Jehovah's Witnesses: Misconceptions/sterotypes - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

G5_Todd · 04-30-2003, 04:45 AM

I read that last post "has anyone tried to convert you" and got a lot of good ones......

heres the gig im doing an oral report on them on friday it has to be 20 mins long so any help here would be greatly appreciated

Im just looking for what you think of when you hear Jehovahs Witnesses....what comes to mind and what kinda sterotypes or misconceptions about there beliefs do you have ......

i let you guys know how it goes after class.......

thanks again fellas!

Wile E · 04-30-2003, 05:06 AM

***DISCLAIMER***

As seen in other religious threads in here, biased opinions and ignorant viewpoints can sometimes run rampant. If you feel you have something to add to this thread pertaining to G5_Todds questions and written report, please share, but otherwise please refrain. We are not going to allow any bashing of any singular religion or religious sect for amusement.

***DISCLAIMER***

And now back to regularly scheduled discussion.

Cynthetiq · 04-30-2003, 05:47 AM

my best friend explained to me one night that his mom was converted to JH when he was 12 or so.

He said it sucked because one day it was all good, then the next there was no Halloween, Christmas, Birthdays...

Other than that... I have no other experience except when they knock on the door on Sundays.

thenewguy · 04-30-2003, 06:00 AM

Definitely echo the knock on your door. Also, what comes to mind are booklets printed on newsprint with titles like Awake! that are full of the dogma that supports their beliefs. I've had them handed to me, seen them at the bus stop, etc.

I have attempted to engage the folks who came to my door in some form of discussion, but it didn't go very far. They insisted that they were "right" and I kept asking questions, saying that "we're right" isn't much of an argument. Eventually I declared an impasse and told them I had something else to do.

rockogre · 04-30-2003, 06:25 AM

I always politely ask them to leave and state that I have no interest what so ever in their religion. They usually want to press their point and leave literature. I tell them that any literature left will be trashed without reading.

This may seem cold but I have no belief that in their religion and take offense that they think that they can come to my house and bother me. To me they are just another form of door to door salesmen and are uncommonly pushy most times.

The last time they came my dogs were circling their car and barking. There were four of them, 3 males and 1 female. The female was the only one to get out of the car and come to the door. I remember thinking that if the 3 males had no more faith in God than that, then they had nothing to say that I wanted to hear.

G5_Todd · 04-30-2003, 07:59 AM

sterotypes away from door 2 door salesmen?

MSD · 04-30-2003, 07:59 AM

I think it's rude to try to tell someone that their religious beliefs are wrong. When I think of them, I visualize two people at my door trying to tell me that God hates me for not thinking like them. I'm normally tolerant of other religious beliefs, but not when they tell me that I'm going somewhere that I don't believe exists because I don't think like they do.

World's King · 04-30-2003, 12:09 PM

I was asked to be Jehovah's Witness but I had to decline becasue I didn't see what happen.

Liquor Dealer · 04-30-2003, 12:48 PM

We usually tell them we are Catholic when the come to the house and that usually gets rid of them. I had two come into the liquor store a few days ago and I like to have never gotten them to leave.

G_Whiz · 04-30-2003, 04:28 PM

It's hard for me to add much to what has been said above. At one time my wife and I invited them to tell us about their religion. It was interesting, but then they got to beliefs that I just couldn't accept regarding blood transfusions, medical treatment, etc.

At that point, we explained that we could not accept their belief and asked them to leave. They never came back. Then we moved...

A little off subject is the fun I have when Mormons come to the door. When they find out that I have many Mormons in my family (including an uncle who was a Bishop with access to the inner temple of the Tabernacle), they try really hard to get me to come back to the church. Since it never was my church, that gets to be real fun.

apetaster · 04-30-2003, 04:52 PM

Common perceptions, at least those I'm aware of:

Anti-patriotic (due to opting not to salute/pledge the flag.)

Evangelical publications (Jack Chick like publications, but toned down a few notches.)

Persistent (don't take no for an answer, at least without a long chat.)

