| The Miseducation Of Jehovah's Witnesses |
| Written by Ralph |
| Monday, 23 December 1996 00:00 |
The Watchtower Society teaches that Jehovah will soon destroy all non-Witnesses and that Witnesses will be the only ones left on the planet. They believe that the earth will be transformed into a paradise populated only by Jehovah's Witnesses. This theology is the basis for their belief that it is not a good use of time to pursue a college education or pursue a career. Since their start in 1884, Jehovah's Witnesses have believed that God's destruction of the world in a fiery Armageddon was just a few short years off. Therefore, throughout their history, very few have sought an advanced education. The printed policy of the Watchtower until 1992 is shocking. The 1969 Watchtower said this: "Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them brainwash you with the Devils propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. This world has very little time left . . . make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal." (March 15, 1969, p. 171) The Kingdom Ministry (06/69, p. 3) said this: "In view of the short time left, a decision to pursue a career in this system of things is not only unwise but extremely dangerous . . . Many young brothers and sisters were offered scholarship or employment that promised fine pay. However, they turned them down and put spiritual interests first." In 1993, researchers published the result of a massive survey of trends within major religious groups. Barry A. Kosmin and Seymour P. Lachman conducted a National Survey of Religious Identification. The survey had a sample size of 113,000 people. Of the thirty religious groups included in the survey, Jehovah's Witnesses had the lowest percentage of their members graduate from college. (Kosmin BA, Lachman SP. "One Nation Under God," p. 258)
Educational Rank - Religion - Percentage of members that are college grads:1. Unitarian Universalist: 49.5% 2. Hindu: 47% 3. Jewish: 46.7% 7. Agnostic: 36.3% 18. Catholic: 20% 20. Lutheran: 18% 21. Seventh Day Adventist: 17.9% 27. Baptist: 10.4% 28. Pentecostal: 6.9% 30. Jehovah's Witnesses: 4.7% In the last few years, the Watchtower Society has started to relax their rules and now some Jehovah's Witnesses are allowed to go to college. However the underlying attitudes persist, and very few Witnesses seek a college education. Why do so few Witnesses still not go to college, despite the softening of the Society's official position on college education? The Society continues to warn of the dangers of college and remind followers that college education will not be necessary in the paradise, which they predict will come soon. Note these recent quotes from the Watchtower: "In the present system of things under Satan's control, there are many things that may seem to promise fine benefits but can actually be damaging to our relationship with God. Such things as climbing the corporate ladder, pursuing higher education to advance one's position, courting unbelievers, or engaging in questionable business schemes can easily lead to a loss of faith and an eventual fall from Jehovah's favor. We must carefully count the cost when confronted with such temptations. A few years ago, a young Christian man in a large city in the Far East had the opportunity to go abroad to further his study. Though he already had a good secular education and a well-paying job, he felt that this was not enough; he wanted to better his lot in life. Fellow Christians tried to reason with him in line with the Scriptural points we have just considered, but he was adamant and went ahead with the plan. Though he tried to hold on to his faith at first, gradually he lost his appreciation for Bible truth, and doubt began to set in. In just a year or so, he lost his faith completely and claimed to be an agnostic." (Watchtower, Aug. 15, 1992, p. 28-29) Instead of encouraging young people to plan for the future, the Watchtower Society encourages people to seek part-time menial labor so that they are more free to spend time pioneering. Typical of the advice that the Watchtower gives is this: "Many pioneers support themselves financially by means of part-time jobs. To sustain himself in the ministry at Corinth, Paul worked as a tentmaker along with his fellow believers Aquila and Priscilla. Today, spiritual brothers are often happy to offer pioneers part-time secular work. Other pioneers obtain such work through employment agencies that offer temporary jobs. Faith in God is essential, and so is earnest prayer for his guidance in making employment decisions." (Watchtower, Sep. 15, 1993, p. 29) Young Jehovah's Witnesses are given this model to follow: "Whenever I read about pioneer experiences in the Society's publications, I found that my desire to become a full-time servant of Jehovah was aroused. . . . I was working full-time, and this provided the extra income needed to maintain us. I realized, however, that unless I also obtained a part-time job, full-time