JW How to defeat JW at the door?

[CCHIPSS]

1-Don’t bother listening to their rehearsed speech. Go on the offensive.

2-Ask them if Jesus is God, or was Jesus just a god. Their answer: Jesus is just a god, created by Jehovah. Only Jehovah is God. Ask them what is the Holy Spirit. Their answer: There is no Holy Spirit. That was just the power and force of God.

3-Borrow their New World Translation (their mistranslated/corrupted version of the bible) from them. You can read it online here.
New World Translation (2013 Revision) | Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

4-Go to Revelation 1:8 and read: 8 “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,”*q says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”r

5-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega?” Ther answer: Jehowah

6-Go to Revelation 1:17-18 and read: 17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the Firstk and the Last,l 18 and the living one,m and I became dead,n but look! I am living forever and ever,o and I have the keys of death and of the Grave.*p

7-Look them dead in the eyes and ask them “Who is the First and the Last? Who have the keys of death and of the grave” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “When then did Jehovah die?” They will try to dodge this question by this point. But keep pressing them “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?” and don’t get distracted. Eventually they will try to say that “First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah”.

Also read Revelation 2:8 : 8 “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrʹna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’+ who became dead and came to life again:+

8-Go to Revelation 22:12–14 and read: 12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.o 13 I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,*p the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes,q so that they may have authority to go to the trees of lifer and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates.s

9-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega, first and last, beginning and end?” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “But you just said that First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah.” Once again they will try to avoid this question. Keep pressing them about “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?”

10-Stay in Revelation 22 keep on reading to the end, verses 15–21: 15 Outside are the dogs* and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral* and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.’t 16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you about these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of Davidu and the bright morning star.’”v 17 And the spirit and the bridew keep on saying, “Come!” and let anyone hearing say, “Come!” and let anyone thirsting come;x let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.y 18 “I am bearing witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things,z God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll;a 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of lifeb and out of the holy city,c things that are written about in this scroll. 20 “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’”d“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” 21 May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones.

11-Ask them about verse 13 “I am Alpha and Omega” and verse 16 “I, Jesus, sent an angel to bear witness to you”. Who sent this message to John, delivered by an angel? Jehovah or Jesus sent it? Then look at verses 12 and 20 and ask them “Who is coming quickly? Jehovah or Lord Jesus?” Then go to verse 17 and ask them “If the Holy Spirit is just the power of God and not an entity, how can it speak? And how can it be with the bride (believers)?” They will keep on dodging and avoiding your questions.

After they dodge around enough go to Revelation 22 verse 18. Ask them if they are guilty of adding and taking away any words on the prophecies of this scroll. Ask if they fear God’s plagues and losing the tree of life.

12-You can ask them to leave at this point. You’ve done your part and hopefully God will be merciful to these Jehovah’s Witness.

Conclusion (all from NWT):

A:Jehovah God calls himself Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 1:8)

B:Jesus calls himself the First and the Last, one who died but is living forever more. (Revelation 1:17–18)

C: Jesus calls himself the the First and the Last, who became dead and came to life again. (Revelation 2:8)

D:Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)

So:

Jesus is Jehovah God.

Extra notes (These require reading Greek from the Interlinear bible):

Greek, Hebrew, Transliterated, English, Strong's

13-Go to NWT Revelation 22:8-9. Read: 8 Well I, John, was the one hearing and seeing these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing me these things. 9 But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers the prophets and of those observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.”n

14- Then go to NWT John 20:28–29. Read: 28 In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!”y 29 Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”z

15- Ask the JW why Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas when Thomas called Jesus capital God, as in Jehovah God, when the angel did. Their answer: The God here means “a god”, not Jehovah God. Tell them that they cannot claim that, because their own NWT used capital G. If they cannot even trust what their own NWT wrote, they got nothing to stand on.

Or they will say “Thomas say to Jesus my Lord, and then look to heaven and say my God”. No worries. Go to the interlinear bible and read: “The Lord of me and the God of me!” Ask them why is the word “and” in the Interlinear Greek. And if “and” is there, how can JW claim that these two things were said separately.

16- Read John 1:1 in NWT: 1 In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God,b and the Word was a god.c

17-Ask them why it says “And the Word was a God” Their Answer: No article, so small g in Greek.

Then read John 1:6, 12 and 13. 6 There came a man who was sent as a representative of God; his name was John.h ……. 12 However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children,p because they were exercising faith in his name.q 13 And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.r

Also read John 13:3: 3 So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God,f

18-Ask them why in verses 6, 12, 13 and John 13:3 they are translated as “God”, but in John 1:1 it is “a god”, when none of them have an article before the word “God”. Show them in the interlinear Greek. Once again they will dodge the question. Point here is that JW is inconsistent with their own translation. The JW’s NWT don’t even follow their own “No article, so small g in Greek” rule throughout.

Further reading:
http://www.harvestbiblechurch.net/blog/jehovahs-witnesses-false-prophets

 

[Steve Petersen]

How about simply not opening the door. Lot easier.

 

[Call me Nic]

1-Don’t bother listening to their rehearsed speech. Go on the offensive.

2-Ask them if Jesus is God, or was Jesus just a god. Their answer: Jesus is just a god, created by Jehovah. Only Jehovah is God. Ask them what is the Holy Spirit. Their answer: There is no Holy Spirit. That was just the power and force of God.

