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2025 GB Update #5 - Putting to rest issues on “Higher” Education


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1 minute ago, TheKid23 said:

That’s not necessarily true. I was brought up in the truth but have several tattoos. My mental health was a big factor that lead to me getting them, and I’ve never been counselled by the elders for them. 
 

I also know others who’ve had tattoos whilst in the truth.

Interesting, thanks for sharing that.  I thought for a bit maybe I was losing my mind, but I know for sure these sisters in the US said they've gotten tattoos as witnesses!

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5 minutes ago, Violin said:

Interesting, thanks for sharing that.  I thought for a bit maybe I was losing my mind, but I know for sure these sisters in the US said they've gotten tattoos as witnesses!

While I wouldn't say someone was more or less liberal spiritually speaking, there are differences in opinions of what is acceptable in areas of personal choice, like appearance. I've lived in California, Kansas, Alaska, etc., and my family can tell you that Midwest is more conservative and some family members were counseled on their choice of dress coming from California where it was normal and acceptable to dress a certain way, for instance wearing a sundress.

 

I experienced it myself moving from California to Alaska. The local brothers and sisters while spiritual people did have opinions, and members of my immediate family received counsel. It is what we do with the counsel that counts. Most in my family I am happy to say accepted the counsel, made changes, and moved on with our lives. Actually I remember being quite embarrassed to have received counsel, so I made sure from them on to dress more modestly I guess you could say.

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6 minutes ago, Patience87 said:

While I wouldn't say someone was more or less liberal spiritually speaking, there are differences in opinions of what is acceptable in areas of personal choice, like appearance. I've lived in California, Kansas, Alaska, etc., and my family can tell you that Midwest is more conservative and some family members were counseled on their choice of dress coming from California where it was normal and acceptable to dress a certain way, for instance wearing a sundress.

 

I experienced it myself moving from California to Alaska. The local brothers and sisters while spiritual people did have opinions, and members of my immediate family received counsel. It is what we do with the counsel that counts. Most in my family I am happy to say accepted the counsel, made changes, and moved on with our lives. Actually I remember being quite embarrassed to have received counsel, so I made sure from them on to dress more modestly I guess you could say.

Sorry, I got off the tracks here. But my point being is that with this update, everyone has had a different experience on this subject of education depending on where we lived, but I think the GB is trying to get us to see that personal choice is not something we should judge our brother or sister if it is not something clearly set out in the Bible as a sin. What we do with this update is up to us. We can let it make us upset about past choices or how we were treated by others, but ultimately it's better not to live in the past. It is what we do with this going forward.

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Examining the Scriptures Daily—2025, 1 Thessalonians 5:2 today. There it is pointed out to read to 2 Thessalonians 2:2 in the commentary.

 

“Not to be quickly shaken from your reason nor to be alarmed either by an inspired statement or by a spoken message or by a letter appearing to be from us, to the effect that the day of Jehovah is here.”—2 Thessalonians 2:2 

 

Please, note the commentary on the words: “by a letter appearing to be from us”, in the New World Translation of the Study Bible.

 

by a letter appearing to be from us: Some in the congregation in Thessalonica were insisting that the presence of Jesus Christ was imminent. It is even possible that a letter wrongly attributed to Paul was interpreted as indicating that “the day of Jehovah” had arrived. If so, that might explain why the apostle makes a point of the genuineness of his second letter, saying: “Here is my greeting, Paul’s, in my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write.”—See study note on 2Th 3:17

 

The Governing Body gives direction, but as in the first century, some may misinterpret and misuse such direction in their congregations. That's why, 2025 Governing Body Update #5 emphasized, so that it doesn't happen again:

 

Quote

And while an elder or a mature friend may discuss with us the pros and cons about obtaining additional education, no Christian —including the elders—should judge a fellow Christian’s personal decision on this matter.

 

We must learn to be non-judgmental and to properly apply the guidance and tasks that Jehovah's Organization sets before us. Understand what Jehovah's Spirit is saying to the congregations. Although, due to our imperfections, this is not always easy.


Edited by Andrey
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1 hour ago, Violin said:

Again, my apologies.  I didn't mean to cause offence.  I was referring more to regional differences, like sisters here saying that in the UK they can have unnatural coloured hair.

 

 

The unnatural color was not specified.  What you or I imagine may not be what the situation is. 

 

I highly doubt these sisters with unnatural hair color are choosing green or blue or a vibrant purple. 