service would not be possible . . . Success in pioneering is mainly a matter of faith that Jehovah will care and provide for us. So he suggested that I resign from my full-time job." (1993 Yearbook, p. 235) The anecdote goes on to say that she did get a part-time job, and that she is now very happy pioneering. Closely associated with the Watchtower's disdain for education and the institutional discouragement of establishing a career is their view of money. The Watchtower states: "Many people want a substantial bank account, feeling that this will give them security. Yet, recent history shows this not to be so. In the Great Depression thousands of banks closed all over the world, with severe loss to depositors. And an economist recently stated: "The banking system . . . has shown a continued deterioration since the end of World War II." Also, the value of money has been eaten away by inflation, just as a block of ice melts away in the sun. Truly, the history of money is summed up in one word: insecurity. For no matter what actions authorities may take to patch up today's economic systems, the fact is that soon they will all totally collapse, and this time forever. The day is fast approaching when, as has happened before, "into the streets they will throw their very silver, and an abhorrent thing their own gold will become." (Watchtower, Apr 1, 1977, p. 204-205) It should not be surprising that The National Survey of Religious Identification found that the annual income of Jehovah's Witnesses ranks 24th out of 30 religious groups surveyed. (Kosmin BA, Lachman SP. "One Nation Under God," p. 260) According to the same survey, Jehovah's Witnesses ranked last in aggregate social status. (Kosmin BA, Lachman SP. "One Nation Under God," p. 262) Aggregate social status was based on four sets of data: home ownership, annual household income, college graduation, and percent working full-time. Aggregate Social Status (Rank)1. Unitarian Universalist 2. Disciples of Christ 3. Agnostic 4. Congregationalist 5. Episcopalian 13. Catholic 26. Baptist 27. Pentecostal 28. Seventh Day Adventist 30. Jehovah's Witnesses The negative attitude of the Watchtower toward education extends to High School education as well. Among Jehovah's Witnesses it is socially acceptable to drop out of high school. The Watchtower culture places more value on pioneering than on finishing high school. The National Survey of Religious Identification found that only 67.6% of white Jehovah's Witnesses graduate from high school, compared to 80.9% for non-Witnesses. (Kosmin BA, Lachman SP. "One Nation Under God," p. 272) The Watchtower has admitted that it was common for Jehovah's Witnesses to drop out of High School. In the same article that they softened their rules related to seeking a college education, they said: "It has been reported that in some countries many well-intentioned youngsters have left school after completing the minimum required schooling in order to become pioneers. They had no trade or secular qualifications. If they were not helped by their parents, they had to find part-time work. Some have had to accept jobs that required them to work very long hours to make ends meet." (Watchtower, Nov. 1, 1992, p. 18) Even those students who do stay in high school, do not get the same well-rounded education as those not controlled by the Watchtower Society. The Watchtower Society prepared a booklet for Witnesses to give teachers to explain what they could and could not do in school. The list of prohibited and cautioned activities is quite lengthy, and in aggregate serves to severely restrict the quality of education. The booklet says: "You may have noticed that most Witness youths do not participate in extracurricular activities sponsored by the schools . . . 'Bad associations spoil useful habits.' And, as noted before, we try to comply with Christ's statement to his followers: 'You are no part of the world.' These principles shape the view of Witness families toward the school's extracurricular activities, including the following." (WTB&TS, School and Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 22) Then the booklet goes on to list all the activities that Witness children may not be allowed to participate in: Sports, cheerleading, homecoming, school dances, dating, school clubs, school plays, blood donations, raffles, patriotic music, religious art, combat instruction, birthday parties, Christmas activities, and national holidays. In summary then, the anti-education policies of the Watchtower Society have produced the largest religious group in the United States populated by poverty-stricken, under-educated people. The education level of Jehovah's Witnesses is exceptionally low, and the high school drop-out rate is very high. This leads to poor career prospects, low social status, and poor self-esteem. This is just one of the many ways that the Watchtower Society causes injury. Lord Brougham said: "Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave."