3-Borrow their New World Translation (their mistranslated/corrupted version of the bible) from them. You can read it online here.
New World Translation (2013 Revision) | Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

4-Go to Revelation 1:8 and read: 8 “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,”*q says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”r

5-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega?” Ther answer: Jehowah

6-Go to Revelation 1:17-18 and read: 17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the Firstk and the Last,l 18 and the living one,m and I became dead,n but look! I am living forever and ever,o and I have the keys of death and of the Grave.*p

7-Look them dead in the eyes and ask them “Who is the First and the Last? Who have the keys of death and of the grave” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “When then did Jehovah die?” They will try to dodge this question by this point. But keep pressing them “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?” and don’t get distracted. Eventually they will try to say that “First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah”.

Also read Revelation 2:8 : 8 “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrʹna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’+ who became dead and came to life again:+

8-Go to Revelation 22:12–14 and read: 12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.o 13 I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,*p the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes,q so that they may have authority to go to the trees of lifer and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates.s

9-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega, first and last, beginning and end?” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “But you just said that First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah.” Once again they will try to avoid this question. Keep pressing them about “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?”

10-Stay in Revelation 22 keep on reading to the end, verses 15–21: 15 Outside are the dogs* and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral* and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.’t 16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you about these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of Davidu and the bright morning star.’”v 17 And the spirit and the bridew keep on saying, “Come!” and let anyone hearing say, “Come!” and let anyone thirsting come;x let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.y 18 “I am bearing witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things,z God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll;a 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of lifeb and out of the holy city,c things that are written about in this scroll. 20 “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’”d“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” 21 May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones.

11-Ask them about verse 13 “I am Alpha and Omega” and verse 16 “I, Jesus, sent an angel to bear witness to you”. Who sent this message to John, delivered by an angel? Jehovah or Jesus sent it? Then look at verses 12 and 20 and ask them “Who is coming quickly? Jehovah or Lord Jesus?” Then go to verse 17 and ask them “If the Holy Spirit is just the power of God and not an entity, how can it speak? And how can it be with the bride (believers)?” They will keep on dodging and avoiding your questions.

After they dodge around enough go to Revelation 22 verse 18. Ask them if they are guilty of adding and taking away any words on the prophecies of this scroll. Ask if they fear God’s plagues and losing the tree of life.

12-You can ask them to leave at this point. You’ve done your part and hopefully God will be merciful to these Jehovah’s Witness.

Conclusion (all from NWT):

A:Jehovah God calls himself Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 1:8)

B:Jesus calls himself the First and the Last, one who died but is living forever more. (Revelation 1:17–18)

C: Jesus calls himself the the First and the Last, who became dead and came to life again. (Revelation 2:8)

D:Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)

So:

Jesus is Jehovah God.

Extra notes (These require reading Greek from the Interlinear bible):

Greek, Hebrew, Transliterated, English, Strong's

13-Go to NWT Revelation 22:8-9. Read: 8 Well I, John, was the one hearing and seeing these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing me these things. 9 But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers the prophets and of those observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.”n

14- Then go to NWT John 20:28–29. Read: 28 In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!”y 29 Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”z

15- Ask the JW why Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas when Thomas called Jesus capital God, as in Jehovah God, when the angel did. Their answer: The God here means “a god”, not Jehovah God. Tell them that they cannot claim that, because their own NWT used capital G. If they cannot even trust what their own NWT wrote, they got nothing to stand on.

Or they will say “Thomas say to Jesus my Lord, and then look to heaven and say my God”. No worries. Go to the interlinear bible and read: “The Lord of me and the God of me!” Ask them why is the word “and” in the Interlinear Greek. And if “and” is there, how can JW claim that these two things were said separately.

16- Read John 1:1 in NWT: 1 In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God,b and the Word was a god.c

17-Ask them why it says “And the Word was a God” Their Answer: No article, so small g in Greek.

Then read John 1:6, 12 and 13. 6 There came a man who was sent as a representative of God; his name was John.h ……. 12 However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children,p because they were exercising faith in his name.q 13 And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.r

Also read John 13:3: 3 So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God,f

18-Ask them why in verses 6, 12, 13 and John 13:3 they are translated as “God”, but in John 1:1 it is “a god”, when none of them have an article before the word “God”. Show them in the interlinear Greek. Once again they will dodge the question. Point here is that JW is inconsistent with their own translation. The JW’s NWT don’t even follow their own “No article, so small g in Greek” rule throughout.

Further reading:
http://www.harvestbiblechurch.net/blog/jehovahs-witnesses-false-prophets

I love this. I guess the trick is using their own false bible to prove them wrong. Nice!

 

[High Fidelity]

Get a "Give Blood" sticker for your door. It's like garlic to a vampire.

Haven't had to put up with their pathetic sales pitch in 15 years.

 

[Rescued One]

1-Don’t bother listening to their rehearsed speech. Go on the offensive.

2-Ask them if Jesus is God, or was Jesus just a god. Their answer: Jesus is just a god, created by Jehovah. Only Jehovah is God. Ask them what is the Holy Spirit. Their answer: There is no Holy Spirit. That was just the power and force of God.

