I need electronic copies of anything in the Watchtower or anything else speaking against college and higher education, preferably from the October 15 2005 WT and onward. My bright, intelligent 17-year-old daughter just informed me that she's decided against going to college because of all the garbage her kingdumb hall has told her. Her mother started up going to JW about 4 years ago, and I guess I wasn't watching what they were doing to my daughter closely enough (but then, they don't want you to). My daughter has been accepted at the private college of her choice already--one that she's wanted to attend for years), but her little group has convinced her this is a wrong decision and she should just get a job after high school and not go anywhere that will take her away from her JW "family". The battle will begin, but to fight this I have to know exactly what I'm up against and what exactly she's being told. This is my fight against Helter Skelter, and I would greatly appreciate any resources and guidance.
College problems for daughter
by Stopthem 22 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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momzcrazy
Hi stopthem. Welcome to JWD.
I found alot of info at jwfiles.com. You can also do a Jehovah's Witness search on youtube.com and hear actual talks.
Good luck. I hope you can convince her to go. The world really doesn't need another poor pioneer to help support. My husband and I both were discouraged from going to college, we got married instead. GREAT idea. But it has worked out. Only because of hard work my husband now makes a good living and we have a beautiful home for our 3 kids. Come to think of it though, he only started making good money AFTER he left the Watchtower. Hmmm...interesting.
momzcrazy
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zeroday
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w05 10/1 pp.28-30pars.11-12 Parents—WhatFutureDoYouWantforYourChildren?***
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Then there is the environment. University and college campuses are notorious for bad behavior—drug and alcohol abuse, immorality, cheating, hazing, and the list goes on. Consider alcohol abuse. Reporting on binge drinking, that is, drinking for the sole purpose of getting drunk, NewScientist magazine says: "About 44 per cent of [university students in the United States] binge at least once in a typical two-week period." The same problem is common among young people in Australia, Britain, Russia, and elsewhere. When it comes to sexual immorality, the talk among students today is about "hooking up," which according to a Newsweek report "describes one-time sexual encounters—anything from kissing to intercourse—between acquaintances who’ve no plans to even talk afterward." Studies show that from 60 to 80 percent of students engage in this kind of activity. "If you’re a normal college student," says one researcher, "you do it."—1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9, 10.12
In addition to the bad environment, there is the pressure of schoolwork and examinations. Naturally, students need to study and do their homework to pass the exams. Some may also need to hold at least a part-time job while going to school. All of this takes a great deal of their time and energy. What, then, will be left for spiritual activities? When pressures mount, what will be let go? Will Kingdom interests still come first, or will they be put aside? (Matthew 6:33) The Bible urges Christians: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked." (Ephesians 5:15, 16) How sad that some have fallen away from the faith as a result of succumbing to the demands on their time and energy or of getting entangled in unscriptural conduct at college! -
BrentR
Thanks for posting that! Just this weekend my JW mom tried to tell me the Borg never discouraged college. She tried to tell me it my "choice" to not go back in 83' when I graduated. They would not let me take any of the college prep classes while I was in high school. I still managed to go after I left the cult but I had to pay for dozens of classes that would have been free while I was in high school.
I will be emailing that excerpt to her today.
If anyone else has some quotes I would be very appreciative if you let me know. I will do some searching today.
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oompa
wt-05:
How sad that some have fallen away from the faith as a result of succumbing to the demands on their time and energy or of getting entangled in unscriptural conduct at college! ( or high school, junior high school, grade school, work, kingdom hall parking lot/coatroom/bathroom/library, band camp, roller rink, playground, park, camping trip, concert, football game, vacation, quick build, get together, disco, ...........................................................................................................................................................................................oompa
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BrentR
See if she will watch this youtube video.
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R.Crusoe
Tell her about all the JW s who are wealthy and have well paid jobs so they can do as they please whereas those on low incomes work longer hours for the next 30 years just to pay rent which keeps going up. Remind her how a good job could mean she spends more time in her faith coz it will pat more in the long term. I bet she thinks Armageddon may come whilst she is in college and God will think she turned her bck on him thinking of herself - I guarantee she has been made to feel that way!!! Ask her explain what she thinks God wants her to do, what those at the KH want her to do and what she herself wants to do if she thought God wouldn't care one way or the other. Then ask her to think about her relationship with God. Is it her and Him. Or is it her via WTBTS unique channel to God Almighty? Act like your interested in her beliefs and not disappointed with anything! Because truly you are!
