All of us have encountered well-groomed Jehovah’s Witnesses dropping by on a Saturday morning, Awake! magazines in hand, and smiles on their faces. Most of us also know too well how easily we can fall into a discussion with them which seems to go nowhere, or more accurately, everywhere. To the inexperienced Christian, these can be the most frustrating and humiliating of times. Frustrating, because the clear-cut reasoning of Christianity is bombarded by a barrage of illogic that we can’t keep up with. Humiliating, because the faith we hold so dear, we cannot defend well, if at all.

The following is an introduction into the mind of the Witness. What makes him tick? How can the Watchtower get away with all their contradictions and changes? How can we have a meaningful dialogue with a JW? How can we fight back, in love?

What you won’t read in this booklet are scripture by scripture volleys to be launched back at the JW. What you will discover here are the psychological/spiritual manuevers and strategies one can use to reach out to a JW, take control of the situation, and, God willing, cause that person to think independently for the first time in a long time—allowing the JW to see the Truth that will free him.

If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now: But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge of light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth can never contradict a former truth. "New light" never extinguishes older "light," but adds to it. If you were lighting up a building containing seven gas jets you would not extinguish one every time you lighted another, but would add one light to another and they would be in harmony and thus give increase in light: So it is with the light of truth; the true increase is by adding to, not by substituting one for another. [Watchtower Reprints, Feb 1881.]

Should we accept such excuses today? If someone gives false light, isn’t that one a false prophet? If it were true light, there would be no need to replace it with a new light. God does not make mistakes when He guides His people.
Since the Watchtower makes mistakes, they have no right to say that God requires us to rely upon them to know the truth. Truth comes from Jesus (Jn 14:6), not from the Watchtower.

And there’s more to add to the confusion: They claim to be spirit anointed; they claim "holy spirit" is the means by which messages from God are received. However, the Watchtower "does not claim to be an inspired prophet." ??? We agree the Watchtower are not inspired prophets, but an uninspired "prophet" is also a false prophet. It is misleading to claim that because they are uninspired that they, therefore, are not false prophets, even when they set dates for events that do not come to pass—especially when at the same time they claim they were being guided "in the minutest detail."
This is simply impossible for them to answer to, and the reader can begin to sense the labyrinth of confusion and contradiction the Watchtower has built. Imagine living a life in which one must believe the following:

The Watchtower makes mistakes but we must obey them because they are guided by Jehovah in the minutest detail. They are Jehovah’s prophet. Many of the things they have predicted have not come to pass, but because they did not claim to be inspired, they are not false prophets. They have been mistaken many times, but it is only through them that we can know the truth. They have given light that was false but we must trust them, even if they are wrong, because now they say they have new light.

How can the Watchtower possibly stand against this illogic and survive? How can they possibly hold on to their followers, the tens of thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses out there?

The Watchtower Solution
Having no other alternative, they have chosen, like the proverbial groundhog that sees its shadow, to hunker down in their bunker, shut the light out, and wait for things to change outside. So, they forbid their followers to talk to ex-Witnesses or to read anything that exposes them—especially anything from their previous publications that conflicts with the present materials.
They have devised tricky answers for use when they cannot avoid facing the questions. They have even gone so far as to set up special training sessions on how to respond to information being made available by "apostates." What sort of defense do they use?

The Watchtower Defense
First: They attack the credibility of those providing the information. They accuse them of being "opposers of the truth" or "apostates" or of being hateful because they were rejected for their immoral behavior. They also accuse them of distorting the record and of dishonesty.
Second: They picture themselves as poor, honest, loyal servants of Jehovah who want only good for everyone, who are being persecuted by those nasty and spiteful followers of Satan (especially the "clergy of Christendom.") "Why listen to our enemies? Let us tell you what we believe and you judge for yourself."
Third: Most importantly, they divert the issue, do not discuss the problem, and refuse to look at the information provided—even if it is directly copied from their own literature. Their reply is often, "We will discuss the Bible, but Jehovah tells us we are not to be involved in fruitless controversy. We are glad to tell you what we believe but we will not listen to the distorted accusations of apostates."
Then how are we, as Christians, suppose to dialogue with Witnesses? How can we begin to penetrate the impenetrable barriors they have built around themselves?