3-Borrow their New World Translation (their mistranslated/corrupted version of the bible) from them. You can read it online here.
New World Translation (2013 Revision) | Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

4-Go to Revelation 1:8 and read: 8 “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,”*q says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”r

5-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega?” Ther answer: Jehowah

6-Go to Revelation 1:17-18 and read: 17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the Firstk and the Last,l 18 and the living one,m and I became dead,n but look! I am living forever and ever,o and I have the keys of death and of the Grave.*p

7-Look them dead in the eyes and ask them “Who is the First and the Last? Who have the keys of death and of the grave” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “When then did Jehovah die?” They will try to dodge this question by this point. But keep pressing them “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?” and don’t get distracted. Eventually they will try to say that “First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah”.

Also read Revelation 2:8 : 8 “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrʹna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’+ who became dead and came to life again:+

8-Go to Revelation 22:12–14 and read: 12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.o 13 I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,*p the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes,q so that they may have authority to go to the trees of lifer and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates.s

9-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega, first and last, beginning and end?” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “But you just said that First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah.” Once again they will try to avoid this question. Keep pressing them about “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?”

10-Stay in Revelation 22 keep on reading to the end, verses 15–21: 15 Outside are the dogs* and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral* and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.’t 16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you about these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of Davidu and the bright morning star.’”v 17 And the spirit and the bridew keep on saying, “Come!” and let anyone hearing say, “Come!” and let anyone thirsting come;x let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.y 18 “I am bearing witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things,z God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll;a 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of lifeb and out of the holy city,c things that are written about in this scroll. 20 “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’”d“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” 21 May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones.

11-Ask them about verse 13 “I am Alpha and Omega” and verse 16 “I, Jesus, sent an angel to bear witness to you”. Who sent this message to John, delivered by an angel? Jehovah or Jesus sent it? Then look at verses 12 and 20 and ask them “Who is coming quickly? Jehovah or Lord Jesus?” Then go to verse 17 and ask them “If the Holy Spirit is just the power of God and not an entity, how can it speak? And how can it be with the bride (believers)?” They will keep on dodging and avoiding your questions.

After they dodge around enough go to Revelation 22 verse 18. Ask them if they are guilty of adding and taking away any words on the prophecies of this scroll. Ask if they fear God’s plagues and losing the tree of life.

12-You can ask them to leave at this point. You’ve done your part and hopefully God will be merciful to these Jehovah’s Witness.

Conclusion (all from NWT):

A:Jehovah God calls himself Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 1:8)

B:Jesus calls himself the First and the Last, one who died but is living forever more. (Revelation 1:17–18)

C: Jesus calls himself the the First and the Last, who became dead and came to life again. (Revelation 2:8)

D:Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)

So:

Jesus is Jehovah God.

Extra notes (These require reading Greek from the Interlinear bible):

Greek, Hebrew, Transliterated, English, Strong's

13-Go to NWT Revelation 22:8-9. Read: 8 Well I, John, was the one hearing and seeing these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing me these things. 9 But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers the prophets and of those observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.”n

14- Then go to NWT John 20:28–29. Read: 28 In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!”y 29 Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”z

15- Ask the JW why Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas when Thomas called Jesus capital God, as in Jehovah God, when the angel did. Their answer: The God here means “a god”, not Jehovah God. Tell them that they cannot claim that, because their own NWT used capital G. If they cannot even trust what their own NWT wrote, they got nothing to stand on.

Or they will say “Thomas say to Jesus my Lord, and then look to heaven and say my God”. No worries. Go to the interlinear bible and read: “The Lord of me and the God of me!” Ask them why is the word “and” in the Interlinear Greek. And if “and” is there, how can JW claim that these two things were said separately.

16- Read John 1:1 in NWT: 1 In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God,b and the Word was a god.c

17-Ask them why it says “And the Word was a God” Their Answer: No article, so small g in Greek.

Then read John 1:6, 12 and 13. 6 There came a man who was sent as a representative of God; his name was John.h ……. 12 However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children,p because they were exercising faith in his name.q 13 And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.r

Also read John 13:3: 3 So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God,f

18-Ask them why in verses 6, 12, 13 and John 13:3 they are translated as “God”, but in John 1:1 it is “a god”, when none of them have an article before the word “God”. Show them in the interlinear Greek. Once again they will dodge the question. Point here is that JW is inconsistent with their own translation. The JW’s NWT don’t even follow their own “No article, so small g in Greek” rule throughout.

Further reading:
http://www.harvestbiblechurch.net/blog/jehovahs-witnesses-false-prophets

Why is your title sounding as if you advocate violence? I answered a Jehovah's Witness and told him why I believe in the Trinity. That was at least fifteen years ago. I've never seen them on our street again. Perhaps they came once when I wasn't home.

 

[Dropout_Theologian]

This is impressively thorough and appears like it could be a good resource. I've recently thought about how I would talk to -- in my case, Mormons -- that would come up to my door, so thank you.

Though, I am concerned with some of the aggression. Parts like: "How to beat JW at the door?""Don’t bother listening to their rehearsed speech. Go on the offensive.""Look them dead in the eyes""You can ask them to leave at this point." As a confessional I don't care enough when dealing with false prophets, but the following came to mind pretty quickly: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Additionally, it takes a lot of work to know the ins and outs of a religious text well, so... as someone who often doesn't know a lot of stuff, it would be nice to receive a little extra patience, and, you know, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

 

[dreadnought]

I always let the Jehovah's Witnesses know that I already have a church. That ends the conversation. I do admire the way they evangelize.

