I just had a 20 minute discussion on the doorstep with 2 Jehovah witnesses.......

[ladytophamhatt]

and came away feeling quite proud of myself.

Basically, I believe what I believe, I don't fit into any peigeon hole of religion and we discussed this. I was able to answer all of her JV questions/quotes with a proper rational answer from my own "made up" LTH religion.

She thanked me for taking the time to talk to them (and for not shutting the door on them) and tbh it was quite a nice chat

Not sure why I'm telling you this, just thought I owuld.

Hypnotherapy? what's that about then?

Some Jehovah's Witnesses came to my gate once when I was gardening. I felt sheepish about being covered in soil, but one of them just said 'I see you have God's good earth on your hands.'

That sounded so wonderful. A joyful sentiment that endorsed the world with all its sensuality instead of condeming it.

It was one of the little things that have made me regret my atheism -- though without changing it.

I do love a chat with the J Dubs. But then a degree in religious studies, a thorough knowledge of Leviticus and an evil imagination do help.

I find most of them to be pleasant folk, though a little irrational in their thought processes. A year or so one of them knocked on my door and asked me if I believed in God. "No" I replied "I'm a died int he wool atheist" He laughed and took it the way I meant it, not as an insult to him but as a bit of a challenge.

I do find though that many of them have shockingly poor biblical knowledge (though to be fair they have their own version) and an even poorer grasp of basic science.

Threadworm, I agree, that is a really pleasant thing to say.

Solo, lots of religions are anti-hypnotherapy. I think they believe it opens doors, and negative energy can come through.
I've done all the research I can, but I still really don't know WHY, ie) has there been an actual case of stuff happening?
They all just flee when I mention it!

I was a jw for 12 years, i am so glad i don't have to knock on peoples doors now i used to hate it!

They were knocking on the doors on our estate the other week. Not to be cruel but they are like a swarm of unwanted bees, all of a sudden your street goes quiet and nobody is home, they all hide. It's like watching something out of a movie.

I don't mind talking to them as long as they're not too pushy. The first time they came round it was two women, they were lovely and seemed to show me respect for what I believe. Where as the other day it was two men and they were really pushy. Almost to the point of being quite aggressive. I had dd on my hip and I was running 10 minutes late for a baby group. I had the front door open with the pram outside ready to sit dd in when they rang the bell, when I told them I was an atheist they looked really angry and started getting quite confrontational about God and thrusting leaflets at me! It just got my back up a bit as it was clear I needed to leave and I thought they were being very rude.

The best debates to have with them are over science.

purpleduck jws avoid things like hypnotherapy, meditation all that sort of stuff. I was told it was because when you 'empty' your mind like that it leaves a window for the demons to get through.

dibdods your right that is why

Ah, I'm mellowing on them as I get older, they're fun.

Also I can always offer to swap them either a) Buddhist tracts (dh) or b) anything by Dawkins (me) for a WT if they overstay their welcome.

I'm always a bit puzzled by people who thoroughly object to them yet feel they can't ask them to leave, because it's rude...