Knock Knock At The Door: Ladoos or Missionaries?
As I was exiting the parking lot of a major grocery store in a heavily concentrated Punjabi area the other day, I saw in my rear-view mirror a woman wearing a salwar-kaamez and holding a Bible with two Indian boys dressed in their “Sunday best” and carrying leather book bags, while they approached a man with a friendly smile. How surprised was I to see a Jehovah’s Witness woman wearing Punjabi clothing while she and these two boys proselytized in this Punjabi-concentrated area.
A few weeks prior, a friend of mine who lives in this same area, shared with me the story of how her family was confused to find a Punjabi couple at their front door delivering the message of God as Jehovah’s Witnesses. She told me that after hearing the door bell she ran to the door and peeped out the window and saw a man wearing a coat-pant and a woman wearing a salwar-kameez. Instantly, she knew they were Jehovah’s Witnesses because of the Bible they were holding and the other paraphernalia in their hands. My friend hollered to her dad that there was an Auntie and Uncle ringing the door-bell, but they looked like Jehovah’s Witnesses so she wasn’t going to answer the door. However, her dad responded rightfully so, “ekaan thaa teekh nahi laghdhaa … ladoo na dhaan ai hon” (that doesn’t look right they might be here to give ladoos).
My friend thought twice and tried to convince her dad that no, it’s wasn’t just a Punjabi couple delivering ladoos, but Jehovah’s Witnesses targeting the Punjabi community. Also, who would deliver ladoos in a coat-pant! While her dad remained unconvinced she and her mom opened the door. Immediately the woman started speaking in Punjabi and “spreading God’s word”, while my friend and her mom tried to refute by reminding her that they were a Sikh family. However, the woman in the salwaar-kamaez continued with her spiel and their interaction ended after about ten minutes. After this encounter, one question frustratingly remained with my friend that she was unable to answer as a Sikh when asked by the Punjabi-speaking Jehovah’s Witness woman, “How as a Sikh do you think the world was created?” My friend told me that she had no answer. She knew about Sikh history, but had no clue what Sikhi’s stance was on this issue.
I am sure there are other young Sikhs who have encountered similar interactions with “missionaries” who question their faith. I know as a teenager when I was asked questions about Sikhi’s stance on being “saved” along with heaven and hell, I did not always have a concrete answer for evangelistic Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses; but still had tremendous faith in Sikhi. I left those conversations frustrated with not having a concrete response to defend my faith. I also think about similar encounters my parents and other Aunties and Uncles have had in their workplaces or just going to the grocery store. With the addition of Punjabi speaking and suit-wearing “missionaries”, I wonder as a Sikh community how we plan to respond.
How do you think we should respond? What have your experiences been like with missionaries?
70 Responses to “Knock Knock At The Door: Ladoos or Missionaries?”
kprincess: I think I have been clear that I question things throughout my discussions.
I liked the way you have articulated yourself in the last post, but again, I fail to see how there is "NO contradiction in saying all books are true" but then "disagreeing w/ certain practices that those books preach" because truth must be absolute – otherwise it is a lie. A book from God cannot be mixed with lies, because he is the source of truth. I cannot erase that fact.
Nonetheless, it has been a pleasure being on the boards with you. And I am glad to hear that you are open-minded – a bit more than sizzle. But all the same to you too sizzle. Thanks for the ride.
kprincess: I think I have been clear that I question things throughout my discussions.
I liked the way you have articulated yourself in the last post, but again, I fail to see how there is “NO contradiction in saying all books are true” but then “disagreeing w/ certain practices that those books preach” because truth must be absolute – otherwise it is a lie. A book from God cannot be mixed with lies, because he is the source of truth. I cannot erase that fact.
Nonetheless, it has been a pleasure being on the boards with you. And I am glad to hear that you are open-minded – a bit more than sizzle. But all the same to you too sizzle. Thanks for the ride.
You probably heard it before, but life is full of contradictions, it's mostly gray – there's very little white & black. Even facts change overtime. Just because something contradicts doesn't necessary mean it completely negates the other.
I hope you find the truth you're looking for and still stay open minded about the truth that others might believe in.
I also thank you for the discussion. I would continue if I had more time.
You probably heard it before, but life is full of contradictions, it’s mostly gray – there’s very little white & black. Even facts change overtime. Just because something contradicts doesn’t necessary mean it completely negates the other.
I hope you find the truth you’re looking for and still stay open minded about the truth that others might believe in.
I also thank you for the discussion. I would continue if I had more time.
I honestly think they're REALLY annoying coming around and trying to convert people but wearing traditional clothes.
btw in the Sikh religion we believe that GOD created us and the world, and we believe in God through the teachings of the 10 Gurus
The truth is in the Bible. Does it not make you wonder or think as to why you believe in Sikhism if you cannot answer such simple questions as you were asked by Jehovah's Witnesses? My husband is Punjabi Sikh and his beliefs differ to mine and when I question anything he has no answer/s. The Bible tells us of Gods personal name, how the earth and it's contents were created and His purpose. All answers are contained in the Bible and only those witnesses of God who's name is Jehovah provide the best understanding of God. The Bible is the most magnificent history book ever written, all prophecy has been and is still being prophesied. Next time open the door with open heart and open mind, the answers are there for you, it is time to know the truth! Or you can visit http://www.jw.org and read from an abundance of logical and reliable information, even request a home visit Bible study.
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That’s such an incredibly thoughtful and kind thing to do. Thanks for sharing, Shilpa.
Such posts and such initiatives really make us believe in the spirit of being human again, after all the nasty things we read and witness via the news and social media.Doors