 

[DW1980]

1-Don’t bother listening to their rehearsed speech. Go on the offensive.

2-Ask them if Jesus is God, or was Jesus just a god. Their answer: Jesus is just a god, created by Jehovah. Only Jehovah is God. Ask them what is the Holy Spirit. Their answer: There is no Holy Spirit. That was just the power and force of God.

3-Borrow their New World Translation (their mistranslated/corrupted version of the bible) from them. You can read it online here.
New World Translation (2013 Revision) | Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

4-Go to Revelation 1:8 and read: 8 “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,”*q says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”r

5-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega?” Ther answer: Jehowah

6-Go to Revelation 1:17-18 and read: 17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the Firstk and the Last,l 18 and the living one,m and I became dead,n but look! I am living forever and ever,o and I have the keys of death and of the Grave.*p

7-Look them dead in the eyes and ask them “Who is the First and the Last? Who have the keys of death and of the grave” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “When then did Jehovah die?” They will try to dodge this question by this point. But keep pressing them “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?” and don’t get distracted. Eventually they will try to say that “First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah”.

Also read Revelation 2:8 : 8 “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrʹna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’+ who became dead and came to life again:+

8-Go to Revelation 22:12–14 and read: 12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.o 13 I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,*p the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes,q so that they may have authority to go to the trees of lifer and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates.s

9-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega, first and last, beginning and end?” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “But you just said that First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah.” Once again they will try to avoid this question. Keep pressing them about “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?”

10-Stay in Revelation 22 keep on reading to the end, verses 15–21: 15 Outside are the dogs* and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral* and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.’t 16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you about these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of Davidu and the bright morning star.’”v 17 And the spirit and the bridew keep on saying, “Come!” and let anyone hearing say, “Come!” and let anyone thirsting come;x let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.y 18 “I am bearing witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things,z God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll;a 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of lifeb and out of the holy city,c things that are written about in this scroll. 20 “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’”d“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” 21 May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones.

11-Ask them about verse 13 “I am Alpha and Omega” and verse 16 “I, Jesus, sent an angel to bear witness to you”. Who sent this message to John, delivered by an angel? Jehovah or Jesus sent it? Then look at verses 12 and 20 and ask them “Who is coming quickly? Jehovah or Lord Jesus?” Then go to verse 17 and ask them “If the Holy Spirit is just the power of God and not an entity, how can it speak? And how can it be with the bride (believers)?” They will keep on dodging and avoiding your questions.

After they dodge around enough go to Revelation 22 verse 18. Ask them if they are guilty of adding and taking away any words on the prophecies of this scroll. Ask if they fear God’s plagues and losing the tree of life.

12-You can ask them to leave at this point. You’ve done your part and hopefully God will be merciful to these Jehovah’s Witness.

Conclusion (all from NWT):

A:Jehovah God calls himself Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 1:8)

B:Jesus calls himself the First and the Last, one who died but is living forever more. (Revelation 1:17–18)

C: Jesus calls himself the the First and the Last, who became dead and came to life again. (Revelation 2:8)

D:Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)

So:

Jesus is Jehovah God.

Extra notes (These require reading Greek from the Interlinear bible):

Greek, Hebrew, Transliterated, English, Strong's

13-Go to NWT Revelation 22:8-9. Read: 8 Well I, John, was the one hearing and seeing these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing me these things. 9 But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers the prophets and of those observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.”n

14- Then go to NWT John 20:28–29. Read: 28 In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!”y 29 Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”z

15- Ask the JW why Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas when Thomas called Jesus capital God, as in Jehovah God, when the angel did. Their answer: The God here means “a god”, not Jehovah God. Tell them that they cannot claim that, because their own NWT used capital G. If they cannot even trust what their own NWT wrote, they got nothing to stand on.

Or they will say “Thomas say to Jesus my Lord, and then look to heaven and say my God”. No worries. Go to the interlinear bible and read: “The Lord of me and the God of me!” Ask them why is the word “and” in the Interlinear Greek. And if “and” is there, how can JW claim that these two things were said separately.

16- Read John 1:1 in NWT: 1 In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God,b and the Word was a god.c

17-Ask them why it says “And the Word was a God” Their Answer: No article, so small g in Greek.

Then read John 1:6, 12 and 13. 6 There came a man who was sent as a representative of God; his name was John.h ……. 12 However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children,p because they were exercising faith in his name.q 13 And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.r

Also read John 13:3: 3 So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God,f

18-Ask them why in verses 6, 12, 13 and John 13:3 they are translated as “God”, but in John 1:1 it is “a god”, when none of them have an article before the word “God”. Show them in the interlinear Greek. Once again they will dodge the question. Point here is that JW is inconsistent with their own translation. The JW’s NWT don’t even follow their own “No article, so small g in Greek” rule throughout.

Further reading:
http://www.harvestbiblechurch.net/blog/jehovahs-witnesses-false-prophets

Using that "flame thrower" approach, you might win the argument, but you will lose the war, because as soon as they re-group you will be tarred the hostile and aggressive Bible-basher (or "opposer" in their lingo). They won't call again, everything you said will be dismissed, and you will not get any follow up with them. And could you really blame them?