A hybrid wing of Christianity - many Christian sects tend to distance themselves from them.

lukeswalewalker · 04-30-2003, 06:06 PM

My mother in law is JW. My wife left the "truth" when she was 14.
Although I don't agree with her view of christiantity,I do respect her right practice her belief and it works for her.As repressive as this religion appears,most JW's are the same as anyone else.The main focus,I have observed from reading various JW publications,is to encourage the members not to become to worldly (Educated) in order to stay true to their religeous beliefs. This of course is true of many other religeous orginizations.

spectre · 04-30-2003, 06:34 PM

There are a couple of older ladies in my neighborhood that go door to door. They are always very polite and don't stay that long. They come up to the door, hand me a flyer, and then go on their way. What's the point in hassling them? Even though I don't follow their religion, there are a lot of other things I'd rather do with my time then fuck with someone that's following their beliefs.

guthmund · 04-30-2003, 08:33 PM

I used to have a lot of misconceptions about Jehovah's Witnesses.

Then I became involved with a young woman I worked with and she told me that she was raised as Jehovah's Witness and she cured me of all my preconceived notions and stereotypes by talking.....imagine that?

Jadey · 05-01-2003, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by spectre
There are a couple of older ladies in my neighborhood that go door to door. They are always very polite and don't stay that long. They come up to the door, hand me a flyer, and then go on their way. What's the point in hassling them? Even though I don't follow their religion, there are a lot of other things I'd rather do with my time then fuck with someone that's following their beliefs.

I agree, in part. As I just wrote in the religions thread, one of the few problems I have with any religion is the need to spread their word or push their beliefs on others. If asked about my beliefs I would be more than happy to share that with others, but in turn, I don't want others to try to convince me that their beliefs are better than mine when it's unsolicited.

Personally, my best friend and someone I work very closely with are Witnesses, and we've had this discussion a little bit, but I try not to press the issue with them. Though, if I ever ask them a question, they are very straight forward with me. But, before I met them, I most associated the "Door-to-Door Salesman" approach to "converting" others. I now understand that not the intent, but, first impressions are hard to break.

eltardo · 05-01-2003, 01:29 AM

Of course I've had the door knocking at what I consider extremely early in the morning, so I can't add anything on that front. But I did work with a guy a few years back that turned out to be a JW and I never would have guessed. He was not what I had pictured in my mind as a typical JW. It wasn't until after knowing him for 1.5 years and him flat-out telling me that I found out he was religious at all, let alone a JW. He never preached to any of us or became offended by any of our jokes, he joined in many times. He had a sense of humor about the whole thing. I guess my point is, some of them aren't too bad. heh

Sun Tzu · 05-01-2003, 01:36 AM

It was one of the many organized religions I went through in my life. I was devoted for two years. The funny thing is the first time they came to my door (I was 15) I was going to see DIO in concert that night. The way I was lured in was by their use of the Book of Revelation. They’re basic premise is “The End” or Armageddon is very near. It has nothing to do with Christianity whereas they do not believe Jesus is God, but a Son of God like everyone else. They also don’t believe he was crucified by hung by a stake. The biggest issue is they claim they go by the original Hebrew Scriptures which is not true. My parents go me out of it. I glad I didn’t got through the rest of my life thinking I should love God and fear it at the same time.

louiedog · 05-01-2003, 06:48 AM

My mom is a kindergarten teacher and she had a JW kid in her class. She had to get real creative during holidays because that one kid out of 22 meant they were the only class with no christmas, halloween, etc. I'm not a Christian but I never stopped anyone in my school that was almost entirely christian to have fun with the holidays.

G5_Todd · 05-01-2003, 06:52 AM

thanks getting lots of good input!

bfresh · 05-01-2003, 07:47 AM

My ex-business partners and ex-GF were JW's; and the one thing that I had a problem w/ was the blood transfusion part. I remember 2 instances where the family's father died b/c they wouldn't get a blood transfusion after a car accident (I never heard anything about the JWs declining medical treatments just blood transfusions and organ transplants (OT from what I remember was a grey area)). One man left his wife and 2 kids the other left his wife and 1 kid. Both wives didn't work nor could they (not b/c of religious beliefs). Now I highly respect their devotion to their belief, but to leave them alone like that in this world. I know that the ones who are in the light (truth) and are not one of the 144,000 (#?) will inherit the earth, but still...
There were a few more things, but that was the only one that really sticks in my head. I really don't have a problem w/ the J-dubbas we had MANY discussions about evolution (since I'm a geologist) and religion (since my father is baptist, mom is jewish, they sent me to an ultra-conservative christian school, and I married a catholic (yes, Christmas/Chanukah/Easter/Passover is very interesting).

