I am torn on this subject.
My first reaction after reading the thread was, "Would these folks have reacted as strongly if the article had been about two Pentecostal women handing out flyers to invite children to Vacation Bible School?" This has happened in our neighborhood, and while irritated, I didn't want to beat up these women for talking to my son.
I very much dislike the bus that comes around on Sunday mornings to pick up children for church. It is painted with cartoon characters and looks like an ice cream truck. As I see it, it is my responsibility to explain how this works, just as I've explained that junk cereal is bad for him, even if it comes in a cool box with a prize inside.
When I was a JW, I spoke to children in their yards and at the door. I often asked, "Are your parents at home?" My intentions certainly weren't evil, and I had no idea I was violating one of the guidelines about strangers, such as those I found on: http://www.safechild.org/strangers.htm
To me, a lot depends on what the JW women said to the children. Did they knock on the door? Ring a doorbell that didn't work? Maybe the mom didn't hear? As I once ignorantly did, did they ask the children, "Is your mom at home?" Was she busy vacuuming? Did the women give the children a magazine or tract to give to the mother later? I could see myself doing all those things.
Did the women not ask for a parent? Did the women try to actively recruit? "Would you like to live in paradise some day?" If so, I don't like this at all.
I am torn because I grew up with a fear of strangers. As I was walking home from school when I was six, a man motioned me over to his car. "Come here. I have something to show you." I imagined he had bought a doll as a present for his daughter and was so happy and eager that he just had to show some other little girl this wonderful present. I walked over to the car window and looked down at the seat. There was no doll; only the man's unzipped pants and penis.
What is ironic is that I fled from this man only to be helped by other strangers. Back then, stores and offices would put a sign with a red hand in the window to designate a safe place for children. I found a helpful adult stranger, and she called the police.
This experience coupled with the JW indoctrination about the evils of worldly people led me to distrust just about everyone for the next 20 years. I was constantly wary and on guard at the park, at the beach, anywhere. I envied my friends who seemed relaxed, confident, and secure in their surroundings. I knew perverts and "carnies" (as my mom called the transients who came to town with the carnival) were everywhere.
I don't know the answer to the dilemma of helping a child to be aware of the dangers in this world without making him fearful and paranoid. I wish there could be some balance. I don't think it was good to be as tense and afraid as I was growing up. I don't want to paint any group of people black. Catholics sometimes harbor pedophiles, too, but I don't keep my son away from all Catholics.
As for religion, I don't bar my parents from speaking to my son about their beliefs. I've talked with him about my once being one of Jehovah's Witnesses and why I left. I've even considered taking him to a meeting, so he could see what it is like. If I didn't work weekends, I'd make the rounds to many different churches, mosques, and synagogues. If he gets a religious education, I'd rather he get it from me. I'd rather talk about these ideas than censor any of them. I trust that when he is old enough, he will choose wisely.
Ginny