I agree with the "ask questions" approach rather than preaching at them, and a lot of the questions and Bible Study above would be helpful - but not done in this way. I would suggest some modifications.

• DO listen to their rehearsed speech. Its common courtesy, and "earns" you the right to be heard.
• Do NOT go on the offensive. It's rude, hostile, and they will just switch off. Instead, be interested in them as your fellow human beings. They have lives, problems, hopes and dreams like you. Ask genuine questions. Don't just see the "Watchtower brand". See the person Jesus gave his life for.
• Point 12 is simply obnoxious. You have an all out debate, then throw out a random question about adding to prophecy, and then boot them out? Huh?

Can I suggest that what is really happening there is you have a debate, "win", throw out a random question and then shut down any future conversation (assuming they would even be interested after this!).

There are two far better approaches. Both start by asking them if it's important to examine your own faith - they will agree. You can then either follow their "Bible study" as a topical guide, and go with that. Personally I think that only has so much value. Instead, I would suggest you agree to read their book (but don't tell them you are using it with google and other sources). Use it to raise questions, occasionally (and tactically) produce copies of WT literature to back up your claims. Don't do it too often or they will quickly decide you are not interested and stop meeting with you.

The goal at the start is NOT a theological debate. Any points you raise are mentally screened by what the WT says it means. What you really want to do is undermine the WT's authority. False prophecies, child abuse, etc all damage their credibility. Raise these as questions, gently and kindly. At the same time you want to use your theological discussion to affirm the Bible (not the New World Translation) as God's Word. You cannot just dismantle their world view - they may have invested a lot in the Watchtower. You need to replace it with Jesus, the real Jesus. You need to be a friend - really. If they leave the JWs they will be shunned by friends and family. They will need your support.

Above all, remember, someone once said, "people don't care what you think, till they know how much you care". Read some online testimonies of ex-JWs to see what works. This flamethrower sort of approach doesn't.

 

[tampasteve]

I think that trying to show them the way is admirable, but this approach is no better than a street "preacher" yelling at college students telling them they are immoral harlots and going to hell through a megaphone without actually knowing anything about the person. You may shame them enough to walk away, but it is highly unlikely to convince them of anything other than to stop visiting you. People should be treated as people, and this approach is demeaning at best. We are better off teaching them through love and patience. The WT is an overarching organization that is intimately involved in their lives, to essentially tell them to break off because they are being fooled is also telling them to loose their friends, family, and support groups as they will be shunned. Over time they can work their way out perhaps, and then they will remember the person that showed them love and the Way.

 

[Daniel Marsh]

I simply ask them for their phone numbers and home addresses, so I can visit them when I have time. I know where the Kingdom Halls in my area is, so when they try to give me that as their address, I will ask them about that.

For neighbors who do not want to deal with them, I have instructed them to point out a little known law-ordnance in almost every township around where I live. Bad people have gone door to door claiming to be JW's or LDS and robbing people. The law requires everyone doing door to door to get a License with the township or city. A Criminals record check is done on those applying. Then an picture ID badge, pass is issued for them to wear in plain sight. Police will be called on anyone not wearing a pass, badge -- they are arrested under criminal trespassing laws.

All of our roads are private.

When someone calls the Police, the homeowner is asked about the Id pass. If everything lines up, then the Police informs one that they are safe persons.

For Religious and Political groups there is no charge. Companies get a token price.

This law has been challenged in the Courts and upheld because it protects the community from criminals and there is no charge to religious groups. To see how much sense this makes, do you really want someone who committed a felony on your doorstep or in your home?

They can also use one of these stickers,

How to STOP Visits by Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons – 4Witness

If someone calls the Police with this sticker on the door, even if they have the pass, they will be arrested for trespassing without question because the Homeowner has told them up front to leave them alone.

One time I was busy digging a craw space out. During that time Baptists, LDS and JW's each visited my home. Each time I said, God has sent you to me to help. Each time, I handed them a shovel. All but one Baptist dropped the shovel and ran away.

Another time, I was helping a friend trim an old tree over a hundred feet tall. Two LDS came by, I told them God sent you, now come over here. I had them put their feet into a rope, tied another rope around their waste, told them to hold on tight, waved to my friend to start the truck and lift them up into the air. The look on their faces was priceless. Once they were up in the air, I tied a chainsaw to the ropes around their waist that was hanging down to the ground. They stared at each other in fear, so we let them down. They got on their bikes and left the area.

Bottom line, if someone, anyone comes to your house without your permission, just try to put them to work and watch them run.

 

[DW1980]

I simply ask them for their phone numbers and home addresses, so I can visit them when I have time. I know where the Kingdom Halls in my area is, so when they try to give me that as their address, I will ask them about that.

For neighbors who do not want to deal with them, I have instructed them to point out a little known law-ordnance in almost every township around where I live. Bad people have gone door to door claiming to be JW's or LDS and robbing people. The law requires everyone doing door to door to get a License with the township or city. A Criminals record check is done on those applying. Then an picture ID badge, pass is issued for them to wear in plain sight. Police will be called on anyone not wearing a pass, badge -- they are arrested under criminal trespassing laws.

All of our roads are private.

When someone calls the Police, the homeowner is asked about the Id pass. If everything lines up, then the Police informs one that they are safe persons.

