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

[Jimi-L]

Do you know what touched me the most in this update? Not this somewhat polished view of education, because I expected something like that at some point but rather that it wasn’t really a new light, well at least when  this forum is concerned. Brother Splane shared some understandable concerns regarding education, — and we have discussed them here, — also including  other factors, such as our personal motives, the important choice of prioritizing  spiritual matters, and the dangers of worldly philosophy and association - all the things that have often come up here through the experiences of many brothers and sisters. Mostly our publications have dealt with this comprehensively very little,  mainly negative regarding especially ’higher education’.  And this forum has shown that this is the case. And yet it has also shown that this is not fully the case. Those who have not been touched by the subject may have been confused when reading about our personal experiences or the guideline about this whole ”education business” but the fact that br. Splane shares exactly the same observations that have been made here for years, shows at least for me that not only we are receiving direction and guidance from the organization, but also how deeply you brothers and sisters here love our heavenly Father, Jehovah, ”as you go on walking in the truth.” (3 John 3) ❤️ 

Edited Friday at 08:14 PM by Jimi-L

[ChrisW]

32 minutes ago, Buckeye said:

it feels like that sacrifice wasn’t for Jehovah at all. 

Of course it was.  In your heart you were trying to serve Jehovah the best way you knew how.  The brothers that may have advised you may have been more regimented but they also cared and thought this was a protection for you.  I think about the many couples who didn't have kids because maybe they were advised against it in this system. The thinking was/is we are so close to the end? And now the are too old to have children. Jehovah sees all the sacrifices made for him.  Maybe the knowledge was not complete or correct at the time but I'm sure you will be blessed for it.

[Sofia]

1 hour ago, Áine said:

no amount of college these days will guarantee you a job. 

I went to college to become a vet

i had my job assured for 27 years

after that I lost my work and found no more in my area as a vet

now I’m breeding pets and do most of house work 

if I went back in time I wouldn’t go to college

it didn’t make me happier and gave me no garantees

i had a major breakdown at 4th year

it took a few years to get over it

meanwhile I gave very little to Jehovah 

and my studies were for free ( I wan two scholarships to live) and I lived a few km away 

brother Splane is very assertive when mentions the big issue when the costs are high and the college is very far away from home. 

I wouldn’t ever go if I had to pay or live away from home 

[YayaMichelle]

3 hours ago, Buckeye said:

If it wasn’t frowned upon before then why did they make a video about it? I was offered scholarships and told how this could affect my father’s position as elder in the hall if I accepted.  These weren’t rogue elders, it’s literally written in several watchtowers and books and videos.

 

I remember this video too shown in a convention (same “Loyalty” convention with the film about Russian violinist who got incarcerated and became a CO)! This video is where a female highschool student doing great in school and was being offered full college scholarship but she declined. She was portrayed as the pattern to be followed by all JW students then. 
 

Then there’s brother Morris’ talk where university education is strongly discouraged with a sample of a witness who went to an Ivy (Cornell?) and the parents blaming the elders on why their son became an evolutionist?

 

Maybe the latest update is appropriate only for this time? Meaning 10 years ago those who didn’t get college degrees could still get employment they enjoy with good pay without  having to expose themselves to the sharks 🦈 (universities ) and still led a comfortable life serving Jehovah… Getting university degrees before could be “optional” and may offer someone  higher positions at work, lucrative careers and the trap of materialism.  The direction before could also be a protection?

 

Now? Even a bachelor’s degree doesnt even guarantee an interview ..:!let alone employment … let alone becoming prestigious billionaire.  It’s the minimum requirement but then u’d have to compete with hundreds for 1 job.

 

Plus the branch needs professional skilled workers. Would be nice for engineers and IT professionals to share those skills in Bethel.  We all need to eat and sustain ourselves to go for our spiritual pursuits. If poverty, it’s also hard to serve God like what King Solomon said

[Andrey]

Let's remember when they allowed beards and trousers. What happened in the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses? Now imagine how many young people will now go to study at universities. Previously, this was somehow contained. I think it was not for nothing that the years for work in Bethel were changed from 19 to 18. Now young people face a choice after school.

Edited Friday at 09:25 PM by Andrey

[Buckeye]

1 hour ago, ChrisW said:

 The brothers that may have advised you may have been more regimented but they also cared and thought this was a protection for you.  

33 minutes ago, YayaMichelle said:

 

I remember this video too shown in a convention (same “Loyalty” convention with the film about Russian violinist who got incarcerated and became a CO)! This video is where a female highschool student doing great in school and was being offered full college scholarship but she declined. She was portrayed as the pattern to be followed by all JW students then. 
 

Then there’s brother Morris’ talk where university education is strongly discouraged with a sample of a witness who went to an Ivy (Cornell?) and the parents blaming the elders on why their son became an evolutionist?