reprinted from the Sep/Oct 1996 Free Minds Journal by RalphRUOK@aol.com Hits: 5558 Trackback(0)
Comments (33)
  written by brother , June 06, 2009 I know this is terrible, there are seven million Witnesses and counting that are so poor and uneducated. You cant buy a degree in integrity and that is what makes Jehovah's heart rejoice. John 15:19 " If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you". Over seven million love Jehovah's organization and enjoy wonderful association daily. There isn't one of these uneducated Witnesses that can't provide for their family physically, spiritually, morally and mentally. Matthew 5:3 says " Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need". Happy we are. report abuse
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 written by Another Brother , June 23, 2009 "Happy are you whenever men hate you, and whenever they exclude you and reproach you and cast out your name as wicked for the sake of the Son of man. Rejoice in that day and leap, for, look! Your reward is great in heaven, for those are the same things their forefathers used to do to the prophets." Not found in any Watchtower publication, but in YOUR very own Bible. Luke 6:22,23 report abuse
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 written by wasblindnowisee , September 16, 2009 to all the faithfulful little sheep who responded to this site you will be called to the back for a severe reprimand  report abuse
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 written by Russell , October 10, 2009 Jehovah's Witnesses are slick operators who use subtle deceptions to manipulate people into believing their nonsense. The ones posting on this site are fine examples of this. I spent about three months studying with members of this cult, and my college education was clearly looked upon with disdain. While it is not explicitly forbidden to attend college, peer pressure is heavily set against it. This is how they deceive people; they claim that they do not forbid something, but there will be no shortage of disparaging comments leveled at a person who violates the "unofficial" rules. Make no mistake about it: The Watchtower Bible Bible and Tract Society is a cult that uses every trick known to psychology to lure new recruits and to keep its members tightly within its grip. report abuse
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 written by alex hamilton , November 04, 2009 Um, Job wasn't a Jehovah's Witness! I am a survivor of this cult and each day I am amazed at the abuse I suffered as a child due teachings to my parents. To this day my sister has remained a witness. However I am the real witness - to her opinion that human beings can be treated with total cruelty if they are not a JW. As we "non believers" must be Satan's tools. The cult should be legally banished from this earth, it seems they want no part of it anyway, so it would be doing them a favor. report abuse
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 written by jeff , November 13, 2009 i am a 17 year old studying with the jehovahs witnesses for 5 months and it has changed my life. The witnesses have never told me not to go to college,but have encouraged me to keep god first. they have answered every single question i have ever asked and supported their answer with scriptures from the bible. They take religion seriously and try thier hardest not to get wrapped up with the temptations of the world that will cause them to stray from what they know is true. From every corner of the earth they work incredibly hard to share their beliefs with others. If you whole-heartedely believed in your religion, wouldnt you do the same? report abuse
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 written by Mx1 , November 22, 2009 Former JW becomes Rhodes scholar, discusses how JWs systematically discourage education and free thought. http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=11554602 report abuse
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 written by DelMar , November 23, 2009 Great article Mx1, thanks for sharing! And good for her - what an accomplishment! I am an inactive JW and I went to college, but I did not enjoy the experience at all, mostly because I was always made to feel guilty for it and felt that I had to work extra hard to prove myself to other JWs that I was "good enough". So yeah, it is the subtle put-downs and other JWs telling you how "spiritual" some other young person is for deciding not to pursue college and instead join the full-time pioneer service. What I learned though is that most of these folks were clueless and lazy, 20 something living at home with their parents and not working, and probably miserable because they have no sense of themselves or what they want to do with their lives. I really wish I'd have known then what I know now. I would have enjoyed college a LOT more! report abuse
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 written by a.g. , November 23, 2009 not celebrating the day you born into this world is sad to me... I question any religion that doesn't rejoice in the birth of a child. report abuse
