We can’t know everything about every world religion, cult, or phony spiritual trend—and don’t need to! But we each can learn a bit about one. Then when opportunity arises to present truth…
Through the years I’ve had much experience researching Jehovah’s Witness and Mormon teachings—and talking with members. Maybe these few scenarios will suggest possibilities:
- When I lived in Japan, a Japanese Jehovah’s Witness (JW) member came to talk several times. I pointed out to the woman that, through the years, the Watchtower Society has predicted Jesus’ second coming multiple times; but it’s never happened. (Though JW material defends those with the idea that he came invisibly, etc.) I had documentation on those specific JW prophecies. I said that since the Watchtower Society claims to be God’s prophet/mouthpiece, they’re not allowed to have a single false prophecy (per Deuteronomy 18:20-22). But because I was referring to English notes, my visitor’s argument was that she had no way of knowing whether those JW predictions had occurred. Now, Watchtower HQ was relatively near my home. I said, “They likely have a library of material in Japanese, so let’s go there together and look.” We called the HQ to ask. Problem: I would not be allowed in since I wasn’t a JW member. My visitor was perplexed by this refusal.
- Also in Japan, a young JW man came to talk a few times. The crisis occurred when we discussed Jesus’ resurrection. (JWs believe Jesus rose only spiritually, not bodily.) We opened to John 2:19-21 in his Japanese Bible and read. Then I asked, “Do you see that this says Jesus’ body would rise?” He said yes. I asked, “But you don’t believe that?” He said, “That’s right.” I prayed silently and then said, “I don’t know what else to say. If you don’t believe the Bible…” He seemed thoughtful. I suspected he’d been taking questions to his leaders after each of our visits. And when he came again after this resurrection chat, I knew that was the case. How? He’d come only to tell me goodbye. He was being transferred to a city many miles away. (I cried! And prayed the Lord would bring another believer into his life.)
Note: Having visits terminated like this by cult leaders was also described by a witness to Mormons. He’d learned that if Mormon missionaries come to your door and you raise questions that cause them to check with their superiors, they’ll likely be transferred out of the area. (The Mormon Papers, Harry Ropp, 1979, p. 86)
- I talked with two young Mormon missionary women in Ohio. Asked them serious questions. About the third time they came back, they brought older men leaders. Mercy, it was icky! The men did not appear concerned about poor, lost me. Given their tone/words/looks, the goal seemed to be to put me down in front of the girls, show how spiritually ignorant I was. I stifled an urge to fire back. I decided to stay kind and straightforward (Lord, help me!), hoping that at least the young women were discerning motive/love/truth. That was their last visit.
- And would you believe—that exact scenario also occurred at my home in Japan. Exactly, except in the Japanese language! Two young Mormon women on a few visits, tough questions from me, hateful leaders showing up. End of story. That is, the end as far as I know. Who knows what the Lord did later?
- JWs often have stands set up in local parks in my current area. I’m tempted to walk on by. (This is my relaxing time!) But I’ve approached with a smile to say things like: “I appreciate your dedication. But I wouldn’t be able to put myself under the direction of the Watchtower Society.” I go on to explain that evidence is important to me; like, in a court case, the jury hears both sides, compares, and determines truth. (See Proverbs 18:17.) But “since the Watchtower Society doesn’t want members reading non-JW material and evaluating… well, that’s suspicious to me.” The people I’m talking with typically don’t know how to respond. (Though one man said, “I don’t need to read more—I know the truth!”) But sometimes they move on to mention a specific teaching or ask a question I can address.
One day I happened to mention to a Christian neighbor that I’d just talked with some JWs at the nearby park. So had he! We’d likely spoken to the same people on the same day! Imagine if several other Christians had also stopped to share truth with those same ones.
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Back to the opening paragraph… If we become familiar with teachings of just one cult/world religion and then take the next opportunity, who knows what the Lord might do? (My experiences have forced my own deeper study of Scripture as well—making me increasingly thankful for the Lord’s truth!)
Read Acts 17:16-34 to see how Paul handled some opportunities with nonbelievers. And check the “witness” TAG on my Home page for other ideas.