Wile E · 05-01-2003, 08:33 AM

The blood transfusion thing is something that I don't particularly agree with. However, there are many plus sides to this. There are now synthetic blood alternatives that JWs will accept and many save their own blood for replenishment purposes. In fact, after speaking to a few nurses and doctors about this, I've learned that even though its a pain for medical staff, alot of them agree with their thinking. And you will never hear of a JW with a transmitted diesease due to a blood transfusion.

I'm sorry to hear what happened to your friends family, but the occurances of that nowadays is minimal. But then again I am from NY and medical technology is quite advanced, so maybe these are still issues in TN.

prettypinkfiary · 05-01-2003, 09:48 AM

you might consider looking up a copy of an old Jack Chick comic for your oral if you want to go into the whole blood transfusion thing. It should be no trouble geting one. Just go into the nearest Christian Fundamentalist student org and ask for all the comics they have on Jehova's Whitnesses. Chick had a thing against them. You could even blow a couple immages up if you want. Thought I don't agree with his message or methods Jack Chick was a very talanted comics artist.

scarebearjinx · 05-01-2003, 10:02 AM

One of my aunts and uncles are jehovah witnesses. i love them to death and they can be quite enjoyable, but if they start going of on a tirade of how demons are taking over the tv and trying to get me to study a little ten page book they have, thats it. they are the typical stereotype picture of jehovah witness. the door to door conversions, telling you the world is evil and you need to convert. they have even had to use substitutes for regular everyday food for us, because of what my uncle had been told he was allergic to. i know not all jw are like this, but all of the ones i have come across are.

bfresh · 05-01-2003, 11:17 AM

Yes TN is a backward state but not that backward, actually these people lived in hills of eastern KY (want to talk about backward...just kidding, KY and TN are about the same) and it was about 10 years ago.
According to my step-father, who is a cardiologist in WI, blood fillers/storage is the way to go for safty reasons, but in an emergency situation where none of the above is available I would rather take chances with the "roll of the dice" than die and leave my wife and kids hanging

warrrreagl · 05-01-2003, 11:41 AM

I used to be a schoolteacher. Although it was an extra pain to have to deal with their "rules," I found their children to be some of the most well-behaved.

viejo gringo · 05-01-2003, 04:22 PM

I have one that is trying to convert my grand daughter
because he can't be seen with her untill she is converted--
( I think I know what he has in mind)---he got caught with
her and promised his mom in the name of Jehovva that
he would not talk to her again---he just send emails every
day----I think I just about have his nuts in my hand and
I can feel the fingers closing.....more later,,

greytone · 05-03-2003, 11:53 AM

There is one thing about their beliefs that I find interesting. I did confirm it with a person who is a JW so I believe it is likely to be true. They take a phrase out of Revlations and believe that only 144,000 souls are going to get into heaven. If I believed that there were a limited number of tickets, I would not spend my life trying to get others to stand in line. Now that is my definition of selflessness.

4thTimeLucky · 05-03-2003, 12:58 PM

Sorry that this is after your report deadline.

So, yesterday debunking Oija Boards and today JWs. What a busy life the sceptic leads

Before I say a few things I feel I should recommend a short, easy to read, academic text on JWs, Christian Scientists, Mormons and 7th Day Adventism. It is Hoekema's The Four Major Cults.
Two people do slate it on Amazon, but I suspect they belong to one of the Four and from my own recollection the book was very authoritative.

Onwards...
JW's major weakness (being the core of their belief) is "The Watch Tower". I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a cruel sense of humour, having spent many a happy hour reading it myself. To go into all of the flaws with it (and its organisation) would take a good few pages of discussion. But for those without the time I will boil it down to two simple points and my favourite Watch tower quote.

Point One
- They claim that God is perfect and infallible.
- They claim that the Watch tower is the word of God
"God uses 'The Watch Tower' to communicate to his people; it does not consist of men's opinions" -- WT, p. 5, Jan. 1, 1942.

Point Two
- This is the infallible word of God:
"The men of Sodom WILL be resurrected" -- WT, p. 8, July, 1879.
"The men of Sodom will NOT be resurrected" -- WT, p. 338, June 1, 1952.
"The men of Sodom WILL be resurrected" -- WT, p. 479, August 1, 1965.
"The men of Sodom will NOT be resurrected" -- WT, p. 31, June 1, 1988.

My favourite Watch Tower quote. From the letters section.