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 written by Nigel , December 20, 2009 More articles concerning Ms. Monica Marks, an intellectual dynamo who has been brave enough to speak openly about her JW background with reporters. A Fulbright Scholar in Istanbul, and now a Rhodes Scholar on top of that, Marks had a typical JW background in eastern Kentucky: her father was a janitor and an elder in the local congregation, and her mother was a housewife. Neither graduated high school. Marks escaped this with the help of her father, who often hid her extracurricular activities from others in the church (participating in sports and extracurricular activities is off-limits for JW children). Marks speaks about the "antagonistic" stance JWs take to higher education, saying "it was so rebellious to even consider that" and pointing out that JWs tend to "denigrate women" and women's educational futures especially. For those of us raised as JWs, the fact that Marks chose Philosophy, Women's Studies (feminism!), and-- gasp!!-- Political Science as her three majors should come as no surprise. These are major taboos in the JW religion (voting gets you disfellowshipped from the cult and 'philosophy' and 'feminism' are absolute taboo words). Reading these articles you can definitely see how the experience of escaping the JW cult has impacted Marks. She is interested in Islamic law, and seems to see similarities many different fundamentalisms. This is a woman who lived through the cult upbringing and is taking motivation from that escape. Congratulations to her for being brave enough to speak out. "Rebellious Scholar:" http://www.kentucky.com/591/story/1034111.html Louisville Courier Journal Sunday edition front page article: http://www.courier-journal.com...es-scholar report abuse
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 written by michael williams , January 02, 2010 The Watchtower is a cult!I know this first hand!They do look down upon those who pursue higer education.I was studying when I was in highschool!I had to miss meetings to work on my reasearch paper and I was also working full-time to support my self.I was criticized for meeting meetings and when I told them that I was working on school assignments,these members of the congreagation that were critical of me acted as if they did not care!This is one of the major reasons why I left the congregation among other things! report abuse
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 written by kimmygn , March 09, 2010 pI was born and raised a jehovahs witness and was always raised to "not want" an education after high school. That I should WANT to devote my life to door to door. If I even made a comment in my house about a career then i was heading in the wrong direction and usually got at least an hour on a lecture from my father reminding me that the end was coming so what was wrong with me to want a career. My father was an Elder in the Hall so I was I guess the example child. I was taken out of school and home schooled even though I did not want to. I "graduated" at 16 and my future was bleak and I was very panicked and depressed not knowing how I would ba able to get out of the house and on my own with no good job. Dad told me that they would continue to support me if I pioneered (meaning, I put in 90 hours a month)of door to door. I felt I had no choice as I was 16 and had nowhere to go so I did till I became of age to be able to move across the country to become a nanny. I remember anyone that even decided to take community college classes was looked apon as heading in the wrong direction and we were therefore warned against spending time with them. Thankfully I was strong enough to have been able to work three jobs and put myself through college and I now have a very well paying job. No thanks to my parents who are now seriously struggeling with how get by since they were not encouraged to invest in any future they done have much retirement and dad even retired 5 years early to be able to pioneer full time. Mom says she has a hard time even sleeping at night wondering how they will get by and I have a hard time even feeling sorry for them as it was all self inflicted and even tried to set me up with that amazing future. I am very resentful with the upbringing I had. Anytime I tried to have a mind of my own I was considered rebellious. report abuse
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 written by jannelle jamandre , March 25, 2010 You can't just easily judge a jehovah's witness that they less have education,why?They are just following the message of our God!And even if they don't attain any education,but then they can also provide the basic,spiritual,emotional,and financial needs of their own families.I,myself,starting to be jehovah's witness also wants to understand their beliefs.And i do agree with their beliefs..Please let us just understand them.. report abuse
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 written by Dude , April 02, 2010 Did Jesus seek higher education? No. He was a carpenter. And when he started doing his fathers ministry I don't think he even worked for 3+ years. report abuse
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 written by shantel , April 02, 2010 I was born and raised a JW and, yes I was told that this system of things was coming to an end. There is no need to try to pursue the things of this world. I do understand that not all will agree with the pursuit of higher education, but what about walking in your purpose. The cure for cancer, AIDS or whatever could be locked in the mind of some poor misguided JW. Everyone has a purpose and a calling, why would God give you a gift just for it to lay dormant inside. I always knew that I had talent but when this system of things is about to end you bury your talent and go with the flow.....I have since left this organization. Consequently, I dont have dinner with grandma anymore. I am no longer invited over. I am truly the outcast. Jesus came so that we can have life and have it more abundantly. He did not come so that we can have organized man made religion. The primary goal of a Christian is love. Shunning is not love!!!!!! report abuse