For Religious and Political groups there is no charge. Companies get a token price.

This law has been challenged in the Courts and upheld because it protects the community from criminals and there is no charge to religious groups. To see how much sense this makes, do you really want someone who committed a felony on your doorstep or in your home?

They can also use one of these stickers,

How to STOP Visits by Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons – 4Witness

If someone calls the Police with this sticker on the door, even if they have the pass, they will be arrested for trespassing without question because the Homeowner has told them up front to leave them alone.

One time I was busy digging a craw space out. During that time Baptists, LDS and JW's each visited my home. Each time I said, God has sent you to me to help. Each time, I handed them a shovel. All but one Baptist dropped the shovel and ran away.

Another time, I was helping a friend trim an old tree over a hundred feet tall. Two LDS came by, I told them God sent you, now come over here. I had them put their feet into a rope, tied another rope around their waste, told them to hold on tight, waved to my friend to start the truck and lift them up into the air. The look on their faces was priceless. Once they were up in the air, I tied a chainsaw to the ropes around their waist that was hanging down to the ground. They stared at each other in fear, so we let them down. They got on their bikes and left the area.

Bottom line, if someone, anyone comes to your house without your permission, just try to put them to work and watch them run.

I hope some of this is a joke!

Why would you want to stop them visiting? If we believe that they are unsaved, they are coming to us to discuss faith. Would Jesus turn them away?

Laws on trespassing vary, here in Scotland there is no such thing as a trespass law. I don't know about the Mormons, but I know the JWs will respect you if you just ask them not to call (you go on a "no call" list for at least 5 years). So maybe the "trick" would be to give these stickers to all non-Christians on the street, and ensure that the Christians without the stickers are Biblically literate and spiritually mature?

 

[lismore]

In my experience if you ask Mormons about the differences between them and Jehovah's Witnesses (and vice versa) it can provoke an interesting discussion. God Bless

 

[Ratiocination]

1-Don’t bother listening to their rehearsed speech. Go on the offensive.

2-Ask them if Jesus is God, or was Jesus just a god. Their answer: Jesus is just a god, created by Jehovah. Only Jehovah is God. Ask them what is the Holy Spirit. Their answer: There is no Holy Spirit. That was just the power and force of God.

3-Borrow their New World Translation (their mistranslated/corrupted version of the bible) from them. You can read it online here.
New World Translation (2013 Revision) | Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

4-Go to Revelation 1:8 and read: 8 “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,”*q says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”r

5-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega?” Ther answer: Jehowah

6-Go to Revelation 1:17-18 and read: 17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the Firstk and the Last,l 18 and the living one,m and I became dead,n but look! I am living forever and ever,o and I have the keys of death and of the Grave.*p

7-Look them dead in the eyes and ask them “Who is the First and the Last? Who have the keys of death and of the grave” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “When then did Jehovah die?” They will try to dodge this question by this point. But keep pressing them “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?” and don’t get distracted. Eventually they will try to say that “First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah”.

Also read Revelation 2:8 : 8 “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrʹna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’+ who became dead and came to life again:+

8-Go to Revelation 22:12–14 and read: 12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.o 13 I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,*p the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes,q so that they may have authority to go to the trees of lifer and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates.s

9-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega, first and last, beginning and end?” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “But you just said that First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah.” Once again they will try to avoid this question. Keep pressing them about “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?”

10-Stay in Revelation 22 keep on reading to the end, verses 15–21: 15 Outside are the dogs* and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral* and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.’t 16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you about these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of Davidu and the bright morning star.’”v 17 And the spirit and the bridew keep on saying, “Come!” and let anyone hearing say, “Come!” and let anyone thirsting come;x let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.y 18 “I am bearing witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things,z God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll;a 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of lifeb and out of the holy city,c things that are written about in this scroll. 20 “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’”d“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” 21 May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones.

11-Ask them about verse 13 “I am Alpha and Omega” and verse 16 “I, Jesus, sent an angel to bear witness to you”. Who sent this message to John, delivered by an angel? Jehovah or Jesus sent it? Then look at verses 12 and 20 and ask them “Who is coming quickly? Jehovah or Lord Jesus?” Then go to verse 17 and ask them “If the Holy Spirit is just the power of God and not an entity, how can it speak? And how can it be with the bride (believers)?” They will keep on dodging and avoiding your questions.

After they dodge around enough go to Revelation 22 verse 18. Ask them if they are guilty of adding and taking away any words on the prophecies of this scroll. Ask if they fear God’s plagues and losing the tree of life.

12-You can ask them to leave at this point. You’ve done your part and hopefully God will be merciful to these Jehovah’s Witness.

Conclusion (all from NWT):

A:Jehovah God calls himself Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 1:8)

B:Jesus calls himself the First and the Last, one who died but is living forever more. (Revelation 1:17–18)

C: Jesus calls himself the the First and the Last, who became dead and came to life again. (Revelation 2:8)

D:Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)

So:

Jesus is Jehovah God.

