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


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On 22/08/2025 at 19:20, addiedg said:

Estou muito feliz com esta atualização. Sou ancião e atualmente sirvo como pioneiro regular, auxiliando a Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos Dias (LDC) , além de cursar um mestrado online. 

A little off-topic but funny enough that somehow the Google Translate translated LDC to Latter latter day saints. Really unexpected read 
"I'm very happy with this update. I'm an elder and currently serving as a regular pioneer, assisting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDC), and pursuing an online master's degree."

 

Haha, just sharing.

Screenshot 2025-08-24 135411.png

(Be careful! The above comment came from a suspicious source, a 20 year old. There's a risk that he is being: Idiot, reckless or stupid)

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On 8/23/2025 at 4:37 PM, Jwanon said:

 

Do you understand the difference between a warning and a proscription?

 

We also have warnings against the dangers of the internet, so did the organization say surfing the internet means you are not a good Christian?

 

The shepherd's book doesn't say you will be deleted as an elder if a member of the family goes to college. It says that the body will examine if the motives for going to college will interfere with their relationship with Jehovah 

 

The misapplication you seem to be suggesting is exactly the issue I am highlighting

Brother, I think you’re in the minority here unfortunately with your view and your dogmatic approach isn’t particularly kind to our fellow brothers and sisters who have been instructed and directed to sacrifice education, myself included. The publications and talks over the year have been very clear. Just because it’s not outrightly banned (like blood for example) doesn’t mean it was only a warning. Please have some sympathy and understand that many have made massive educational sacrifices and have genuinely struggled for many years because of the stance. It has differed from area to area, but in the UK further education was certainly more than just a warning. 

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43 minutes ago, Sete said:

A little off-topic but funny enough that somehow the Google Translate translated LDC to Latter latter day saints. Really unexpected read 
"I'm very happy with this update. I'm an elder and currently serving as a regular pioneer, assisting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDC), and pursuing an online master's degree."

 

Haha, just sharing.

Screenshot 2025-08-24 135411.png

Haha I'm definitely not a Mormon! 

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15 hours ago, trottigy said:

 

An elder still could be removed if he is encouraging his family and others to focus on making more money and becoming successful in this system - even at the cost of their spirituality.

 

That did not change 

Yeah I see what you mean.

 

However, that’s where it gets murky and where folks get judgmental. We’ve all been JWs long enough to understand that brothers many time are automatically judged as being “materialistic” and “spiritually weak” just for the mere act of going to university without knowing their intentions. 
 

i think that’s why Splane mentioned “including the elders” shouldn’t judge. The GB seems to want to change the negative perception some have of Witnesses who simply choose college etc for personal reasons.


Edited by Bob
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4 hours ago, Sete said:

A little off-topic but funny enough that somehow the Google Translate translated LDC to Latter latter day saints. Really unexpected read 
"I'm very happy with this update. I'm an elder and currently serving as a regular pioneer, assisting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDC), and pursuing an online master's degree."

 

Haha, just sharing.

Screenshot 2025-08-24 135411.png

No mergers here lol

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15 hours ago, Ludwika said:

 

You could get good jobs that paid well without putting yourself into that environment. 
 

Now almost every entry level position requires a degree of some sort. It's a different world. But there's options to get further education in many ways these days, and lots of brothers and sisters have taken advantage of such opportunities. 


 

This!!
 

Sample in the US, if someone who did not  pursue a college degree was able to secure a job 15+ years ago, that pays reasonably well that supports pioneering and other theocratic pursuits, during a time when degrees weren’t required, that’s great!  
 

You lose that job and there’s a huge potential of facing the wrath of an over saturated job market where we have of pool of thousands of more qualified  applicants (including Indians and other nationals with H1-B visa) with more experience but with BS or MS degrees under their belts,  it would be a challenge to get back into the workforce.
 

Not to mention the globalized strategy where jobs are outsourced to foreign countries that are cheaper very few left in the US.  
 

Not to mention - AI 🤖 taking the tasks from a human.


So the minimum requirement for a resume to get noticed by an AI Human Resources scanner to get a potential interview is a BS or MS degree.  The AI tool searches for that keyword.  

 

It is sad!

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In a talk that a member of the current Governing Body gave in our nation several years ago, he said: ‘We hope that those who are attending university will leave it after this talk.’ That’s why I say it also requires humility on their part, and we can trust that Jehovah is guiding everything.

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In recent years, there have been announcements from the GB needing doctors. They sent a brother to law school. A few weeks ago they read a letter requesting people trained in AI. I’m a self taught prompt engineer, and I wanted to volunteer, but all of the positions require a degree. Whenever I hear these updates, I remember Paul’s rule at 1-Corinthians 4:6. People have been judged harshly for something that wasn’t written and there was no principle that could justify telling a person not to get an education, to not wear a beard, to not wear pants as a woman. A person solid in faith won’t get lost getting an education. 

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For some, this recent update may feel like a seismic shift. For others, it may barely register. But regardless of where one stands, the principle behind it is rooted in something timeless: It is part of our Biblical DNA …Jehovah’s call for His people to remain separate from the world.

 

Throughout history, the Bible has consistently emphasized the importance of spiritual distinction.
This isn’t a man-made idea—it’s a Jehovah’s directive, given for our protection and spiritual well-being. As we are well aware , it’s not always embraced or understood by everyone.

In ancient times times and now when our Bible is being written… 

 

For example

• John 17:14 — “I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”
• 1 John 2:15–16 — “Do not love either the world or the things in the world… everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father.”


And there are many scriptures that reinforce this call to be separate… now and in the future.


