the idea.) Ultimately use your own discretion, intuition is a great thing.

Good luck!!

gumby

Good question Mulan.

A person doesn't want to blow a chance to free someone of an manmade organisation so that they may believe as they wish.

I think if your a good talker on the subject, know your backround well, you should tell enough to plant seeds strong enough that a person would read COC or similar well written material. Reading without interuption and someone to argue with works best. Some people do a BAD job when confronted by a fellow witness with what they say about what they know.

I do not think telling them you joined another church, or you don't believe in the bible anymore is a good start unless this person is doubting the bible themselve's and you wish to discuss that subject .Most of those questioning still believe the witnesses have it right doctrinally but can't take the other baloney.

I feel getting them to realize God hasn't picked them as a channel for him is the best place to start, then if they get out....they can explore the world for truth themselves.

Francois

I think my response would be determined by my perception of why they asked in the first place. If I thought they were feeling out my reactions to the idea of THEIR joining the Borg, I would do all a could to disabuse them of the notion.

If I felt they wanted to discuss philosophy, I'd do that too. I'd help them find what they were seeking.

Scully

It would depend on what I sense their motives to be, first and foremost, that would dictate what I divulge.

If they could be there to gather information that would in turn be used against you by snitching to the local elders, I wouldn't say anything that might incriminate myself.

If they were sincere, and expressing their own doubts, I would let them lead the conversation and allow their own disclosures to dictate how much to disclose.

Sometimes I think of talking to dubs these days to be like playing a game of cards with very high stakes. You know it's not out of the question for them to cheat, so it's always wisest to keep your cards close to your chest....

Love, Scully