Quote:

Neckties I want to express my appreciation for the interesting article "Neckties - Then and Now" (June 8, 2000) I am the mother of three children, and I am teaching them to love Jehovah. My oldest son is 13 years old, and neither he nor I knew how to tie a necktie so that he could fulfill assignments on the Theocratic Ministry School. My husband, who is an unbeliever, has never worn one. Thanks for showing us how to tie a necktie in such a simple way.
M.B., United States

G5_Todd · 05-03-2003, 03:45 PM

no keep it coming because we ran out of time last class so i get to do mine next week!

GoldenOuroboros · 05-07-2003, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by viejo gringo
I have one that is trying to convert my grand daughter
because he can't be seen with her untill she is converted--
( I think I know what he has in mind)---he got caught with
her and promised his mom in the name of Jehovva that
he would not talk to her again---he just send emails every
day----I think I just about have his nuts in my hand and
I can feel the fingers closing.....more later,,

I've grown up in the religion and that's so untrue... We're allowed to date outside of the religion. As I am. I may not be completely truthful to my god with some of the things I've done. But I'm getting there...

copenhagen · 05-07-2003, 09:17 PM

I’m sorry to go off topic here but what's with bashing TN. I happen to be from East Tennessee and it's not backwards at all. Have you even been to Tennessee, or do you like to base your opinion on stereotypes

Wile E · 05-08-2003, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by copenhagen
I’m sorry to go off topic here but what's with bashing TN. I happen to be from East Tennessee and it's not backwards at all. Have you even been to Tennessee, or do you like to base your opinion on stereotypes

It helps if you read the statements before you make assumptions. First off, I was stating that NY tends to be in the forefront of technology in the medical fields, due to its medical universities and world renown hospitals. It was not a knock on TN. In fact, I was stating my lack of knowledge on the medical advancements in TN.

As far as bfresh goes, if you take a quick glance to the left of his post, you'll see he is, in fact, living in TN. So I think that gives him the right to state his opinions of its backwardsness or not.

Unfortunately, by assuming the situation and not taking everything into account first, these types of stereotypes tend to get proven true.

Daval · 05-08-2003, 04:51 AM

I have nothing against people 'educating' other people about their chosen religion. What I am against is the hard-sell method that the JW tend to use in our area.

G5_Todd · 05-08-2003, 07:54 PM

okay.....wish me luck i have to do my presentation tommorow...thanks again to those that replied and the moderators for letting me have this discussion.....i dont know what i woulda done without you guys

copenhagen · 05-09-2003, 07:25 AM

Wile E. I apologize if I came of hostile. I guess I am just used to people up north making fun of the south without really knowing what they are talking about. I should not have been so harsh. As for the medical advancements in Tennessee the town I live in is actually known for its medical technology. It’s about the only industry in Johnson City. Again I am sorry.

duckduck · 05-28-2003, 10:32 PM

This is really too late for G5_Todd's presentation, but a rather humorous story nonetheless.

My Dad had just gotten back from the barn and was in our house. He heard the doorbell ring and went to go answer it. A man was standing there. He was a Jehovah's Witness (JW). He asked if my Dad was interested, etc. My Dad politely told him that we weren't interested. The man, after glancing at all the pig dung over my Father's still dirty coveralls and seeing that my Dad wasn't all that receptive, thanked him for his time and left.

Flash forward 1 week.

We also own some barns on my Grandparent's land 5 miles North East of us. Dad is over there working in the barn. Grandma comes out and invites him in for tea. Dad hates caffeine in the afternoon, but knows that unless he obliges her, she'll stay there until he does (she's a little hard-headed). So he comes in. Just as he's about to sit down, the door bell rings. Dad, not wanting Grandma to get up, goes to answer. It's man. It's a JW. It's the same man who came to our door a week earlier. After the initial shock, he again starts to ask my Dad some questions and gives him a pamphlet. Again, my Dad covered in dung and politely declining, the man leaves.

Flash forward another week.

My family's been invited over to some friends. They live about 7 miles North West of us. The doorbell rings and Dad happens to be standing near to the door and says he'll get it. It's a man. It's a JW. It's the same guy. Now, rather than try to hide his astonishment, the JW's eyes just bug out and his mouth drops. After a small, ackward silence, the man asks "Are there any houses in this area that you aren't in at some time?" With that he silently just hands my Dad a pamphlet, walks back to his car, and drives away.

We didn't see another JW at our door for another 7 years.

queedo · 05-29-2003, 07:16 PM

My wife used to be a Jehovah's Witness. Her ex husband was one as well. As it turned out her ex was also gay and everybody knew about in the JW Church but her and a few of her friends. Obviously after the divorce and the fact that none of the people in her church told her she left the Church. Now none of her old JW friend will talk to her. I thought religious people of high standings who spread the word of God also were caring individuals to all mankind.

