Helping Those Who Do Not Believe in God or Who Lack Trust or Confidence in the Bible
1. What challenge may we face in the ministry?
1 In order for someone to become a worshipper of Jehovah, he must learn what the Bible teaches. However, some belong to a non-Christian religion and do not consider the Bible to be God’s Word. Others do not believe in God at all and lack respect for the Bible. What can you say to those who are not initially inclined to accept Bible Teach—On DVD?
2. If someone tells us that he does not believe in God, what should we try to find out, and why?
2 Those Who Do Not Believe in God: If someone says that he does not believe in God, it is beneficial to find out why. Is it because he believes in evolution? Has he lost faith in God because of the injustice in the world or the hypocrisy in religion? Is he from a land that suppressed belief in God? Perhaps he does not adamantly deny God’s existence, but he has never felt the need to believe in Him. Many publishers find that asking, “Why is it that you feel that way?” prompts the person to explain. Listen and do not interrupt. When we understand why the person does not believe in God, we will know how to reply and which publication to offer.—Prov. 18:13.
3. How can we demonstrate respect for the person and his beliefs?
3 When replying, take care to avoid making the person feel that you are attacking his viewpoint. This suggestion came from the United States: “It is very important to respect the personal freedom of individuals to decide what they believe. Rather than seeking to win arguments, it is best to pose questions that make people think and reach their own conclusions.”
4. How may we help those who do not yet understand the concept of God?
4 If the concept of God is foreign, it may be effective to discuss Good News—On DVD, chapter 2, paragraphs 2 and 3. You may be able to start a Bible study by telling the householder, “Even if you do not believe in God, studying the Bible is beneficial because it contains much practical guidance.” A pioneer in the United States who is serving in the Chinese field said: “Many may not understand the concept of a Bible study. So I like to offer the Good News brochure on the initial call because it is written in a way that encourages discussion.” A circuit overseer serving in a Chinese-language circuit in the United States reports that it is possible to introduce the Bible Teach book on the initial call. However, it may be better to start the study in chapter 2, which gives an introduction to the Bible, rather than in chapter 1, which discusses God.
5. Why is patience important?
5 It takes time for someone to build faith in God, so patience is vital. Our initial conversations may not prompt a person to agree that a Creator exists. But perhaps in time he will acknowledge that it might be possible, or he might say that he understands why someone could come to that conclusion.
6. Why may some people lack interest in the Bible?
6 Those Who Lack Interest or Confidence in the Bible: Often, however, a person who acknowledges that God may exist is not interested in what the Bible teaches because he does not believe that it is God’s Word. Perhaps he lives in a non-Christian land and associates the Bible with Christendom. Or he may live in a so-called Christian land that is very secular, and he may not think that the Bible will be useful to him. How can we help such ones to develop interest in the Bible and eventually accept a study in Bible Teach—On DVD?
7. What is often a good way to stimulate interest in the Bible?
7 The branch office in Greece wrote: “The best way to help people who lack interest in the Bible is simply to open the Bible and show them what it contains. Many publishers have noticed that the influence of the Bible’s message on a person’s heart is more powerful than anything they personally might say. (Heb. 4:12) Seeing God’s name in the Bible has helped many to develop a desire to peer into the Bible.” The branch office in India wrote: “The truth about life and death really attracts many Hindus—so does the Bible’s promise of a world without caste discrimination.” Alluding to problems of local concern often gives publishers an opportunity to show what the Bible says God’s Kingdom will do to rectify matters.
8. What could we say to those who have a negative view of the Bible because of Christendom?
8 If someone has a negative view of the Bible because of Christendom, let him know that Christendom has misrepresented the Bible and its teachings. The branch office in India wrote: “At times, we need to help individuals see that churches are not the custodians of the Bible.” A pioneer in Brazil tells people: “Why not find out more about the Bible’s contents? Many people are doing this with an open mind, with no obligation to any religious affiliation. You may be surprised by what you learn.” Some have found it helpful to consider Good News—On DVD, chapter 3, paragraphs 1-3.
9. Why should we not give up if someone is not initially interested in what the Bible teaches?
9 Jehovah looks at each person’s heart. (1 Sam. 16:7; Prov. 21:2) He is drawing those with the right heart condition to true worship. (John 6:44) Many such ones were never taught about God or had little exposure to the Bible. Our ministry gives them a chance to “be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) Therefore, if some are not initially interested in what the Bible teaches, do not give up! Eventually, you may be able to lead the discussion to our primary tool for conducting Bible studies, What Does the Bible Really Teach?—On DVD.
If the householder says: “I don’t believe in God,” you might say:
• “May I briefly explain what has convinced me to believe in a Creator?” Then explain and perhaps make arrangements to bring the person a publication that you enjoyed.
• “But if there were a God, how would you like him to be?” Most householders reply that they would be drawn to a God of love, justice, and mercy, one who is impartial. Show him from the Bible that God has such qualities. (It may even be possible to use chapter 1 of Bible Teach—On DVD, starting with paragraph 6.)
If the householder says: “I don’t believe in the Bible,” you might say:
• “Many people share your view. May I show you something that impresses me about the Bible? [Show Bible Teach—On DVD chapter 2, paragraph 8 and draw attention to the scriptural citation of Job 26:7 and Isaiah 40:22, which show that the Bible is scientifically accurate.] The Bible also contains wise sayings to help families. Next time, I would like to show you an example.”
• “Thank you for telling me that. If God did write a book for mankind, what do you think it would contain?” Then show the person something from the Bible that agrees with his comment.