Tips For Studying With JWs
The following are some general guidelines for studying with Witnesses. They are not intended as absolutes. Different situations may require adjustments. However, they contain many simple but effective tools to break down their support system.

* Do not carry on a study at the door.
Talk with them just long enough to arouse their interest and then set up a specific time for them to come back. If they drop in at other times, decline to stop and talk. They like to just drop in whenever they are in the neighborhood. That is nice for them but it catches you unprepared and they are committed to nothing. Just when you are beginning to make a point they will suddenly excuse themselves and say that they must get going. Setting up a specific time takes the advantage away from them and allows you an opportunity to be fully prepared and psychologically ready—perhaps even with someone to help you.
To get them to study, try this: When they come to the door with their literature and their prepared message, look at them suspiciously and say, "Aren’t you from the Watchtower?" Then, after their response say, "I don’t think I would be interested. I understand you do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus." They will say, "Oh, we believe in the resurrection."
[Note: The word "resurrection" means "to raise up again." They twist the meaning of words and do not believe in the Resurrection described in the Bible. They believe when Jesus died His body turned into gases and He ceased to exist for three days, after which Jehovah recreated Him from His memory. After that Jesus created bodies that looked like His "original" in which to make appearances. To them, the body destroyed by his murderers will never be raised up.]
Then you might say, "You believe the crucified body of Jesus was raised?" Here they are stuck. When they try to explain that His body was not raised, you might ask, "Did He not show the prints of the nails in His hands?"
This approach immediately launches into a discussion of a subject which is clear and easily handled. Always try to get going on the ground you can best control. If they won’t believe in the resurrection of the body of Jesus, they won’t believe anything.
However, do not continue the discussion at the door. Tell them you would like to hear their views but you do not feel you should take the time now to discuss it further. Suggest that they come back at some later time.

* Get their phone number and address.
This gives you some control. You can contact them either to change plans or ask questions. You might call in between times to speak personally without another Witness being present. You can also use it to follow up even after the person starts coming. For example, you might call and say, "I ran into a question on this and wondered if you might get the information for me?"
Likewise, at some point get their address. This makes it possible to send information to their home, usually with a question you would hope they could check. This can be between studies or long after the study has ended. Since no one is watching and they are trying to help you, they are less likely to throw this away.

* Even the odds.
They try to work out a situation in which they have all the advantages in their favor. Cutting down their favored position is especially important if it is someone close whom you wish to win. For example, imagine a situation in which a nonJW man has a JW girlfriend or wife. They often try to get the JW girlfriend or wife to insist that the man study with someone else. This keeps her from hearing what is said and puts all the pressure on the fellow.
Respond firmly with a bargain. First, the man may refuse studying with someone else, telling her to get the information from the Witnesses and to go over it with him alone.
If she will not do that, he may agree to study with one other person if she is present. Any time she is not present he should refuse to hold the discussion.
An even better alternative is that if she will study with him and someone competent to represent his side, he will study with her and someone representing the Watchtower. In all cases, stress unwillingness to have an unfair situation and the need to fully know the facts on both sides before joining any group.
If possible, it is best to study with one person only. This begins to break down their support system and psychological numbers advantage. Also, the Witness doing the study will feel more open to talk without someone present who might report him for expressing an honest doubt. Just tell them you do not feel that group discussions get very far and you would only be comfortable in a situation where it is equal. However, this may not be best in a man-woman situation so you might even the odds by having some capable person be there with you, just as they do.

* Be prepared.
Do not play "Lone Ranger" against the Watchtower. They are experts at trapping dumb sheep. Be sure to have good books available and contacts with competent advisors to help with questions they raise. It is just as fair for you as for them. Be sure you know what you are doing.

