questions about obtaining Higher Education for JWs

AjaxMan

I have read a couple of threads the last couple of days that dealt with what you have to give up when becoming a JW.

Most posts that I read said they have to give up getting a higher education. My question is this: Is that still a trend today? That elders frown or discourage young JWs from going to college or university by telling them to put Kingdom's interest first? I read in another site that the WTS softened up on that stance, but the elders are still frowning on active JWs pursuing an education.
Also in a chat, a member told me that right now it is OK for active JWs to go to a trade or vocational school, but they are frowned if they go for an A.S. degree (2 year college) and it is definitely a no-no for them to get a B.S. degree (4 year college) or above (M.S. or PhD). Can anyone verify with me if that is true or that depends on which congregation the active JW goes to?

Ajax

nytelecom1

why do you need a "verification"

just look in the Bible for your answer
the key is balance

TheOldHippie

Of course, I would say, this depends on where you are, but in my area, no-one would critisize anybody for going back to school or for continuing. Many people in the congregations here go back to school either to take up vocational training or to take up or complete theoretic education. Young people continue their education. And that is as it should be; I have a university education, not the longest in the world, but anyway 4 years after completing high school, and I am very happy I took it. I regret not completing the remaining 2 years, but that was due to economy, a sad love story and general lack of interest. My having gone back for a couple of years now in order to learn new languages, both modern and Biblical, cause no-one to raise any eyebrows. And I most definitely will fight for that right of mine.

AjaxMan

nytelecom,
Give me the chapter and verse for that "verification", then.

You asked why do you need a "verification".
Well, let me ask you why I don't need one?

OldHippie,
Thanks for your input.

Ajax

TR

Ajaxman,

What Nytelenoschool doesn't want to tell you is this; it's been traditional for the WTS to discourage youths from going to college because:

1. 'bad influence'

2. 'what, you don't want to serve 'hovah in full time service after high school?'

3. 'you might get smart and independent, thus "leaving" the "truth".

I have heard of a softening on this issue of late, only because 'the economy' is worse and people need more training'.

I'll try to dig up some quotes from the WTS on this issue.

TR

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin, 1759

AjaxMan

TR,

Thanks!

BTW, Happy Belated BirthDay!

Ajax

badwillie

Case in Point:
A friend received a full scholarship from a local
college to study to become a veternarian. She is now a freshman there.
Her congregation was just the host congregation so had the CO & DO visit together. The DO heard that this girl was in college full time. He came up to her after a meeting, and said very smugly.."oh, you're in College huh, let's just hope you find the time to pioneer". and then he just walked off.

- Need we say more?

TR

The Watchtower, September 15, 1989, p. 23
“In the world, there is a tendency to reject
leadership. As one lecturer said: ;’The rising
education level has improved the talent pool such
that followers have become so critical that they are
almost impossible to lead.’ But a spirit of
independent thinking does not prevail in God’s
organization, and we have sound reasons for
confidence in the men taking the lead among us.”

(bold mine)

TR

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin, 1759

TR

WT 3/15/1969, p.171

"Do not pursue higher education. There is very little time left! Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service, your goal."

Oops! I forgot #4 in my original post!

4. The end is near!

BTW, Happy Belated BirthDay!

Thanks!

TR

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin, 1759

Room 215

Hi Telecom,

Strange.... I can't find ``verification,'' ``university'' or ``college'' in my concordance, nor for that matter neither theocratic'' nor ``pioneer.''

You know what a concordance is; right, brainiac?

questions about obtaining Higher Education for JWs

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