The JW's knocked on the door
Something that I've been half waiting to happen in my life has happened: I answered my door to the Jehovah's Witnesses. I've been out for over a decade, but never had the dubious pleasure of being on the 'householder's side of things. People have asked me what I thought I would do. I wasn't sure. This is what I did do:
They introduced themselves with first names, saying they were bringing good news... I checked the tract to be sure they were in fact JWs and immediately told them that I used to be a Jehovah's Witness, I'm now an atheist. They can believe what they wanted but they should move on to the next house. Of course, this piqued their interest, especially the 'atheist' position. One of them asked, "if you're an atheist, who are you accountable to?" to which I replied, "to no-one, and that's ok. I'm accountable to myself and the other human beings with whom I share my life & this planet and that's it." They asked if I was raised a JW, where, did I still talk to my parents etc. and the first JW said, "don't you feel lost?" and I said "No... don't YOU feel scared?"
"Scared of what?" they said
"Scared of people, scared of life, scared that someone will burgle you and scared of gay people and scared of politics and the police and everything. You're in a very extreme religion."
"Well, we're bringing hope about a new world"
"No, THIS world is amazing, human beings are wonderful and the world is full of light and love, right now..."
"But the problems in the world..."
"... the problems are beautiful, and people are wonderful and this world is right where I want to be"
"You've got us all wrong"
"I've lived with you for 20 years, I haven't got you wrong. Goodbye now."
The urge to say more, to try to make them see, was there. Equally I wanted to respect what they believed because I expect the same in return.
While talking with them I was surprised to see how anxious I was, my throat constricting, voice wobbling and everything. When I came back upstairs I was glad to hear that by coincidence a track was playing that I usually meditate to. It's mostly instrumental but has some female vocals, it makes me feel earthy, feminine and strong. A very pleasant coincidence. I happened to be tending my rats when they knocked and I came back to them, focussing my energy on their care. I'm also about to go and see my boyfriend in another town for his birthday.
I was quite shaken by engaging with the JWs again, but luckily everything I said to them or thought about rings true for me. Life is wonderful & filled with love. Yes, the world isn't perfect, but there's no need to be scared. I only wish I'd remembered to ask to be made a 'do not call'!
They introduced themselves with first names, saying they were bringing good news... I checked the tract to be sure they were in fact JWs and immediately told them that I used to be a Jehovah's Witness, I'm now an atheist. They can believe what they wanted but they should move on to the next house. Of course, this piqued their interest, especially the 'atheist' position. One of them asked, "if you're an atheist, who are you accountable to?" to which I replied, "to no-one, and that's ok. I'm accountable to myself and the other human beings with whom I share my life & this planet and that's it." They asked if I was raised a JW, where, did I still talk to my parents etc. and the first JW said, "don't you feel lost?" and I said "No... don't YOU feel scared?"
"Scared of what?" they said
"Scared of people, scared of life, scared that someone will burgle you and scared of gay people and scared of politics and the police and everything. You're in a very extreme religion."
"Well, we're bringing hope about a new world"
"No, THIS world is amazing, human beings are wonderful and the world is full of light and love, right now..."
"But the problems in the world..."
"... the problems are beautiful, and people are wonderful and this world is right where I want to be"
"You've got us all wrong"
"I've lived with you for 20 years, I haven't got you wrong. Goodbye now."
The urge to say more, to try to make them see, was there. Equally I wanted to respect what they believed because I expect the same in return.
While talking with them I was surprised to see how anxious I was, my throat constricting, voice wobbling and everything. When I came back upstairs I was glad to hear that by coincidence a track was playing that I usually meditate to. It's mostly instrumental but has some female vocals, it makes me feel earthy, feminine and strong. A very pleasant coincidence. I happened to be tending my rats when they knocked and I came back to them, focussing my energy on their care. I'm also about to go and see my boyfriend in another town for his birthday.
I was quite shaken by engaging with the JWs again, but luckily everything I said to them or thought about rings true for me. Life is wonderful & filled with love. Yes, the world isn't perfect, but there's no need to be scared. I only wish I'd remembered to ask to be made a 'do not call'!