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Can We Get Out In Front Of This Oft-made Claim And Make One Thing Clear

Just curious, how do Jehovah's Witnesses identify themselves at your door?

They do not identify themselves. They do not introduce themselves by either name or denomination. They do not have photo identity cards. They universally open up the conversation with something along the lines of "Good morning/afternoon, isn't the world in a desperate situation / wouldn't you like to see an end to pain and suffering / have you ever wondered why there is so much crime and violence?" Whatever topic of doom, gloom or despondency they choose, it will invariably form a bridge to an article in the latest Watchtower or Awake magazine, or some other piece of literature they hope to leave with you.

I always recognise them because (a) they usually come round my neighbourhood on a Tuesday, (b) they always come in pairs and (c) they carry some sort of briefcase or bag to carry their literature. I know who they are before they open their mouths, but that's only because I was doing exactly the same thing 50 years ago.

The only way you will get them to identify themselves is to ask them point blank who they are and whether or not they are Jehovah's Witnesses. Given the lack of any photo identification to back up their credentials, it would be foolish in the extreme for anybody to let them into their house. Any person could stand on your doorstep and claim to be a Bible student or a volunteer.

P.S. Latter Day Saints (Mormons) are easily identified because they are always young, well dressed men carrying briefcases and they usually have an American accent. They also have a fondness for bicycles. Unlike Jehovah's Witnesses, they voluntarily identify who they are (and the subject of temples might come up, but not unless you invite them in for future discussions).

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