 

The unnatural color likely looks similar to this 

 

image.jpeg.5406809f9267d53307cb652f42ef8356.jpeg

 

And not like this 

 

image.thumb.jpeg.36e6866d7b0be9c1a59bdb799bebcbad.jpeg


Edited by Shawnster

Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things. 

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Interesting. He said a pioneer's responsibility is to fund his or her own ministry. I've always pointed this out to my Bible students. You have to be like Apostle Paul, financially self-sustaining. Parents can fund their kids Pioneering but ultimately it's the Pioneer personal responsibility to fund their own ministry.

 

The parents ultimate goal should be to wean them off financially and get them to fund their own pioneering. 

 

One thing basic education doesn't teach you is financial literacy. How not to be dependent on the employer. 

 

Jesus point out that sometimes his servants are not financially literate at times. I would think 💬 🤔 additional education will help with that problem.

 

(Luke 16:8) 8 And his master commended the steward, though unrighteous, because he acted with practical wisdom; for the sons of this system of things are wiser in a practical way toward their own generation than the sons of the light are.

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=42016008&srcid=share

 

Matthew 5:46,47 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have?

Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing?💜🤎🖤

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29 minutes ago, Shawnster said:

 

 

The unnatural color was not specified.  What you or I imagine may not be what the situation is. 

 

I highly doubt these sisters with unnatural hair color are choosing green or blue or a vibrant purple. 

 

The unnatural color likely looks similar to this 

 

image.jpeg.5406809f9267d53307cb652f42ef8356.jpeg

 

And not like this 

 

image.thumb.jpeg.36e6866d7b0be9c1a59bdb799bebcbad.jpeg

Yes that's a good point!  I'm thinking of unnatural as blue, bright pink etc.

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14 hours ago, MM9106 said:

 

“Eternal Happiness” is an incredible theme for a convention. Very excited to see which countries and cities will have international conventions.

 


It makes sense based on the Jesus’ drama that will be shown in the program which includes the Sermon on the Mount scene which describes the 9 “happinesses.” (Matt. 5:3-12) I’m looking forward to a symposium/symposiums that discuss every aspect of the sermon. 

 

I also think it’s very similar theme to the “Always Rejoice!” 2020 Convention aswell. :) 

“It’s not a matter of how much we know, but how much we love what we know.”

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1 hour ago, Shawnster said:

 

 

The unnatural color was not specified.  What you or I imagine may not be what the situation is. 

 

I highly doubt these sisters with unnatural hair color are choosing green or blue or a vibrant purple. 

 

The unnatural color likely looks similar to this 

 

image.jpeg.5406809f9267d53307cb652f42ef8356.jpeg

 

And not like this 

 

image.thumb.jpeg.36e6866d7b0be9c1a59bdb799bebcbad.jpeg

Erm, actually some of them are vibrant colours. I’ve seen pioneers and welders wives with pink and blue hair.

 

Yet I was told no unnatural colours at all- including like the 1st pic. Wasn’t even allowed to do student talks….


Edited by TheKid23
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1 hour ago, Patience87 said:

While I wouldn't say someone was more or less liberal spiritually speaking, there are differences in opinions of what is acceptable in areas of personal choice, like appearance. I've lived in California, Kansas, Alaska, etc., and my family can tell you that Midwest is more conservative and some family members were counseled on their choice of dress coming from California where it was normal and acceptable to dress a certain way, for instance wearing a sundress.

 

I experienced it myself moving from California to Alaska. The local brothers and sisters while spiritual people did have opinions, and members of my immediate family received counsel. It is what we do with the counsel that counts. Most in my family I am happy to say accepted the counsel, made changes, and moved on with our lives. Actually I remember being quite embarrassed to have received counsel, so I made sure from them on to dress more modestly I guess you could say.

That's so true.. I went to a small town congregation in Kansas and was told o couldn't have an earring in the cartilage of my ear and still be in the theocratic school. Moved an hour away and the congregation had many sisters, pioneers included with earrings in the cartilage. Jehovah sees all of this and is trying to unify his people.  There is filtering i think taking place. These updates can make you steady or cause you to wobble.

Dance. Even if there's no music. 

Dance Dancing GIF by binibambini

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6 hours ago, TJ said:

the way that gets carried out in the field is uneven and can cause hard feelings. Some elders will take a more extreme position that doing something that is generally discouraged means that you must be of weak faith, foolish, or even sinful.

 

This, I believe has always been the main problem, the application by some over-righteous, over-zealous brothers and sisters, elders included, who lacked balance and reasonableness.