Extra notes (These require reading Greek from the Interlinear bible):

Greek, Hebrew, Transliterated, English, Strong's

13-Go to NWT Revelation 22:8-9. Read: 8 Well I, John, was the one hearing and seeing these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing me these things. 9 But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers the prophets and of those observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.”n

14- Then go to NWT John 20:28–29. Read: 28 In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!”y 29 Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”z

15- Ask the JW why Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas when Thomas called Jesus capital God, as in Jehovah God, when the angel did. Their answer: The God here means “a god”, not Jehovah God. Tell them that they cannot claim that, because their own NWT used capital G. If they cannot even trust what their own NWT wrote, they got nothing to stand on.

Or they will say “Thomas say to Jesus my Lord, and then look to heaven and say my God”. No worries. Go to the interlinear bible and read: “The Lord of me and the God of me!” Ask them why is the word “and” in the Interlinear Greek. And if “and” is there, how can JW claim that these two things were said separately.

16- Read John 1:1 in NWT: 1 In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God,b and the Word was a god.c

17-Ask them why it says “And the Word was a God” Their Answer: No article, so small g in Greek.

Then read John 1:6, 12 and 13. 6 There came a man who was sent as a representative of God; his name was John.h ……. 12 However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children,p because they were exercising faith in his name.q 13 And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.r

Also read John 13:3: 3 So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God,f

18-Ask them why in verses 6, 12, 13 and John 13:3 they are translated as “God”, but in John 1:1 it is “a god”, when none of them have an article before the word “God”. Show them in the interlinear Greek. Once again they will dodge the question. Point here is that JW is inconsistent with their own translation. The JW’s NWT don’t even follow their own “No article, so small g in Greek” rule throughout.

Further reading:
http://www.harvestbiblechurch.net/blog/jehovahs-witnesses-false-prophets

Why would you want to "defeat" one of Jehovah's Witnesses (Isiah 43:10)? Surely a pleasant conversation would be much more Christian! (Psalm 133:1)

 

[Ratiocination]

1-Don’t bother listening to their rehearsed speech. Go on the offensive.

Recently we were asking people if the bible is still relevant today. But hey, just ignore our humble attempts at a conversation starter with non-believers... Proceed with the attack!!!

2-Ask them if Jesus is God, or was Jesus just a god. Their answer: Jesus is just a god, created by Jehovah. Only Jehovah is God. Ask them what is the Holy Spirit. Their answer: There is no Holy Spirit. That was just the power and force of God.

Jesus is fully theos, a separate and distinct deity

The HS is the power of God. Nameless, which would be an insult in ancient Jewish times… But ignoring that…

3-Borrow their New World Translation (their mistranslated/corrupted version of the bible) from them. You can read it online here.

New World Translation (2013 Revision) | Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

lol

4-Go to Revelation 1:8 and read: 8 “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,”*q says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”r

5-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega?” Ther answer: Jehowah

Yep, followed by the words “I John” more on this below…

6-Go to Revelation 1:17-18 and read: 17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the Firstk and the Last,l 18 and the living one,m and I became dead,n but look! I am living forever and ever,o and I have the keys of death and of the Grave.*p

7-Look them dead in the eyes and ask them “Who is the First and the Last? Who have the keys of death and of the grave” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “When then did Jehovah die?” They will try to dodge this question by this point. But keep pressing them “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?” and don’t get distracted. Eventually they will try to say that “First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah”.

No the answer would be Jesus at this point…. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah

[Look me in the eyes and tell me you love me.....]

Also read Revelation 2:8 : 8 “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrʹna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’+ who became dead and came to life again:+

Jesus here

8-Go to Revelation 22:12–14 and read: 12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work.o 13 I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,*p the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes,q so that they may have authority to go to the trees of lifer and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates.s


9-Ask them “Who is Alpha and Omega, first and last, beginning and end?” Their answer: Jehovah. Then ask them “But you just said that First and Last is only Jesus. Alpha and Omega is Jehovah.” Once again they will try to avoid this question. Keep pressing them about “When did Jehovah die, and then become alive again?”

No I didn’t, I said Jesus is the “first and the last” in Rev 2:8 and 1:17

10-Stay in Revelation 22 keep on reading to the end, verses 15–21: 15 Outside are the dogs* and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral* and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.’t 16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you about these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of Davidu and the bright morning star.’”v 17 And the spirit and the bridew keep on saying, “Come!” and let anyone hearing say, “Come!” and let anyone thirsting come;x let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.y 18 “I am bearing witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things,z God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll;a 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of lifeb and out of the holy city,c things that are written about in this scroll. 20 “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’”d“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” 21 May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones.


11-Ask them about verse 13 “I am Alpha and Omega” and verse 16 “I, Jesus, sent an angel to bear witness to you”. Who sent this message to John, delivered by an angel? Jehovah or Jesus sent it? Then look at verses 12 and 20 and ask them “Who is coming quickly? Jehovah or Lord Jesus?” Then go to verse 17 and ask them “If the Holy Spirit is just the power of God and not an entity, how can it speak? And how can it be with the bride (believers)?” They will keep on dodging and avoiding your questions.

No dodging this is quite funny.

Notice the words “I, Jesus”? If this to you means the same speaker continues talking then does that mean that “I, John” in revelation 1:8,9 is still John speaking? In other words, is it truly your position that John is the “Alpha and Omega” of verse 8?

Are you picking and choosing speakers to suit your theology? Really, it’s John who utters the entire book of Revelation anyway.