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 written by Claire , April 06, 2010 I'm an inactive JW, but have recently started going back to a few meetings after eight years away to re-assess for myself whether or not I really believe the things taught to me as an impressionable child. I am also studying for a BA in History. I dread it when any of the "brothers" or "sisters" ask me what I do for a living.....becuase not only am I working full time but studying for this BA is considered to be the biggest waste of my time there is......It never ceases to amaze me the look on their faces when I say I am studying for a degree which is shortly followed by "so what is your eventual goal in doing that"....I missed out when I was 18 in pursuing higher education becuase I was told I shouldn't be "polishing the brass on a sinking ship" I have no intention of letting me rob me of my opportunity now I'm ten years down the line with a mind of my own and an ambotion to fulfil my desire! report abuse
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 written by Jozie , May 31, 2010 JW can still go to college but now in days college is just getting more and more expensive. Even if you do go to college the world gives no gaurantee for a successful career. Jehova does give you gaurantee and hope. Competion to get a job is ferce. Jehova knows what we need he will sustain us and help us. report abuse
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 written by Julie , May 31, 2010 The Bilble speaks of 2 Birthdays in an unfavorable light. One king celebrated his day of birth and Jhon the Baptist got his head cut off as par of the celebrstion. Everything in the bible is there for a purpose, what do you think Jehova God thinks about celebrating birthdays? Obvisoly this makes God sad, these Pagon celebrations. report abuse
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 written by Adrianne , June 03, 2010 This is all very interesting...what I would like to know is, who do JW's see when they need healthcare? Who are their teachers? What about when they open a bank account? Pay their taxes? All of these people need education to do those jobs. I agree with some aspects...truth is, tuition is sky-high and the colleges promise a bill of goods that is rarely fulfilled. Students end up borrowing tens of thousands of dollars to go to college only to find upon graduation that they cannot find a job...or that the job they found pays $24,000 per year. Then they are expected to support themselves and pay back those student loans off of that. So I agree with certain aspects of the JW's teachings but while we are still here on Earth, there are certain skills and education that are needed now. report abuse
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 written by Henry Smith , June 07, 2010 brother, & jannelle jamandre: "There isn't one of these uneducated Witnesses that can't provide for their family physically, spiritually, morally and mentally." Can you PROVE your very unsubstantiated claim? Another Brother: So, no Watchtower publication has ever quoted Luke 6:22, 23? That, all by itself, is quite fascinating! As for the rest, could you please point out SPECIFICALLY where and how your claim has anything to do with the Watchtower False Prophet Society's anti-education stance? cal: "We don't sign a contract giving up our rights to be mindless drones following whatever we are told to do." You're saying, then, that you do retain your rights to be mindless drones, following whatever you're told to do by the False Prophet Society? So, "information is provided through the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, but it is based on the Bible. Each and every Witness is to decide whether or not the information they read is in agreement with God's word." Interesting; what happens to those Witnesses who decide that Watchtower teachings are NOT in agreement with the Bible? Michael: The Bible [which you claim to follow] makes it very clear that a false prophecy is NOT a mere error. As examples, Deuteronomy 18:20-22 and Matthew 7:15-23 As for your claim that "but we are men", are the women also men? Or are you confirming the fact that the Witnesses don't consider women to be at all important? h: There is no difference between putting the Watchtower False Prophet Society first and not being able to provide for your family. I will leave you with this one though, "Bitter" and "liar" are NOT one and the same. "Even those students who do stay in high school, do not get the same well-rounded education as those not controlled by the Watchtower Society. The Watchtower Society prepared a booklet for Witnesses to give teachers to explain what they could and could not do in school. The list of prohibited and cautioned activities is quite lengthy, and in aggregate serves to severely restrict the quality of education. The booklet says: 'You may have noticed that most Witness youths do not participate in extracurricular activities sponsored by the schools . . . "Bad associations spoil useful habits." And, as noted before, we try to comply with Christ's statement to his followers: "You are no part of the world." These principles shape the view of Witness families toward the school's extracurricular activities, including the following.' (WTB&TS, School and Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 22) Then the booklet goes on to list