 

Just this past week at our midweek meeting the elder conducting the Bible study, made it known very emphatically, that when the Slave "suggests" something, he "does it" as if it were a hard fast rule. He doesn't view it as optional or question it, but just "does it." I gathered that he was implying that's the way we all should be.

 

I wonder how much his perspective influences his view or opinion of someone who has a more reasonable thought on "suggestions" from the Slave.

 

"The future's uncertain and the end is always near" --- Jim Morrison

"The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I thought I knew, I'm learning again" --- Don Henley

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1 minute ago, minister159 said:

 

This, I believe has always been the main problem, the application by some over-righteous, over-zealous brothers and sisters, elders included, who lacked balance and reasonableness.

This is why we continually get information like our latest GB update.  So many things today are personal choice coupled with Bible principles.  This should gratefully, put an end to the rules and regulations.  

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23 minutes ago, minister159 said:

 

This, I believe has always been the main problem, the application by some over-righteous, over-zealous brothers and sisters, elders included, who lacked balance and reasonableness.

 

Just this past week at our midweek meeting the elder conducting the Bible study, made it known very emphatically, that when the Slave "suggests" something, he "does it" as if it were a hard fast rule. He doesn't view it as optional or question it, but just "does it." I gathered that he was implying that's the way we all should be.

 

I wonder how much his perspective influences his view or opinion of someone who has a more reasonable thought on "suggestions" from the Slave.

 

A couple of weeks ago, we had a visiting speaker who told us that having a “Dog Mom” sticker on our cars was God-dishonouring. I somehow doubt that was in the outline. 
 

For most of my adult life, I have always believed that Jehovah expects us to use the brain that he gave us, guided by his Word. We are not a “believe it because I said so” kind of religion. 


Edited by Julsey

Live long and prosper. 🖖🏻

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1 hour ago, Shawnster said:

 

 

The unnatural color was not specified.  What you or I imagine may not be what the situation is. 

 

I highly doubt these sisters with unnatural hair color are choosing green or blue or a vibrant purple. 

 

The unnatural color likely looks similar to this 

 

image.jpeg.5406809f9267d53307cb652f42ef8356.jpeg

 

And not like this 

 

image.thumb.jpeg.36e6866d7b0be9c1a59bdb799bebcbad.jpeg

Umm, a sister in my congregation loves her purple hair 😂

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5 minutes ago, Julsey said:

A couple of weeks ago, we had a visiting speaker who told us that having a “Dog Mom” sticker on our cars was God-dishonouring. I somehow doubt that was in the outline. 

 

Passing teaching of men as if they were doctrines of God is much more dishonoring (Matthew 15:9)

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43 minutes ago, TheKid23 said:

Erm, actually some of them are vibrant colours. I’ve seen pioneers and welders wives with pink and blue hair.

We would need pictures to completely comprehend your statement. 

 

I'm definitely not telling you to post pictures of them here without their permission. I'm just saying it's difficult to understand they have noticeably off color hair and are viewed as exemplary. 

Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things. 

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20 minutes ago, Jwanon said:

 

Passing teaching of men as if they were doctrines of God is much more dishonoring (Matthew 15:9)

 

So is making negative or judgemental comments about the elders, especially in congregations we've never been to. 

 

(1 Corinthians 10:10) 10 Neither be murmurers, as some of them murmured, only to perish by the destroyer.

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=46010010&srcid=share

 

(Hebrews 13:17) 17 Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account, so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=58013017&srcid=share

 

 

Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things. 

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11 hours ago, Knight said:

These were not rules set by the elders, by clear directions coming from the local Branches and instructions by the organization. 

At times, however, elders charged with much responsibility and authority, could make and enforce rules at their own discretion and complying was not optional.

 

I'm thinking of an instance around 1980 where a district overseer in charge of the circuit assembly, noticed one of the brothers who was assigned a part on the program needed a haircut, in his opinion. The brother's hair wasn't long at all, or even touching his collar, but was just slightly shaggy and barely over the top of his ears, which was a common style for many men at the time. He told the brother he would have to get a haircut before he could give his part. Do you think he would have let him give his part if he hadn't shaved, let alone have a beard? 

 

The brother's part was in the afternoon, so as soon as the morning session ended, he skipped lunch, got in his car and began driving around looking for a barber shop in a city he wasn't familiar with. This was long before we had cell phones or GPS. He found one and hoped he could get a good haircut there, which he did. He headed back to the assembly and found the district overseer, who wanted to do an inspection. He approved of his hair and said he looked much better.