 What Does Separateness Look Like?

Our distinct identity as Jehovah’s Witnesses is reflected in many aspects of life:

• Our exclusive worship of Jehovah and faith in Jesus Christ
• No affiliation with worldly religions
• Medical decisions guided by scriptural principles
• Avoiding being unevenly yoked
• Moral conduct and sexual purity
• Employment choices—avoiding military or political roles
• Rejection of recreational drug use, tobacco, and alcohol abuse
• Political neutrality and obedience to secular authorities
• Rejecting racism and prejudice
• Avoiding blood byproducts in food
• Resisting materialism as a life focus
• Steering clear of pagan holidays
• Thoughtful choices in entertainment, dress, grooming, and speech
• A unique approach to education and career paths that glorify our relationship with Jehovah.

And many more………


 

Jehovah did not call us to isolation, like some hermit…but to spiritual faith and loyalty. Like ambassadors, we represent a higher Kingdom government while living among worldly nations.

We ask Jehovah not to remove us from the world, but to protect us from its influence and its god.From the spirit that operates in the sons of disobedience. 

 

Living this way is like walking a tightrope—balance is essential. We must weigh the cost and benefit of every association and decision.


Is our balance perfect? No. Nor is the balance of those entrusted with our spiritual care. But we have time—and biblical  guidance—to grow 

 

The Governing Body has highlighted

Galatians 6:4–5 as a guiding principle:

“Let each one examine his own actions… For each one will carry his own load.”

 

This isn’t a license for reckless independence.

Eat, drink and be merry… I will let you know later how it all turns out…

Really it is  a call for personal accountability within the framework of spiritual separateness.

 

To understand this balance, look at the preceding verses:

Galatians 6:1–3 —  

Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may be tempted.  2 Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and in this way you will fulfill the law of the Christ.  3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself.  


This is the heart of our separateness: not judgment, but compassion. Not isolation, but mutual support. Being there… even when we are cranky crocodiles…lets admit it that is a huge burden…for all involved

We have a unique process on keeping our balance …. Readjustment

 

Is it fun readjusting.. for the readjusted or the readjuster… most of us have to admit that is not something we line up for like ice cream on a hot day.  Yep I had a big scoop of Readjustment and went back for more..😳
We usually have a lot of Ya but’s coming out of our mouth .. you should have told me sooner .. it’s not fair…you think you are so smart.. you call yourself loving …you you..blah blah blah …

I love you…❤️

Thank Jehovah for the readjusters and having the courage to be readjusted… Hallelujah… fortunately they have Spiritual Qualifications.. from the school on high..not self interested profit oriented education.

Really it is the practical application of the “Golden Rule”:

“‘Love Jehovah your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There is no greater commandment than these.” — Mark 12:30–31

Balance and Readjustment is the key … to the Golden Door of life.. work.. .. education and worship and whatever we do think or speak. 
Our personal bible is being written as we speak .. what is our attitude toward this readjustment.. in Mary 16:3 or Lance 7:12 … it will be interesting to read in 200 years to our relatives in the new system.. as they say what a challenge it was in the end of that system… I am proud you sucked it up and made a balanced decision. You made it….you are here..


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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We love Jesus and what he has done.

 

He gave us a slave to feed us what we need when we need it. We are appreciative that he uses them to gradually help us to adjust. Just like in the first century when it took 20 years after Jesus passed to finally move passed the Mosaic law ... At least for the gentiles. It took longer for the "Jewish" Christians. 

 

Jesus knows how to direct and just as we trust him, we trust the slave he is directing.


Edited by trottigy
Plan ahead as if Armageddon will not come in your lifetime, but lead your life as if it will come tomorrow (w 2004 Dec. 1 page 29)

 

 

 

 

Soon .....

 

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52 minutes ago, ladiife said:

. A few weeks ago they read a letter requesting people trained in AI. I’m a self taught prompt engineer, and I wanted to volunteer, but all of the positions require a degree. 


 

Wait, what? Bethel branch asking for IT/AI requires applicants with degrees? pls correct me if I misunderstood. Thx

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2 hours ago, johnnyjw01 said:

In a talk that a member of the current Governing Body gave in our nation several years ago, he said: ‘We hope that those who are attending university will leave it after this talk.’ That’s why I say it also requires humility on their part, and we can trust that Jehovah is guiding everything.


That’s the hallmark of it. Humility, and on all sides.


We all suffer in various ways, but are not broken down. Who will somehow not be scathed while figuring out life through this system? It is much, much worse out in the world without Jehovah, our comforter and hope. He guides us despite being imperfect people.
 

Romans 8:35-39, James 5:11, Romans 15:5

🌅 Read the Bible daily 

James 5:11

Phil.2:5

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49 minutes ago, YayaMichelle said:


 

Wait, what? Bethel branch asking for IT/AI requires applicants with degrees? pls correct me if I misunderstood. Thx

I don’t want to assume, but isn’t the same letters read at all the congregations? There’s a list that prospective volunteers can look at to see which positions they want to volunteer for. I ended up telling my service overseer I didn’t qualify since the positions require a degree. 

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The S-147 for July read to all congregations around the world asking for brothers and sisters in various computer fields says nothing regarding degrees or years in university in the qualification dept. 

It ONLY says experience in or experience with ... how they got that experience is not a prerequisite for application.

New brothers and sisters are constantly coming into the truth with all sorts of experience and education.. they are not asking the brothers to go out and take  on many years of education to satisfy a need .. let’s find those who can help already with the experience and the desire to assist.. pretty logical as far as I can see.


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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