* Plan for and insist upon discussion of a subject upon which you are well-prepared.
You should be prepared on the Trinity because that is the main subject they push, and eventually it must be dealt with. However, some issues which are more clear are better for getting started; if they will not be convinced on something simple like the resurrection of Christ’s body or the personality of the Holy Spirit, they will not be convinced of the Trinity. Just as Abraham told the rich man, "If they will not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they hear someone who goes to them from the dead."
The Watchtower trains them to go for the Trinity because it is difficult. God Himself said that His ways are higher than our ways as the heavens are higher than the earth, and much can be beyond reason. The Watchtower exploits this problem by scoffing and trying to make it appear that we are incapable of answering their questions because what we believe is "unreasonable." They work like a smart raccoon confronted by a dog. If possible, it backs into deep water and when the dog follows, it gets the dog in over its head and drowns him. Always keep your feet on solid ground (Ps 40:2; Mt 7:24)
To quickly prepare to discuss a topic without being able to remember the scriptures, put chain references of scriptures on Post-It notes in your Bible or write them in the margins.

* Make it clear that you intend to study the Bible, not some man’s book.
They like to "bait and switch." They make it appear that it will be a Bible study, but then switch it to a study of their books. This gives them all the advantage. Their books tell them what to think.
If you get them off of their prepared message, and in a position where they cannot rely on their own books, they usually prove to be somewhat ignorant of the scriptures. Because of this they are taught not to do any "independent thinking." Your best approach is to get them into the Bible itself. What they need most is to reason from, and understand, the scriptures.
The Watchtower takes Bible passages out of their context and puts them into their books with a different slant. They include faulty human reasoning, twisting of words, and a method of reading and answering questions that acts as a brainwashing tactic. The Bible is used only as a reference to make it appear that their books are reliable. They have even called their books "the Bible in an arranged form" and taught that it would be better to read their books without reading the Bible than to read the Bible without reading their books.
If they offer you a book, you might take it and read it for yourself. Since they claim it is free, give them no money. Do not contribute to an organization that you do not support. If it is not free, then decline it.
Another way is to offer to trade them their materials for some publication of yours. They probably would not do that, however.
Better yet, pick out something in a book of yours and offer to loan it in exchange for them reading it and later exchanging questions. This forces them to read the other side rather than just discarding it.

* While insisting on sound and fair ground rules, assume the position of learner.
Approach things from the standpoint of those at Berea (Acts 17:11). You want to be sure you have the truth but because there are many false teachers in the world you must "search the scriptures to see if these things are so." It could be pointed out that in this passage the Bereans were commended because they wouldn’t take anyone’s word for something—not even those of Paul, a teacher with great authority. Ask questions to bring out facts rather than make assertions. Provide evidence and firmly press for sound answers, not just Watchtower "explanations."
Remember the biggest problem for the Watchtower is keeping their people from "independent thinking." When you provide evidence and ask questions they are forced to think. Do not be concerned over whether they will admit what you are saying is true.
They cover up well. They are taught not to let anyone know if there is a problem. They are to "trust the faithful and wise servant."
One of the best indications that they are having a problem is their attempt to change the subject or to jump to a different scripture. Stay on the topic as long as you reasonably can. Give the information to them and pray. Let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.
Whenever possible, maximize the impact of the problems with the Watchtower explanations. Do a little soul-searching with them. When they give you an answer that is obviously weak, such as denying that Jesus would raise His body (Jn 2:19), look puzzled and restate their answer in your own words expressing the difficulty. For example, on John 2:19:

"Are you saying that Jesus did not raise His body that they destroyed?"
"Why would it say He would if He did not?"
"Why did He show them a fake?"
"Do you believe Jesus was wrong?"
"Doesn’t it sound like He raised what they destroyed?"
"Is it reasonable that He would deceive them?"
"I have a real difficulty seeing that."

Repeatedly ask questions in different ways in a socratic fashion to make them think the problem through but present it as something you are having a hard time understanding or accepting. It is very hard to cover up weaknesses under heavy questioning.

* Tape-record sessions with their knowledge.
This makes it possible for you to review the material and recall just what was said. If they object, tell them to bring a tape and you will provide a copy for them, too. This further asserts your control of the situation and helps in recall and rethinking for the next session.
Whether they allow you to tape-record the study or not, take notes. A record for you of what took place is wise for the obvious reason that you can always refer back to it during the study or after they have gone. It also shows you are genuinely interested.

