I disagree that college "gives" one critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills are things one either has or hasn't. What college does do is expose one to several well reasoned views of the world, some of which must conflict with what people are raised with. College also teaches one how to assign credibility to information, including teaching one that knowing an opponents arguments allows for a stronger position on one's own side.
Why a college education is bad
by TooBad TooSad 25 Replies latest watchtower scandals
-
-
LockedChaos
It is absolutely incredible that the higher education issue is again raising its
ugly head. When I was a kid, higher education was thought of in the same way, as
some sort of demon inspired reward.
Curiously, back then (late 60's early 70's) trade schools were encouraged instead of college. I wonder if that is still the case.
LOL. I was always told that I asked way to many questions. -
easyreader1970
Wow. I had some theories but they weren't as well thought out as this. It makes perfect sense. Not only do they not want the young people leaving but they want them stupid and making babies. Your point about being dependent on the parents makes sense, too. Hopefully this tactic will fail.
-
aniron
We are going on about JWs being prevented in having a college/university education.
But what makes those who do have a college/university education become JWs.
In my years I have met JWs who have been doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, a university lecturer, dierectors of companies, civil engineers, etc.
All who have had university education. But become JWs later on, I can only think of two who had relatives who were JWs. All the others had "studies" and become one.
So what makes them become something that we say a university/college education would show up as false.
-
Robert7
Very simple. Not everyone with a college education will leave the JW faith. And some people with a college education will join it.
-
The Oracle
So what makes them become something that we say a university/college education would show up as false.
Some desire the accolades that come with being a "new study", and then a newly baptised one...etc etc. A few that I have known who have become a follower of the WT who have had a University education formerly, fall in to that category. In all but one case, these individuals were very power hungry. They desired to advance within the organization and were very goal and position oriented.
The other one was more of a lost soul kind of person. Although educated he is very withdrawn and shy. I think he benefits from the security of being a part of big "family".
Another point that can't be denied is the simple fact that not all college grads are "smart" people. An education will not magically give you raw intelligence. Some college grads are simply still too shallow in their thinking, or too mentally lazy, to dig below the surface and discover what a complete and utter sham the WT religion is.
There is a couple reasons anyway.
Peace,
The Oracle
-
Gordy
I recall many years ago asking a JW who was a barrister and an Elder (surprise) why had he become a JW.
He said because basically he didn't have to think about what was taught. The WT (FDS) provided what he needed to know. If some teaching was wrong then it was not his fault. Besides it would probably be corrected at some point.
-
VM44
There is a problem with making such strong statements such as "God's Organization - clear understanding of the Bible, Satan's Higher Education"
How do you think a JW who might be a college professor might feel after hearing this at an assembly?
There is nothing wrong with being a college professor...and yet The Watchtower speaker is saying things like this.
-
CunningMan
The Oracle said:
"Another point that can't be denied is the simple fact that not all college grads are "smart" people. An education will not magically give you raw intelligence. Some college grads are simply still too shallow in their thinking, or too mentally lazy, to dig below the surface and discover what a complete and utter sham the WT religion is."
That's because college is an opportunity for you to help yourself. College is what you make of it. If you're looking to get drunk and laid, then that's what you get (with extra effort depending on who you are). If you want to do well and improve your thinking, then you can do that as well.
These governing body members must think that college courses are like congregation meetings, where you're the passive recipient of propaganda.
As someone who actually step foot onto a classroom, I can say it's much better than that.
-
TinyDancer124
College is the debil!
The congregation I grew up in disbanded, because people kept leaving. Those remaining had to start attending neighboring congregations. Heh.