Or are they only caring to those who are in their particular group?

jyearwoo · 06-05-2003, 12:23 PM

I have a funny story. Let me say that I do not know much about the JW religion, therefore I don't want to make any generalizations, but they witness in our area, and one time I invited them in for a discussion. They caught me on one of my "ready to debate" days. I brought up a general belief of theirs that I was aware of. It is something along the lines of only 144,000 people will go to heaven. When I asked about this, I said that the probability of me being one of those people out of all the people in the world was pretty low. With such bad statistics I saw no reason to even think about converting. The lady's answer was pricless. She said, "Thats true, but we have to account for inflation." Hey, it was bullshit, but I had to give her an "A" for effort.

Just thought I'd share.

buffto · 06-08-2003, 03:08 AM

i don't see how you can be converted to that. Being born into it and keeping with it is one thing. But jeez. Anyway, the first thing that pops into my head when someone mentions jh's is the lack of holidays.

04-30-2003, 04:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	Jehovah's Witnesses: Misconceptions/sterotypes I read that last post "has anyone tried to convert you" and got a lot of good ones...... heres the gig im doing an oral report on them on friday it has to be 20 mins long so any help here would be greatly appreciated Im just looking for what you think of when you hear Jehovahs Witnesses....what comes to mind and what kinda sterotypes or misconceptions about there beliefs do you have ...... i let you guys know how it goes after class....... thanks again fellas!

04-30-2003, 05:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Wile E Insane Location: Burbs of NYC	*DISCLAIMER* As seen in other religious threads in here, biased opinions and ignorant viewpoints can sometimes run rampant. If you feel you have something to add to this thread pertaining to G5_Todds questions and written report, please share, but otherwise please refrain. We are not going to allow any bashing of any singular religion or religious sect for amusement. *DISCLAIMER* And now back to regularly scheduled discussion. __________________ "We got no food, no clothes...our pets HEADS ARE FALLIN' OFF!" Last edited by Wile E; 04-30-2003 at 05:37 AM..

04-30-2003, 05:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	my best friend explained to me one night that his mom was converted to JH when he was 12 or so. He said it sucked because one day it was all good, then the next there was no Halloween, Christmas, Birthdays... Other than that... I have no other experience except when they knock on the door on Sundays. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

04-30-2003, 06:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
rockogre I aim to misbehave! Location: SW Oklahoma	I always politely ask them to leave and state that I have no interest what so ever in their religion. They usually want to press their point and leave literature. I tell them that any literature left will be trashed without reading. This may seem cold but I have no belief that in their religion and take offense that they think that they can come to my house and bother me. To me they are just another form of door to door salesmen and are uncommonly pushy most times. The last time they came my dogs were circling their car and barking. There were four of them, 3 males and 1 female. The female was the only one to get out of the car and come to the door. I remember thinking that if the 3 males had no more faith in God than that, then they had nothing to say that I wanted to hear. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

04-30-2003, 07:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	sterotypes away from door 2 door salesmen? __________________ "....and when you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." -General Franks

04-30-2003, 06:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
thenewguy Insane Location: West Coast, USA	Definitely echo the knock on your door. Also, what comes to mind are booklets printed on newsprint with titles like Awake! that are full of the dogma that supports their beliefs. I've had them handed to me, seen them at the bus stop, etc. I have attempted to engage the folks who came to my door in some form of discussion, but it didn't go very far. They insisted that they were "right" and I kept asking questions, saying that "we're right" isn't much of an argument. Eventually I declared an impasse and told them I had something else to do.

04-30-2003, 07:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	I think it's rude to try to tell someone that their religious beliefs are wrong. When I think of them, I visualize two people at my door trying to tell me that God hates me for not thinking like them. I'm normally tolerant of other religious beliefs, but not when they tell me that I'm going somewhere that I don't believe exists because I don't think like they do.

04-30-2003, 12:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	I was asked to be Jehovah's Witness but I had to decline becasue I didn't see what happen. __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

04-30-2003, 12:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
Liquor Dealer Super Agitator Location: Just SW of Nowhere!!! In the good old US of A	We usually tell them we are Catholic when the come to the house and that usually gets rid of them. I had two come into the liquor store a few days ago and I like to have never gotten them to leave. __________________ Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, sometimes it's more like a jar of Jalapenos --- what you say or do today might burn your ass tomorrow!!!