* Firmly insist on using your Bible as authority.
Let them read from their Bible but you should read from your own Bible. The Watchtower not only tries to divert you into studying their books, they will even try to get you to use their Bible. It is in your best interest to know as much as possible about conflicting areas and be able to raise questions about the translation. Where there are conflicts, let their translation be under question. This is a serious obstacle for them.

* Distinguish between the Watchtower and the person you are trying to persuade.
Remember the Witness is only a victim. Do not say to him, "You teach this." Refer to the Watchtower in the third person as the one that is propagating the teaching.
However, if the person you are addressing is representing the Watchtower in trying to control a third person, they can be addressed as responsible for teaching the error. Use an accusing approach only when trying to free a victim from their control.

* Firmly keep them on the subject and point of discussion.
Whenever the going gets tough, they get going. They jump from passage to passage leading you in a merry game of "chase the rabbit." This confuses the issue and keeps them from having to confront the facts.
Say, "Wait a minute. I need this explained before going to something else." Have them write down any questions so they can be answered later.

* Insist that all scriptures be read in context.
They like to take passages out of context. Ask them to turn to the passage with you and have them read it with the context to get the full picture.

* If studying at someone else’s house, come early and stay late.
This provides an opportunity to be prepared and to develop a relationship with the host. It also prevents the Witnesses from being able to exert extra influence.


Introducing the Issue ofWatchtower Reliability
The whole Watchtower system stands or falls on Watchtower reliability. If they are guided by Jehovah "in the minutest details," they must be obeyed. If they are unreliable, they are false prophets which must be rejected (Dt 18:20-22). Since everything they do is aimed at increasing the dependency of their followers, the key to freeing JWs is to bring them to realize the Watchtower is not reliable.
To avoid facing this, the Watchtower trains them to break things off if its reliability is challenged. Trying to begin by posing this as an issue will usually abort the discussion. Therefore, unless there is someone present who must be warned very directly, it is best left aside to be brought up later.
When ready to focus on the Watchtower, begin by saying something like, "I have a problem that has been bothering me. Will you please turn with me to Deuteronomy 18:20-22 and read it?" After they read it say, "I have heard that Watchtower leaders claim they are a prophet and have several time set dates for things to come to pass and they have not. Is this true?"
If they deny it, do not press it further. At your nest session bring some photocopies from their books showing the facts. Tell them you checked and ask them to explain the information.
If they admit it, they will usually run through some of their "explanation." They will tell you they do not claim to be "inspired." They will claim they keep getting "new light." They may try to make it look as if they are "honest" enough to admit their errors—"Other churches also make mistakes but often will not admit to them." Most often they will try to make it appear that this does not really bother them at all.
They may also ask you where you got your information and even accuse you of getting your information from apostates. This will give them an excuse to dodge out of the discussion as a persecuting attack. All you can do is keep pointing to the fact that this information is from their own books. The books can be obtained from many different libraries. If the Watchtower printed it as their teachings, they must be held accountable for it.
They may try to use, as their programmed response, that they are willing to discuss the Bible but not accusations of apostates. The answer to this is simple: 1) The Bible warns against false prophets; 2) You are raising the question of how you can know whether they are true or false prophets; 3) Isn’t that what the Bible teaches to do?
Ask them how one can know what the truth is. The Watchtower says one thing and others say something different. How can one know the Watchtower’s explanations are correct?
They may also try to make the Watchtower look good by putting down everyone else with bogus logic. If they talk about how fast they are growing, how big they are, their moral standards, or how many homes they visit, compare them with others who make the same claims (such as the Mormons). If they talk about how many books they publish, ask them where in the Bible it says that the number of books published is a test of truth. All of these characteristics skirt the issue, namely: Does the Watchtower represent the truth of God?

Finally, pray for them. God gives the increase. (I Cor 3:6)

A. Ralph Johnson


© Jehovah’s Christian Witness. Reprinted (by permission) from an article in Sound Witness, Feb & Mar 1993, (Vol. 9, Nos. 3 & 4). Jehovah’s Christian Witness, PO Box 861, Lynnwood, WA 98046

Sword & Spirit Ministries
P.O. Box 712 • Murrieta, CA 92564

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