The Witnesses Have Called

[poliphilo]

 The Jehovah's Witnesses called a few days back and, not finding us at home, left us what looked like a hand-written letter. Was it really hand-written? Are they that dedicated?

Actually I wouldn't put it past them.

Louis who was working on the roof next door said they lingered on the doorstep for two or three minutes- and that we only just missed them.

I don't mind talking to people about Jesus- only I think the J.W.'s Jesus and mine are two very different people. 

Ailz directed me the other day to an article by a former Witness who said that the relentless missionary activity isn't for winning converts (that's just a side effect) but for reinforcing group solidarity. It works like this: you go door to door being rejected and sworn at and it strengthens your belief that you're one of a chosen few of whom the world is unworthy. It may look like you're reaching out but in fact you're being driven further into yourself and your sect.

Like a tent peg that's being hammered and hammered.....

I seem to remember reading somewhere that of all the groups the Nazis banged up in concentration camps it was the J.W.s who showed most fortitude and resilience....

Comments

[cmcmck]

The one time I ever came close to thumping someone was a witness on our doorstep. We'd let our neighbours place scaffolding partly on our property to do some roof work and that woman trapped me under the scaffolding and simply wouldn not let up. Even her colleagues could see she'd wildly overstepped the mark but not her!

Luckily for her my own Quaker peace aspect prevented me.

[poliphilo]

Last time I got doorstepped I found saying I was a Quaker was enough to deflect them...

[cmcmck]

That usually works for me too but this one didn't let me get a word in edgeways!

[mallorys_camera]

My very favorite tax client this year was a Jehovah's Witness preacher.

He was intelligent, well-spoken, and didn't proselytize me in the least—though he did slip me a card with a Bible verse at our last meeting: Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need. --Matthew 5:3 😀

[poliphilo]

I remember you writing about him (because even when I don't comment I read you.) He sounds like a fine gentleman.

[qatsi]

The "hand-written" letter we had through the door at Easter also had a couple of QR codes printed onto it...

[poliphilo]

Ah....

I've already thrown my letter away or I'd go check it.