A few weeks back I came home from work and found the latest copies of the Watchtower (Armageddon fearmongering) and Awake!(social media site nonsense) lying on the counter. It was obvious Witnesses had stopped by the house. My wife said nothing of the visit.
This past Saturday morning my kids tell me there is someone at the door. Low and behold it is the Witness couple that left the magazines with my wife. We exchanged some pleasantries and then the husband shared a Bible verse. He is up in years and mentions that he may not live to see Armageddon, but truly believes it's coming (and soon).
Let me get to the point of the topic I have started and I realize it is not exactly new. I think we need to assemble a brief manual on what to say to Witnesses when they come to our door. For Ex-Witnesses, we are familiar with the concept of being prepared to give a "fine witness".
I'm looking for serious minded responses to this concept. I do not believe the circus-like demonstrations against Witnesses does anyone any good. Protests and picketting outside Kingdom Halls only strengthens the convicitons of Witnesses.
Quite honestly, I am at a lost to where to even begin. I know the advice to never debate doctrine has been given. What other rules would you apply?
Here are some of my rules:
Rule #1: Always be polite and respectful.
Rule #2: Do not tell them you used to be a Witness. This means avoid using Witness terminology.
Rule #3: If you share a scripture, use any Bible other than the NWT.