04-30-2003, 04:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
G_Whiz Junkie Location: Northern California	It's hard for me to add much to what has been said above. At one time my wife and I invited them to tell us about their religion. It was interesting, but then they got to beliefs that I just couldn't accept regarding blood transfusions, medical treatment, etc. At that point, we explained that we could not accept their belief and asked them to leave. They never came back. Then we moved... A little off subject is the fun I have when Mormons come to the door. When they find out that I have many Mormons in my family (including an uncle who was a Bishop with access to the inner temple of the Tabernacle), they try really hard to get me to come back to the church. Since it never was my church, that gets to be real fun. __________________ If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

04-30-2003, 04:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
apetaster Insane Location: P.R. Mass.	Common perceptions, at least those I'm aware of: Anti-patriotic (due to opting not to salute/pledge the flag.) Evangelical publications (Jack Chick like publications, but toned down a few notches.) Persistent (don't take no for an answer, at least without a long chat.) A hybrid wing of Christianity - many Christian sects tend to distance themselves from them.

04-30-2003, 06:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
lukeswalewalker Upright Location: Planet Earth	My mother in law is JW. My wife left the "truth" when she was 14. Although I don't agree with her view of christiantity,I do respect her right practice her belief and it works for her.As repressive as this religion appears,most JW's are the same as anyone else.The main focus,I have observed from reading various JW publications,is to encourage the members not to become to worldly (Educated) in order to stay true to their religeous beliefs. This of course is true of many other religeous orginizations.

04-30-2003, 06:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
spectre Junkie	There are a couple of older ladies in my neighborhood that go door to door. They are always very polite and don't stay that long. They come up to the door, hand me a flyer, and then go on their way. What's the point in hassling them? Even though I don't follow their religion, there are a lot of other things I'd rather do with my time then fuck with someone that's following their beliefs. __________________ "Fuck these chains No goddamn slave I will be different" ~ Machine Head

04-30-2003, 08:33 PM	#14 (permalink)
guthmund big damn hero	I used to have a lot of misconceptions about Jehovah's Witnesses. Then I became involved with a young woman I worked with and she told me that she was raised as Jehovah's Witness and she cured me of all my preconceived notions and stereotypes by talking.....imagine that? __________________ No signature. None. Seriously.

05-01-2003, 01:29 AM	#16 (permalink)
eltardo Tilted Location: har!	Of course I've had the door knocking at what I consider extremely early in the morning, so I can't add anything on that front. But I did work with a guy a few years back that turned out to be a JW and I never would have guessed. He was not what I had pictured in my mind as a typical JW. It wasn't until after knowing him for 1.5 years and him flat-out telling me that I found out he was religious at all, let alone a JW. He never preached to any of us or became offended by any of our jokes, he joined in many times. He had a sense of humor about the whole thing. I guess my point is, some of them aren't too bad. heh

05-01-2003, 01:36 AM	#17 (permalink)
Sun Tzu Conspiracy Realist Location: The Event Horizon	It was one of the many organized religions I went through in my life. I was devoted for two years. The funny thing is the first time they came to my door (I was 15) I was going to see DIO in concert that night. The way I was lured in was by their use of the Book of Revelation. They’re basic premise is “The End” or Armageddon is very near. It has nothing to do with Christianity whereas they do not believe Jesus is God, but a Son of God like everyone else. They also don’t believe he was crucified by hung by a stake. The biggest issue is they claim they go by the original Hebrew Scriptures which is not true. My parents go me out of it. I glad I didn’t got through the rest of my life thinking I should love God and fear it at the same time. __________________ *To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking* Last edited by Sun Tzu; 05-01-2003 at 11:24 PM..

05-01-2003, 06:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
louiedog Crazy	My mom is a kindergarten teacher and she had a JW kid in her class. She had to get real creative during holidays because that one kid out of 22 meant they were the only class with no christmas, halloween, etc. I'm not a Christian but I never stopped anyone in my school that was almost entirely christian to have fun with the holidays.

