Had a great chat with a JW on my door yesterday. Since i left the cult i moved house and my old congregation dont know my address. A pretty girl about my age and her cronie, another pretty girl knocked on my door yesterday in the rain.
I was very pleasant and let them do their introduction "what is God's Kingdom?" then instead of answering the question i said "Hang on, step under the shelter here (my door has a shelter over the front door), why are you out in this terrible weather?"
Girl 1: Ha, we go out in all weather.
Me: Oh i remember when i was a witness i had to go out in the snow, i was working with the C.O. and everybody else had gone home.
Girl 1 and 2 recoiled and their smiles disappeared.
Girl 1: You used to be a witness?
Me: Yes, i was raised one, baptized at 19, pioneer at 23, left about a year ago.
Girl 2: You wernt disfellowshipped were you?
Me: Actually, i disassociated. Then was called to the KH to speak to the elders, which turned out to be a JC where i was actually DF'd, yes.
Awkward silence. Girl 1 puts her literature away. I sense they're about to leave.
Me: I love you people though. It takes a lot to go door to door, especially in inclement weather like this. Which hall do you go to.
Girl 1 and 2: ______ congregation.
Me: Oh, my uncle's in that one. _____ __________
Girl 1: Oh! He's your uncle?
Me: Yes. Is he still placing 80 mags a month?
Girl 1: Yes.
Me: He posts them through the letter box of not-homes though, so it doesnt count.
Girl 2: haha yes, we know.
<this seemed to have calmed them down a bit>
Girl 1: So why did you leave?
Me: erm... it was a number of things. First thing was, i felt it had become overly bureaucratic. So many rules, and it took the joy out of it. Then i read some of the older publications by Rutherford, which are very different to what JW's teach now. And not one single word he ever written is ever mentioned in current publications.
Girl 1: Did you go on apostate sites?
Me: I researched outside JW.org, yes. JWFacts.com is an excellent honest resource. It's written by a former elder and backs up everything with the societies own publications.
Girl 2: My dad had doubts a few years ago. He even stopped going to meetings. He said when he visited apostate sites they were all obvious lies and they're written by bitter people.
Me: Thats not true. If he really did visit apostate sites he cant have been on JWFacts, because the tone of that site, and almost all ex-Witnesses i've met is not one of bitterness. It's one of concern that JW's arnt being told the whole truth.
Girl 1: But surely before becoming a witness you researched didnt you?
Me: You know as well as i do that you're only allowed to research using society approved publications.
Girl 1: Yes because other sites will knock your faith.
Me: Imagine living in 1400s. Everyone believes the world is flat. Someone comes along and says the earth is round and has proof. Wouldnt it be stupid to say "dont look at his evidence, only read books that say the world is flat"? I was in search of truth. That means i have to prove every other idea wrong. That way i'd have no doubt whatsoever that i have the truth. If more evidence comes to light for anything i'll go where the evidence goes.
Girl 1: So do we.
Me: The evidence shows that your governing body has made many many changes since the time we were born.
Girl 2: Yes because the light gets brighter...
Me: But it hasnt has it? It's not clearer, it's a 180 degree turn, or sometimes going back to previously held ideas
Girl 2: Men can make mistakes, it's not their fault. God uses imperfect men.
Me: That's true. But did Moses ever get it wrong? Elijah? The apostles? If these are not inspired nor infallable, then is their opinion worth any more than yours or mine?
Girl 2: Jesus trusts the FDS.
Me: How do you know? In fact, how would you know if you were in a cult?
Girl 1: .... i dont think you would. Unless someone shown you.
Me: That's right. I joined a religion that i sincerely believed was the truth. The truth doesnt change. But this has. In fact, if i told my late father the teachings JW's have now since he was alive he'd call it apostacy. Because the teachings are different. Cult's do this. They have a monopoly on truth and have shunning for those that leave for any reason and demonize the reputation of those that leave... saying things like "they're bitter" or "they tell lies". (i looked at girl 2 when i said this). So see for yourself if they're lies.
Girl 1: What website did you say you researched on?
Me: JWFacts.com if you go on there, read what it has to say and still believe JW's have the truth then that's fine. I just want you both to have the facts presented to you. Because if it isnt the truth then you're wasting your time.
Girl 2's phone rang and a car pulled up at the corner of the street. I think it was their ride.
Me: Well it was nice meeting you both. Call back if you want, im in every Saturday morning with my daughter.
Girl 1: Thanks. What's your name?
Me: ________, and say hi to my uncle ________ for me.
Girl 1: I will. Bye!