all the activities that Witness children may not be allowed to participate in: Sports, cheerleading, homecoming, school dances, dating, school clubs, school plays, blood donations, raffles, patriotic music, religious art, combat instruction, birthday parties, Christmas activities, and national holidays. "In summary then, the anti-education policies of the Watchtower Society have produced the largest religious group in the United States populated by poverty-stricken, under-educated people. The education level of Jehovah's Witnesses is exceptionally low, and the high school drop-out rate is very high. This leads to poor career prospects, low social status, and poor self-esteem. This is just one of the many ways that the Watchtower Society causes injury. "Lord Brougham said: 'Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave.'" http://www.freeminds.org/psychology/mind-control/the-miseducation-of-jehovah-s-witnesses.html report abuse
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 written by Pam , June 11, 2010 My father is a JW elder. When I graduated from college and sent him an announcement, he never acknowledged receving it. I am currently in grad school and will graduate in September with my MBA. I will send him another announcement but don't expect a response. It's sad that others can recognize my accomplishments, but my own father who's so brainwashed cannot give kudos to my accomplishments. It really puts the Witnesses in a bad light when others at my graduation ask where my father is and I have to tell them that he puts his beliefs ahead of family. report abuse
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 written by Kola , June 24, 2010 My mother raised me to study with JW and her attempt was 1/2 assed due to her lack of time commitment- when I hit highschool she insisted I set up study times. I have complete faith in God and I have a love for all mankind BUT- the study always made me sick to my stomach- their tactics of preaching were remaniscent of brainwashing- we never only had a bible infront of us- I found their publications were ridiculously authoritative, condescending, patronizing and sickeningly repetitive. I was always a child of scepticism and had issues with forceful authority so I never enjoyed the studies. It was harshly looked down upon to have friends outside of the Truth, I was not allowed to engage in activities in school, and my mother didn't want me to even consider college. Aaand yes if you question any belief whatsoever you are walking in very dangerous territory. Researching outside the organization is not allowed as it is taught that every source of information other than the Watchtower Society is basically evil. I believe that the followers hearts are in the right place (albiet a bit obsessive) but the Watchtower Society leaves a lot to be disired. No religion has it right, so it saddens me that they have a superiority issue. report abuse
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 written by Amy , June 27, 2010 For you young JW's out there. I beg of you PLEASE do your research regarding the TRUE origination of this organization/society. I was raised as a JW but could NEVER wrap my mind around all their beliefs, but only recently started really doing my research. I have not been part of the group for 12+ years. Charles Taze Russel was not the amazing man they make him out to be. Look at the definition of legalism. The NWT Bible was translated by the Jehovah's Witnesses only taking into consideration their perspective. Really, do the research. They play God and it isn't right. It is not OK to break up families and judge people so harshly. They may not murder people physically, but they sure do mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus died for our sins. All he asks is we believe in him, confess our sins, and walk in his foot steps. Jehovah's Witnesses need to have more of a personal accountability, not ONLY to their bible and church. All I ask is do the research before you submerge yourself in this religion. I love that I can look in my beautiful babies eyes and know that I will never be asked to betray them or turn my back on them. It feels sooooo good. Please don't raise your children in this unloving organization. God is Love!!!!! Stop treating his children so badly. They always settle out of court as to not be portrayed in a bad light EVER. This is a CULT! Again DO the research. If there is something that doesn't make sense, such as only 144,000 will go to heaven, then question it. God made everything so complex. Not everything is so black and white, he is the ONLY one that knows what is in our hearts and what we have all been through. If an organization makes it clear that you do not question them, then that is the exact opposite of what you should do. Don't be afraid to look elsewhere. The Jehovah's Witness police will not come to get you and if they do it will be a blessing to be "disfellowshiped". I would say sign me up. They use fear and scare tactics, such as demon attacks and being shunned by family and friends. So so so sad. If this makes one Jehovah's Witness stop and think I will be happy. Love yourself and let your children or future children do the same. You should be a witness for God and Christ because you want to, not because you have a time card to fill out. Countless families I grew up with are totally messed up because of this unbelievablly mislead organization. They have sexual abuse cases against them as well. You just don't hear about it. Save your family and your children. DO IT and start a wonderful, happy, and amazing spiritual journey to Christ. You will not be sorry!  God Bless! It's OK, do it, take your life in your own hands and don't be controlled by imperfect, mislead human beings. Stop playing God! report abuse