05-01-2003, 06:52 AM	#19 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	thanks getting lots of good input! __________________ "....and when you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." -General Franks

05-01-2003, 07:47 AM	#20 (permalink)
bfresh Crazy Location: TN	My ex-business partners and ex-GF were JW's; and the one thing that I had a problem w/ was the blood transfusion part. I remember 2 instances where the family's father died b/c they wouldn't get a blood transfusion after a car accident (I never heard anything about the JWs declining medical treatments just blood transfusions and organ transplants (OT from what I remember was a grey area)). One man left his wife and 2 kids the other left his wife and 1 kid. Both wives didn't work nor could they (not b/c of religious beliefs). Now I highly respect their devotion to their belief, but to leave them alone like that in this world. I know that the ones who are in the light (truth) and are not one of the 144,000 (#?) will inherit the earth, but still... There were a few more things, but that was the only one that really sticks in my head. I really don't have a problem w/ the J-dubbas we had MANY discussions about evolution (since I'm a geologist) and religion (since my father is baptist, mom is jewish, they sent me to an ultra-conservative christian school, and I married a catholic (yes, Christmas/Chanukah/Easter/Passover is very interesting).

05-01-2003, 08:33 AM	#21 (permalink)
Wile E Insane Location: Burbs of NYC	The blood transfusion thing is something that I don't particularly agree with. However, there are many plus sides to this. There are now synthetic blood alternatives that JWs will accept and many save their own blood for replenishment purposes. In fact, after speaking to a few nurses and doctors about this, I've learned that even though its a pain for medical staff, alot of them agree with their thinking. And you will never hear of a JW with a transmitted diesease due to a blood transfusion. I'm sorry to hear what happened to your friends family, but the occurances of that nowadays is minimal. But then again I am from NY and medical technology is quite advanced, so maybe these are still issues in TN. __________________ "We got no food, no clothes...our pets HEADS ARE FALLIN' OFF!"

05-01-2003, 09:48 AM	#22 (permalink)
prettypinkfiary Upright Location: Louisianna	you might consider looking up a copy of an old Jack Chick comic for your oral if you want to go into the whole blood transfusion thing. It should be no trouble geting one. Just go into the nearest Christian Fundamentalist student org and ask for all the comics they have on Jehova's Whitnesses. Chick had a thing against them. You could even blow a couple immages up if you want. Thought I don't agree with his message or methods Jack Chick was a very talanted comics artist. __________________ Makeing the world a better place, one pouff of fairy dust at a time

05-01-2003, 10:02 AM	#23 (permalink)
scarebearjinx Psycho Location: in a deep, dark hole where rainbow creatures attack me to eat my fingernails.	One of my aunts and uncles are jehovah witnesses. i love them to death and they can be quite enjoyable, but if they start going of on a tirade of how demons are taking over the tv and trying to get me to study a little ten page book they have, thats it. they are the typical stereotype picture of jehovah witness. the door to door conversions, telling you the world is evil and you need to convert. they have even had to use substitutes for regular everyday food for us, because of what my uncle had been told he was allergic to. i know not all jw are like this, but all of the ones i have come across are.

05-01-2003, 11:17 AM	#24 (permalink)
bfresh Crazy Location: TN	Yes TN is a backward state but not that backward, actually these people lived in hills of eastern KY (want to talk about backward...just kidding, KY and TN are about the same) and it was about 10 years ago. According to my step-father, who is a cardiologist in WI, blood fillers/storage is the way to go for safty reasons, but in an emergency situation where none of the above is available I would rather take chances with the "roll of the dice" than die and leave my wife and kids hanging

05-01-2003, 11:41 AM	#25 (permalink)
warrrreagl pinche vato Location: backwater, Third World, land of cotton	I used to be a schoolteacher. Although it was an extra pain to have to deal with their "rules," I found their children to be some of the most well-behaved. __________________ Living is easy with eyes closed.

05-01-2003, 04:22 PM	#26 (permalink)
viejo gringo Registered User Location: Deep South Texas	I have one that is trying to convert my grand daughter because he can't be seen with her untill she is converted-- ( I think I know what he has in mind)---he got caught with her and promised his mom in the name of Jehovva that he would not talk to her again---he just send emails every day----I think I just about have his nuts in my hand and I can feel the fingers closing.....more later,,

05-03-2003, 11:53 AM	#27 (permalink)
greytone Junkie	There is one thing about their beliefs that I find interesting. I did confirm it with a person who is a JW so I believe it is likely to be true. They take a phrase out of Revlations and believe that only 144,000 souls are going to get into heaven. If I believed that there were a limited number of tickets, I would not spend my life trying to get others to stand in line. Now that is my definition of selflessness. __________________ I was there to see beautiful naked women. So was everybody else. It's a common failing. Robert A Heinlein in "They Do It With Mirrors"

