My aunt is a Jehovah’s Witness. She’d always have copies of the Watchtower sitting out when we came to visit.

Very nice and friendly woman. I am continually amazed at the sheer amount of time and devotion she puts into her religious obligations (often puts me to shame).

I always felt an affectionate regard for the JWs in Japan (you could always spot them by the sun umbrellas). Most (but not all) missionaries I served with felt similarly.

Ek verstand. Ek hoep uns sall moet.

B Bell, to answer your questions:
- Does Belgium still have a list of official cults? Absolutely. It’s an infamous list, very slovenly made in 1997, including many respectable groups, and even associations, like the YMCA. The Belgium Parliament, which used to have a very tolerant and open attitude towards minority religions, has not only ridiculed itself with its “cult investigation”, but continues to show incompetence and incoherence in dealing with minority religions.

- How close is Flemish to Afrikaans? Flemish is the same language as Dutch (as one would say that American English and British English are the same language — with some differences in pronunciation and choice of some words). Afrikaans is derived from Dutch and differs to a larger extent, but we do understand each other pretty well once we get used to some typical differences. There is an active cultural entente between Flemish, Dutch and Afrikaans.

We’ve had Jehovah Witnesses come by our home occasionally, or we’ve encountered them while walking or riding a bus. I always take their magazine, talk for a while, and try to show some interest. (Actually, I try to do that with all proselytizers, such as the Baptists who came to our door a few nights ago, bearing a pecan pie and an invitation that we come out to church with them.) It’s not always easy, and I don’t always live up to my better intentions (so much depends on the proselytizer; some don’t react well to friendly interest combined with polite rejection, seeming to prefer the martyred feeling of having another door slam in their face). But basically, I want to honor anyone who is out doing a good thing–preaching religion and moral values–and treat them as I wish all our missionaries were treated.