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solidergirl
I suggest you take her to the college and scout out local kingdom halls in that area. If she is real stubborn about it which she will most likely be let her know its important to get some kind of trade. Without some kind of skill she won't be able to make it. Most of the time JWs aspect you to get married and the women will pioneer while the husbands work. Just be patient and not argumental try.
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Justitia Themis
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w999/1pp.16-17Youths—TrainYourPerceptivePowers!***Discernment
inPlanningYourEducation11
The Bible says that it is wise to plan for the future. (Proverbs 21:5) Have you and your parents discussed your future? Perhaps you plan to enter the full-time ministry as a pioneer. Really, no career choice could bring greater satisfaction. If you are cultivating good study habits and developing skills in the ministry, you are preparing for this exciting career. Have you thought about how you will support yourself in the ministry? If, in the future, you choose to raise a family, will you be able to care for that added responsibility? Making balanced, realistic decisions about such things requires the use of perceptive powers.
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In some places it is still possible to get on-the-job training in a useful skill or profession. There are youths who learn the family business or receive training from adult friends who have businesses. Others take courses at school that will be useful in earning a living later. Where such opportunities are not available, after careful thought parents may arrange for their children to receive some supplementary education after high school. Planning ahead in this way so as to care for adult responsibilities and especially so as to be able to share in the pioneer service over the long term is not incompatible with putting God’s Kingdom first. (Matthew 6:33) And supplementary education does not rule out pioneering. One young Witness, for example, had wanted to pioneer for a long time. After she finished high school, her parents—regular pioneers themselves—arranged for her to have some supplementary education. She was able to pioneer while she received her schooling, and now she has a skill with which she supports herself as she continues pioneering.13
In the matter of supplementary education, each family has the right and responsibility to make its own decision. When such education is well chosen, it can be helpful. It can, though, be a trap. If you are considering such education, what is your goal? Is it to prepare yourself to handle adult responsibilities in an honorable way? Or are you "seeking great things for yourself"? (Jeremiah 45:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:8; 6:9) What about pursuing supplementary education away from home, perhaps living on a campus? Would that be wise in view of Paul’s warning that "bad associations spoil useful habits"? (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Timothy 2:22) Remember, too, that "the time left is reduced." (1 Corinthians 7:29) How much time will you devote to such education? Will it consume the bulk of your youthful years? If so, how will you apply the Bible’s encouragement to "remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood"? (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Further, will the courses you take allow time for such vital Christian activities as meeting attendance, field service, and personal study? (Matthew 24:14; Hebrews 10:24, 25) If your perceptive powers are keen, you will never lose sight of spiritual goals as you and your parents plan for your future.
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Justitia Themis
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km4/99p.8pars.2-5"WhatShouldIDo?"***2
Some youths become anxious when they look at the world’s economic situation and the forecasts for the future. They wonder: ‘Should I pursue additional secular education? Should I enter the full-time service right away?’ In order to make the right decision, a person needs to answer this question honestly, ‘What is my foremost interest in life?’ He must examine his motives.
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What have you cultivated as your prime concern during your youth? Are you mainly interested in seeking financial advantage, or do you really want to use your life to advance Kingdom interests? A university degree does not guarantee success in the job market. As an alternative, many have acquired marketable job skills by means of apprenticeship programs, some vocational or technical school education, or short-term college courses that require a minimum of time and involvement.4
TakeJehovahatHisWord: An all-important fact to consider is the assurance from Jehovah God that he will provide for those who put Kingdom interests first in life. (Matt. 6:33) This is not an idle promise. Many brothers attending the Ministerial Training School earned college degrees prior to learning the truth. But what were they doing for secular work? Very few were pursuing the career for which they had been educated. Many were working in service-oriented fields, caring very well for their financial needs while pioneering. By expanding their activity in the ministry, they are receiving blessings far beyond anything monetary.
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In deciding what you should do after graduation from high school, weigh all the factors and examine your motives carefully. For a balanced view of your choices, consider such information as appeared in Awake! of March 8, 1998, pages 19-21. Speak with your parents, the elders, your circuit overseer, and successful pioneers in your area. That will help you make a wise decision about what you should do with your life.—Eccl. 12:1, 13.