Is the WTS stopping Scripture classes globally, or just Australia?

by jwfacts 22 Replies latest watchtower scandals

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  Arthur

  I have never heard of such classes here in the U.S. Where were these classes held at in Australia? Public schools, or the Kingdom Halls? The closest thing to this that I have been aware of were a couple of private schools that had been incorporated for JW children - but were totally funded privately.

  I know that not too long ago here in the U.S., there was a lot of fury over a number of people in Congress attempting to provide school vouchers for private Christian schools. Here in the U.S. there is very low tolerance for the federal or state governments' attempts to provide the slightest endorsement or funding for anything even remotely religious.
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  barry

  Scripture classes are held in public schools in Australia. The kids go to classes run by their particular religion Catholic , Cof E and usually when I was at school the JW kids would be in the playground because no one would show from the WT.
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  barry

  Scripture classes are held in public schools in Australia. The kids go to classes run by their particular religion Catholic , Cof E and usually when I was at school the JW kids would be in the playground because no one would show from the WT.
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  Bryan

  JWs should have the easiest time finding teachers, as pioneers generally look for any excuse to get out of going door to door

  You can't sell mags for the Tower if your teachin g children!
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  ozziepost

  Cof E

  It's "Anglican" !
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  barry

  Thanks Ozzie for all the corrections. Sorry for th edouble post must of hit the button twice
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  cognizant dissident

  There has never been any scripture classes in Canada since I started school in the 60's. By the early 70's, even morning Bible reading had been outlawed. Separation of church and state to a much greater degree in Canada than in the US. You would have to attend private religious school here to get any such classes. I didn't even realize other "Christian" countries had such classes in their public schools.

  Cog
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  sass_my_frass

  It is a very strange decision. In WA the scripture classes were only run because the other kids in the school were doing 'scripture' (run by the local pastor) and the JW parents wanted to get their kids out of it. I guess the JW kids will just play with crayons during that time now?

  You know my cynical side is saying that they're protecting themselves from future abuse claims; 'I was abused in scripture class'. That's the only incentive I can think of for them.
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  Inquisitor
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  ozziepost

  You know my cynical side is saying that they're protecting themselves from future abuse claims; 'I was abused in scripture class'. That's the only incentive I can think of for them.

  Possibly, but I think there's a simpler explanation -- they just can't be bothered!

  From what I recall of conversations with Service Department about this some years ago, there was a recognition that BOE were rather lethargic about getting scripture teachers assoigned. More than that, BOE were tardy at even promoting it. My gut feeling is that the Branch came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth the effort.

  Then we know that they would also have confronted the issue of child protection. All persons in Australia having any contact with children in their work, both paid and unpaid, must comply with the Child Protection Act. This means that scripture teachers would have to undergo special training and to comply would have to attend a course. Other churches have written their courses and have trained their people but who in the Australia Branch could be bothered writing such a course? Just too hard for them!

  In the church I attend, there was no shortage of enthusiastic volunteers to be trained - we have a around 3 dozen people trained now, including people who teach scripture, people who mind kinds at creche and so on. Makes you wonder why those "Babylon the Great" people have more of a heart for the children's coming to know God than the Australian dubs do, eh?