05-03-2003, 03:45 PM	#29 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	no keep it coming because we ran out of time last class so i get to do mine next week! __________________ "....and when you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." -General Franks

05-07-2003, 09:17 PM	#31 (permalink)
copenhagen Insane Location: Johnson City, TN	I’m sorry to go off topic here but what's with bashing TN. I happen to be from East Tennessee and it's not backwards at all. Have you even been to Tennessee, or do you like to base your opinion on stereotypes

05-08-2003, 04:51 AM	#33 (permalink)
Daval Junkie Location: The True North Strong and Free!	I have nothing against people 'educating' other people about their chosen religion. What I am against is the hard-sell method that the JW tend to use in our area. __________________ "It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it." Winston Churchill

05-08-2003, 07:54 PM	#34 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	okay.....wish me luck i have to do my presentation tommorow...thanks again to those that replied and the moderators for letting me have this discussion.....i dont know what i woulda done without you guys __________________ "....and when you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." -General Franks

05-09-2003, 07:25 AM	#35 (permalink)
copenhagen Insane Location: Johnson City, TN	Wile E. I apologize if I came of hostile. I guess I am just used to people up north making fun of the south without really knowing what they are talking about. I should not have been so harsh. As for the medical advancements in Tennessee the town I live in is actually known for its medical technology. It’s about the only industry in Johnson City. Again I am sorry.

05-28-2003, 10:32 PM	#36 (permalink)
duckduck Psycho Location: Where hockey pucks run rampant	This is really too late for G5_Todd's presentation, but a rather humorous story nonetheless. My Dad had just gotten back from the barn and was in our house. He heard the doorbell ring and went to go answer it. A man was standing there. He was a Jehovah's Witness (JW). He asked if my Dad was interested, etc. My Dad politely told him that we weren't interested. The man, after glancing at all the pig dung over my Father's still dirty coveralls and seeing that my Dad wasn't all that receptive, thanked him for his time and left. Flash forward 1 week. We also own some barns on my Grandparent's land 5 miles North East of us. Dad is over there working in the barn. Grandma comes out and invites him in for tea. Dad hates caffeine in the afternoon, but knows that unless he obliges her, she'll stay there until he does (she's a little hard-headed). So he comes in. Just as he's about to sit down, the door bell rings. Dad, not wanting Grandma to get up, goes to answer. It's man. It's a JW. It's the same man who came to our door a week earlier. After the initial shock, he again starts to ask my Dad some questions and gives him a pamphlet. Again, my Dad covered in dung and politely declining, the man leaves. Flash forward another week. My family's been invited over to some friends. They live about 7 miles North West of us. The doorbell rings and Dad happens to be standing near to the door and says he'll get it. It's a man. It's a JW. It's the same guy. Now, rather than try to hide his astonishment, the JW's eyes just bug out and his mouth drops. After a small, ackward silence, the man asks "Are there any houses in this area that you aren't in at some time?" With that he silently just hands my Dad a pamphlet, walks back to his car, and drives away. We didn't see another JW at our door for another 7 years. __________________ Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way!

05-29-2003, 07:16 PM	#37 (permalink)
queedo Shodan	My wife used to be a Jehovah's Witness. Her ex husband was one as well. As it turned out her ex was also gay and everybody knew about in the JW Church but her and a few of her friends. Obviously after the divorce and the fact that none of the people in her church told her she left the Church. Now none of her old JW friend will talk to her. I thought religious people of high standings who spread the word of God also were caring individuals to all mankind. Or are they only caring to those who are in their particular group? __________________ If you think you can or you can't, you are right!

06-05-2003, 12:23 PM	#38 (permalink)
jyearwoo Upright	I have a funny story. Let me say that I do not know much about the JW religion, therefore I don't want to make any generalizations, but they witness in our area, and one time I invited them in for a discussion. They caught me on one of my "ready to debate" days. I brought up a general belief of theirs that I was aware of. It is something along the lines of only 144,000 people will go to heaven. When I asked about this, I said that the probability of me being one of those people out of all the people in the world was pretty low. With such bad statistics I saw no reason to even think about converting. The lady's answer was pricless. She said, "Thats true, but we have to account for inflation." Hey, it was bullshit, but I had to give her an "A" for effort. Just thought I'd share.

06-08-2003, 03:08 AM	#39 (permalink)
buffto Crazy Location: Missouri	i don't see how you can be converted to that. Being born into it and keeping with it is one thing. But jeez. Anyway, the first thing that pops into my head when someone mentions jh's is the lack of holidays.