My husband is the only person I know who looks forward to having pesky religious visitors drop by in hopes of illuminating and converting him. We used to have fairly regular concerned visitors from various denominations come to call, but I fear his reputation has spread and our house bears a hidden mark of some type, warning the pious to avoid us like the plague.
Don’t get me wrong. He is is a good man, truly hospitable, even offering refreshment and a comfortable chair. The problem comes when they get into theology. He is really, really philosophically interested, asking dozens of questions, He gets animated, particularly when answers are convoluted, as religious doctrine often is. When one group told him only one hundred forty-four thousand would rule for a thousand years, he asked them why in the world they were recruiting competition for those few spots. He got one young lady started giggling. I’m sure she got a stern lecture after she and her grumpy mentor departed. We only got about one more Thursday morning visit from that group after that.
Another pair came calling from another congregation. He visited at length with them, took their literature, and made arrangements for them to visit the next Thursday. He read every word of their literature, enjoyed it thoroughly, and couldn’t wait for their return. He had a lot more questions than they had answers when they got back. He wasn’t mean. He just kept thinking he’d missed something. They all ended up finishing up the patio he’d been working on for a couple of weeks. The promised t come back the next Thursday, but they ditched him. I think they decided he could just go to Hell.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses were probably frustrated they weren’t making headway with him, however, I’m sure they enjoyed counting their time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought they must have to do a certain amount of time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As an ex member of that cult, I can share all kinds of stories with you about them. My mother indoctrinated into the cult when I was 2 and as nice as they are, they have one mind set. Get you to convert. I’ve been shunned by most everyone in the cult since leaving. Some even consider me an apostate.
LikeLike
I’ve heard a lot about JW, none of it appealing. I was raised strict Southern Baptist. It was a cult. I had nightmares about the rapture and going to Hell. I was terrified at sermons. I was glad to get away from it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I never realized that the Baptist were like a cult. I’m so sorry you had to deal with nightmares. Nobody should fear God like that.
I’m happy you are free. You are a wonderful and kind person. I am so grateful we’ve connected.
It’s amazing isn’t it how we really do see ourselves in each others stories.
Cult life is horrible. I still suffer trauma and night terrors from the abuse I suffered within the JW cult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you are out too. I can’t bring myself to go to worship services now but I have a good relationship with God. I feel claustrophobic in church!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awe thank you, I’m glad I’m out too. I understand how you feel about attending church. That’s a great way to explain it, claustrophobic.
I too have a great relationship with God. I’m more spiritual then religious and personally, I think that’s the way God wants it.
LikeLike
So glad we can talk. It’s common to be judged for not attending services.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. I don’t believe at all anymore that you have to go sit in a building and listen to a sermon. I don’t think that’s what God expects. It’s okay if that’s what you feel drawn to do, but judging others for not attending church services isn’t how Jesus would have treated someone.
I’m so grateful for people like you who’ve come into my life and who have shown me what a true relationship with God looks like.
LikeLike
So many Christains are the worst at condeming others. Back in the old days my Grandparents would have people drop by to talk up their religion, it was common as you know. No phoning ahead, just show up when you least expect them and talk on and on. My Granny was a religious woman but Grampsmkept his relationship with God private. He had enough of people dropping by that he demanded that Granny not let them in anymore and he never yet to church again. Luckily Granny had her bible and that was enough to satisfy her. Your husband it too funny but it’s true, the parts they sell, parts that are vague and the non-answers. He was right on the money and found it amusing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure those people were surprised to be welcomed. He welcomed Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses but I’m sure they were frustrated by his questions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me think of the time some such visitors call at my Na’s house and couldn’t get away she had them there over 3hrs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh boy! She should have faked a heart attack.
LikeLike
Hilarious!
LikeLike