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 written by Huszem , July 07, 2010 My wife was Jehova witness but she left them, she was a high school student, they saied to her that Jehova was more important than this world and it was better to leave the high school because the level of education they give to her is as high as the level of education of the high school, and as she loved to physiotherapis one of them said to her that he would lern her what he lerned and so she left the school. now she is 38 years old and we are married and have three kids and she goes to the school again after more than 20 years of leaving it (by the way, I am surgeon and encourging her to go on learning and doing my best to support her because I know that she deserves the best). in fact we live in Hungary, in a small village and all the Jehova witnesses I know are undereducated neither of them has finished his high school and most of them are unemloyed and waiting for Armagidon, not only that but also they negusheate about how will they inherit the houses of their neighbours, this is true, and if anyone would like me to give him their names and levels of education and any iformation about how sad and depressed they are. report abuse
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 written by Caroll , July 22, 2010 Some of the men who made this religion known were lawyers. They had to go to college. A doctor can not operate on me if he did not attend college. It is true that there are alot of unworldly things that happens on college campuses, but a person can still go to college in their on community. Everything about college is not bad. Furthermore, the Witnesses keep promising that the last day is near. Truthfully, everyday is your last day. A person carrying a Bachelors degree does make them marketable no matter what field it is in. In my neighborhood, I have seen JW children not going to college and laying up having 3 to 4 babies at the age of 18. Many of them stay at home with their mommas having them to raise their children. There is some things that I agree with the JW and there some things that don't. I believe in Aiming Higher. report abuse
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 written by Lynn , July 24, 2010 Has anyone sued them for there propaganda about education? It realy hurt my life and I am wondering if anyone has been able to hold them accountable. report abuse
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 written by mama tried raisin' a foo , July 26, 2010 my jw mother once tried to learn to draw. the book she chose was "learning to draw with the right side of the brain," fabulous book! unfortunately for her she did not like how the book spoke of PERCEPTION, and by the time she read a bible quote "let the right hand not know what the left is doing" from her drawing book she gave up. The book was apostate to her. Now she just gives a whimsical wave and says that she doesn't have a talented bone in her body. She has preached thousands of hours without finding any recruits so i guess she is right-she has no talent. She bailed out of school at grade 8. I too was out of school early and upon upgrading to english 12 I had to laugh at the thought of her freaking out over the concept of critical thinking-how satanic!! i guess cynical thinking will have to do for her. And on a note to any jw's reading this, next time you say that you are no part of this world make sure that you're Amish, else you make a dork of yourself. report abuse
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 written by Educated person who loves the Creator- Jehovah God , July 27, 2010 Jehovah's Witnesses do not shun education. That is ubsurd! Jesus was lowly was he not? Anyone with an "open mind" and heart will be able to determine the truth. report abuse
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 written by isaac , July 29, 2010 former jw here, born and raised in a jw family. dad was an elder, then the upper tier dudes told him he can't be one because i'm overseas for private high schooling. witnesses are good people. it's too bad one has to be associated with an organized religion to be considered to have any spirituality. god is in the heart and not in headquarters in brooklyn. with that said i am no longer part of the religion because the bible does not coincide with my views on many things... since i've reached the age of reason. hopefully many young people currently brainwashed or forced by their parents can start reasoning as soon as they hit their teens so what came first: Lack of education or Religion? oh snap. report abuse
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 written by commit 2 memory , August 06, 2010 I am a studying witness and was raised in and out of the truth...the real truth is every witness I know is kind and full of wisdom. Many in our congregation are well educated...it is a personal choice to seek first the kingdom...to live a simple life ...much like Jesus did. Jehovah knows our needs. JW's are refreshing to me. They have well behaved sweet natured children. Kind words and proper speech..with a humble and mild manner. I think hateful speech and cuss words and showy materialized things are of low morals and value and most of all education! God bless all... report abuse
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