This whole conversation makes me so proud to be a Christian. Jesus was persecuted and killed on display. Persecuted like Muslims, Wiccans, as are some athiests and agnostics and people of all religions like Quakers, Amish and Mennonite.
America was founded on a concept of religious freedom- they fled from persecution elsewhere to find a land where they could live and worship w/o fear. I applaud anyone who shared their intellectual convictions with others, even in the face of violence, rudeness, or apathy
As for ‘sales calls’, what they getting out of it? They make no money from missions, some JW’s even travel and forfeit their families, friends and entire life for the term of their mission. The only reward they receive, as far as I know, is the satisfaction of following the Lord’s mission statement. To spread the good word of God’s love to people who may not have had the opportunity to hear the name of God ever in their lifetime.
I have witnessed miracles, I have had God help me out so many times in my life…sheer dumb luck couldn’t have done these things. Yeah, I don’t go to church, and I don’t hang out much with other Christians, I drink some alcohol, and I smoke cigarettes- hey I’m not perfect in any way, but I still love my Lord and am a pretty good person. So cut us unperfect Christians some slack please.