 

This brother, who was an elder, felt a little oppressed and mistreated, but as he later told me, he understood that the district overseer was holding him to a higher standard in this context, outside his local congregation, because he expected everyone on the platform to be exemplary in dress and grooming without the appearance of looking even a little "worldly."

 

Just thought I'd share this tidbit as I'm sitting here going down memory lane.  :uhhuh:

"The future's uncertain and the end is always near" --- Jim Morrison

"The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I thought I knew, I'm learning again" --- Don Henley

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6 minutes ago, Shawnster said:

so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.

 

I try to always keep this in mind.

 

If every time I called an Elder, would his internal (although not voiced) be "Oh dear, what kind of trouble is Jim in this time?"

 

In that case I would be the cause for sighing. This would not only be a burden on the Elder, it would harm my personal relationship with Jehovah.

 

In years past some have had very strict interpretations and opinions. But, publicly going beyond what the GB has specifically told us would be going "beyond the things that are written" (1 Cor. 4:6).

 

If some have in the past experienced others who had a more strict viewpoint, does it really do any good to complain about that now?

 

I am reminded of a comment by a CO (several years ago) when discussing a personal difference of opinion between individuals. He said: "What is more important? Proving who is right or having peace in the Congregation?"

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

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Regarding the hair color…I will just throw out there that we have had two instances that I can remember showing pink and blue streaks in sisters hair that were removed once the sister was in the truth. 
One was a series of photos in the Jeremiah book (also showed up una magazine article I think) where the sister had an attitude with the elders, married an unbeliever and then came back totally he truth. She had the pinker hair streaks. 
Then you have the Jade and Neeta videos where she had blue streaks that were gone once she was in the truth. 
All that to say, since they have been presented as an imitation of a worldly style that is why some view them as not acceptable. 

Jer 29:11-“For I well know the thoughts I am thinking toward you, declares Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”

Psalm 56:3-“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Romans 8:38-”For I am convinced...”

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Personally I have not found Jehovah’s hand to be short…I won’t bore you with my whole life story.
In short I started regular pioneering at 16 in Bethel for 8 years… pioneered again .. RBC .. LDC etc… just doing what I can with what I have. Learned a lot … challenged a lot…shared a lot .. loved a lot. .. blessed a lot. 


Was it a challenge… absolutely… at times sometimes at biblical proportions,  I have found some of our dear brothers  to very human not  any better on any worse than the first century Christians.

 

At times some of our dear brothers acted like helicopter parents… which has it’s benefits and lack thereof… we are all learning. Imperfect loving parents nonetheless..😳
 

That been said, that does not change our relationship with Jehovah.. we all have varying challenges and approaches to those challenges…

Here are two scriptures I have tried to practice for the last 70 years.

Prov 3:6

6 In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.

 

Jer 6:16

16 This is what Jehovah says: “Stand at the crossroads and see. Ask about the ancient roadways, Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, And find rest for yourselves.” But they say: “We will not walk in it.”

 

I have found rest for my soul in this old system.. a choice

We all have choices .. I could have easily made different ones and things would have still worked out… depending…..

 

or not …if I said “ I will not walk in it” or Jehovah’s ways are not adjusted correctly…

the result 

Jer 6:17

17 “And I appointed watchmen who said, ‘Pay attention to the sound of the horn!’” But they said: “We will not pay attention.”

18 “Therefore hear, O nations! And know, O assembly, What will happen to them.

19 Listen, O earth! I am bringing calamity on this people As the fruitage of their own schemes, For they paid no attention to my words And they rejected my law.”


Edited by Lance

Zeph 3:17 Jehovah your God is in the midst of you. As a mighty One, he will save. He will exult over you with rejoicing. He will become silent in his love. He will be joyful over you with happy cries....... Love it....a beautiful word picture.

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3 hours ago, TheKid23 said:

Erm, actually some of them are vibrant colours. I’ve seen pioneers and welders wives with pink and blue hair.

 

Yet I was told no unnatural colours at all- including like the 1st pic. Wasn’t even allowed to do student talks….


Lets waits for update #6 about hair colors :lol1:

 

I don’t know why but some years ago here it was popular for a bit older woman like 50/60/70 (in and out of congregation) to have purple hair. This fashion (literally) faded away. 

 

🙏 Thank you! 🙏

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3 minutes ago, Michał said:


Lets waits for update #6 about hair colors :lol1:

 

I don’t know why but some years ago here it was popular for a bit older woman like 50/60/70 (in and out of congregation) to have purple hair. This fashion (literally) faded away. 


 I will  be after the Annual Meeting.

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