After they dodge around enough go to Revelation 22 verse 18. Ask them if they are guilty of adding and taking away any words on the prophecies of this scroll. Ask if they fear God’s plagues and losing the tree of life.


12-You can ask them to leave at this point. You’ve done your part and hopefully God will be merciful to these Jehovah’s Witness.

Not guilty of adding words or taking away words, even your strawman conversation above doesn’t seem to accuse us of that. You are guilty of applying words to certain individuals where no such applications can be made with any certainty.


Conclusion (all from NWT):

A:Jehovah God calls himself Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 1:8)

True

B:Jesus calls himself the First and the Last, one who died but is living forever more. (Revelation 1:17–18)

True

C: Jesus calls himself the the First and the Last, who became dead and came to life again. (Revelation 2:8)

True

D:Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13)

Incorrect! John isn’t the Alpha and Omega either…

Extra notes (These require reading Greek from the Interlinear bible):

Greek, Hebrew, Transliterated, English, Strong's

13-Go to NWT Revelation 22:8-9. Read: 8 Well I, John, was the one hearing and seeing these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing me these things. 9 But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers the prophets and of those observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.”n


14- Then go to NWT John 20:28–29. Read: 28 In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!”y 29 Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”z

Jesus is theos, so why can’t Thomas call him that?

15- Ask the JW why Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas when Thomas called Jesus capital God, as in Jehovah God, when the angel did. Their answer: The God here means “a god”, not Jehovah God. Tell them that they cannot claim that, because their own NWT used capital G. If they cannot even trust what their own NWT wrote, they got nothing to stand on.


Or they will say “Thomas say to Jesus my Lord, and then look to heaven and say my God”. No worries. Go to the interlinear bible and read: “The Lord of me and the God of me!” Ask them why is the word “and” in the Interlinear Greek. And if “and” is there, how can JW claim that these two things were said separately.

More strawmen… What are you talking about “capital God”? The Greek says theos which has a variety of meanings. You select Almighty God… Why???

This verse doesn’t use “Almighty” or “Jehovah” anywhere, just theos. The God of Me! Thomas looked to Jesus as the God of him, I do the same. If Jesus were to stand before me I would say the same thing.

Why did you imply the words “Almighty” and “Jehovah” were in this text?

16- Read John 1:1 in NWT: 1 In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God,b and the Word was a god.c

17-Ask them why it says “And the Word was a God” Their Answer: No article, so small g in Greek.

Incorrect again… There’s an appendix in the NWT that explains the translation and no, their argument isn’t “no article so small g”! More mis-representation!

Then read John 1:6, 12 and 13. 6 There came a man who was sent as a representative of God; his name was John.h ……. 12 However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children,p because they were exercising faith in his name.q 13 And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.r


Also read John 13:3: 3 So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God,f


18-Ask them why in verses 6, 12, 13 and John 13:3 they are translated as “God”, but in John 1:1 it is “a god”, when none of them have an article before the word “God”. Show them in the interlinear Greek. Once again they will dodge the question. Point here is that JW is inconsistent with their own translation. The JW’s NWT don’t even follow their own “No article, so small g in Greek” rule throughout.

Because if you translate John 1:1 as “was God” you make him the same as the “with God”. So your translation says that the Word is the Father! Or the Word is the Trinity!

Regards

 

[drstevej]

I usually preempt their spiel and ask consider me an idolater for worshiping Jesus. (Since they deny that He is God, they consistently must answer yes). I tell them I won't be offended if they say yes to this question.

Once they answer yes, I ask them why Jesus didn't correct Thomas (Jn 20:28) when he addresses Jesus as My Lord and My God?

Makes for a good discussion but usually the JWs are ready to move on to the next house rather than answer the questions.

 

[Ratiocination]

I usually preempt their spiel and ask consider me an idolater for worshiping Jesus. (Since they deny that He is God, they consistently must answer yes). I tell them I won't be offended if they say yes to this question.

Once they answer yes, I ask them why Jesus didn't correct Thomas (Jn 20:28) when he addresses Jesus as My Lord and My God?

Makes for a good discussion but usually the JWs are ready to move on to the next house rather than answer the questions.

Why do you equivocate between someone calling Jesus "theos" and someone worshipping Jesus as the Sovereign Lord Jehovah?

 

[drstevej]

Why do you equivocate between someone calling Jesus "theos" and someone worshipping Jesus as the Sovereign Lord Jehovah?

Do you consider me an idolater for worshiping Jesus?

 

[Ratiocination]

Do you consider me an idolater for worshiping Jesus?

Depends what YOU mean by the term "worship", and if you go beyond the kind of Worship given to Jesus as laid out in the scriptures.

And, you didn't answer my question which was;

Why do you equivocate between someone calling Jesus "theos" and someone worshipping Jesus as the Sovereign Lord Jehovah?

 

[ViaCrucis]

Depends what YOU mean by the term "worship", and if you go beyond the kind of Worship given to Jesus as laid out in the scriptures.

We mean "worship" as in He is truly, actually, really God, in the same way that His Father is truly, actually, really God. The Son is homoousios with the Father.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Ratiocination]

We mean "worship" as in He is truly, actually, really God, in the same way that His Father is truly, actually, really God. The Son is homoousios with the Father.

-CryptoLutheran

Then no! I'm with Jesus on this one, he directed all of THAT KIND of worship to the Father...
Mark 12:30