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

[Eejay]

11 minutes ago, Bryan said:

No one could be deleted simply for pursuing higher education.

Or certainly should not have been.....

 

I like the fact we have now changed the term from "higher" to "additional", which removes the "snootiness" element and incorporates both "further" and "higher" education into one bracket.

 

All areas of education can move from "basic" (foundational knowledge) to "additional" (development of insight, in depth understanding, and refinement of skills). We do this within our own spiritual educational program, moving from the basic knowledge provided in the "Enjoy Life" course which enables a person to qualify for baptism and then on to the "additional" learning provided in the regular meeetings and then developed further through pioneer service schools, SKE, Gilead, Kingdom Ministry Schools etc. and even practical training for those volunteering for theocratic construction projects. These arrangements provide "additional" education to  individuals, qualifying them for a range of activities. The very concept of making progress in education is scripturally based in Paul's discussion at Heb.5:11-6:3. Also the requirement for elders to be "qualified" to teach.

 

15 hours ago, trottigy said:

Does the pursuit of higher education interfere with regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities?

 

The important aspect here is contained in the words  "regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities"

It is not only education that could be a factor in this regard. Entertainment, sport, employment, the daily affairs of life, and a host of other things could all contribute to an interference with "regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities".

Physical sickness, or some other issue could be a factor which might call for understanding and support. But if such external problems were not a factor, the basic problem could lie in the heart of the individual and their appreciation for spiritual things (Comp.Heb.12:16). That is what would require a review of qualifications in respect of an elder. And that review would be with the objective of re-orienting his focus and/or priorities. It may well require relieving them of their privilege of service for a while if they are unable to serve as "examples to the flock" (1Pet.5:3). They might even see a need to take that action themselves.

So the actual participation in "additional" education would not be the cause for review, rather, it would be the reason for their lack of "regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities".

[Ostria]

On 8/23/2025 at 8:24 AM, Tortuga said:

Please mention that to anyone that assumes California isn't as spiritually minded as the rest of Jehovah's organization. 

Please tell me you're talking about Witnesses in California themselves and not the state of California.... Because when i think of california, spirtually minded is jot the first thing i think of