Page 84 - Cults and Marginal Groups - Textbook w videos short

what the Watchtower Society has told me what it says. This makes sharing with them immensely
frustrating but be patient and persistent. Have them read the verse again, asking them questions that
will clarify what the verse says. Ask them, “What is being said here?” If he immediately spouts off his
Watchtower response, as him to read the verse again aloud, then follow it with another question. If you
are persistent, you will help them see for themselves that there are CONTRADICTIONS and PROBLEMS
with his view.

He has been warned by the Society that friends and relatives may very well be used of
Satan to try to dissuade them from remaining with the JWs. So, when you approach
them, they feel that this warning is verified, and view you as Satan’s partner. It also
validates in their mind that the Watchtower Society is the TRUE PROPHET. This
warning serves as an effective way of keeping new converts so they can be thoroughly
indoctrinated into the cult.

They are taught that reading apostate literature is as bad as reading pornographic
literature. If he suspects that you are using literature that is apostate, then he will
assume you are under bondage to the devil and will dismiss what you say.

He has also been taught that if he questions the teachings of the Society, that he can be
“disfellowshipped” or kicked out of the organization. Challenging the Watchtower Society is considered
an intolerable offense. He may also be “shunned” by all in his family and all his friends. They are not
permitted to talk with one who has been disfellowshipped.

When witnessing to a JW, one must ever keep in mind that he or she is strongly motivated to remain a
JW because of the possibility of shunning should he or she decide to leave. This points to a need for
fervent and continuous prayer for those to whom you witness.

The Witnessing Encounter….

Seek Truth. Remember, as you begin talking with a cult member, tell them you are a seeker of TRUTH
and ask them if they are seeking truth. Encourage him or her to thoroughly examine his or her beliefs to
see if they are true. Tell them you want to examine all beliefs to validate their truthfulness.

Establish that TRUTH is not within us…in our own views but is found outside of us by revelation from
God. Tell them you believe that God is TRUE and His revelation to us is TRUE. So, what we believe
should always be tested by what God has said in His Word. If what we believe squares with Scripture,
then we have found the truth.

DO NOT tell them you are a “Baptist” or whatever denomination you are affiliated with. Do not tell
them you are a student of the Bible. Do not tell them you know Greek or Hebrew and are a Bible
scholar. Tell them only that you are a seeker of TRUTH.

Find common ground. Speak kindly and respectfully and begin on the common ground of their zealous
commitment to God. Starting off this way, you can begin discussing the specifics of their theology.

Take your time. Don’t lambaste them about all the heresies in their belief system. Don’t force them to
digest more than they can chew. Focus on one or two issues during each meeting and deal with them

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