It wasn’t my local brothers alone. So many are framing this as overzealous elders in my congregation. Higher education has been repeatedly discouraged in magazines, talks, and demonstrations. A couple are mentioned above but it’s been as recently as the dramatization at the convention with the couple who was weak/almost apostate trying to get the young brother to pursue education.  What was the point of that part? If higher education was a good thing, then was that couple doing a nice thing for the kid? 

Edited Friday at 09:43 PM by Buckeye

[Jwanon]

33 minutes ago, YayaMichelle said:

a witness who went to an Ivy (Cornell?) and the parents blaming the elders on why their son became an evolutionist?

 

Each will carry his own load. It was his choice to believe in evolution, it's stupid to blame the elders

Edited Friday at 09:42 PM by Jwanon

[Daxsector]

3 hours ago, OW90 said:

Wow...i don't know how to feel about this update. I guess, great for the young people of today. Now they can make informed choices about higher education and future employment without undue scrutiny and reprimand. At the end of the day, you're either gonna serve Jehovah or not. Any environment can take you out of the truth if you allow it. Whether its Harvard or Burger King.

 

This would have been great for me to hear 20 years ago when i was a young honor student from a poor family. But it's too late now. All that sacrifice and struggle just to hear its okay now... I don't know what to say. 

During those times 20 years ago, was Jehovah taking care of you? I am sure he was, Its ok. Either way our motives needed to be pure, if it was to support yourself in service to Jehovah, or was it to be rich or to seek security in this system. This update is great, I took classes to improve my skills as a designer and I did not need a Degree and have been a designer for over 30 years and won several awards for my designs. All credit goes to the sovereign lord of the universe! 

[Jwanon]

14 minutes ago, Buckeye said:

What was the point of that part?

 

They were pushing him to focus on fame and wealth.

 

Do you see the difference between this and chosing an education to support yourself financially? 

Edited Friday at 09:56 PM by Jwanon

[Dark King]

1 hour ago, Qapla said:

Do I consider my sacrifice in vain or look sadly at it? Do I even consider my not going to college a "sacrifice"?

 

NO!

You did great my brother and your parents did great by you. 

 

I just believe there is no one size fit all additional education. I just believe Each parent and each kid has to make a unique decision according to the child. I was raised by a single mother and 5 kids. I had to start working in highschool. So I started my electrical apprenticeship 💡 in highschool that allowed me to build an Assembly Hall numerous RBC projects also. But I was able to buy my Mom a house while in highschool. But I never had an option to go to bethel as a young man. But later I could work at Warwick and many other Theocratic projects.

[OW90]

21 minutes ago, Daxsector said:

During those times 20 years ago, was Jehovah taking care of you? I am sure he was, Its ok. Either way our motives needed to be pure, if it was to support yourself in service to Jehovah, or was it to be rich or to seek security in this system. This update is great, I took classes to improve my skills as a designer and I did not need a Degree and have been a designer for over 30 years and won several awards for my designs. All credit goes to the sovereign lord of the universe! 

I don't know if you're trying to get me to look on the bright side or lightly scold me for not being a happy camper. Either way, it's not helping. 

 

This update is causing people to feel a wide range of emotions. Gotta take the bitter with the sweet. You gonna hear the bitter, and i'm gonna hear the sweet. Both are reality. Both are valid. People actually lived it. Gotta respect all of these experiences.

[MullumMiss]

IMO things have not changed.  The bottom line is, it is a personal decision.  The encouragement is as has always been make your decision based on Bible principles and take into serious consideration all circumstances/risks involved in taking on additional education.  If the decision is made to pursue additional education then put in place all things needed to maintain a healthy spiritual routine.  Though in the past it was discouraged it was still a personal decision.  This update has provided “food at the proper time” to help in whatever decision one makes.  

[addiedg]

I am very happy with this update. I am an elder, currently serving as a regular pioneer and assisting the LDC, whilst also studying an online Master's Degree. 

 

I have always struggled with the organization's take on higher education (even though I understand that perhaps individual elders may have exaggerated the GB's points in some congregations). In my country, studying at university (even part time and online) was almost an automatic disqualification from being appointed as an MS/Elder. But if a brother watches netflix for 4 hours a day (twice as much time than I spend on my Masters), there's no issue.

 

My brother in law criticized me publicly a few months ago for studying (even though I pioneer while he preaches 2 hours a week and dedicates 20 hours a week to marathon training). And most people sided with him.

 

University education has become synonymous with sin in many countries and I am so glad the brothers have clarified this point.

 

Edited Friday at 10:24 PM by addiedg

[Buckeye]

22 minutes ago, MullumMiss said:

IMO things have not changed.  The bottom line is, it is a personal decision.  The encouragement is as has always been make your decision based on Bible principles and take into serious consideration all circumstances/risks involved in taking on additional education.  If the decision is made to pursue additional education then put in place all things needed to maintain a healthy spiritual routine.  Though in the past it was discouraged it was still a personal decision.  This update has provided “food at the proper time” to help in whatever decision one makes.  

You say things haven’t changed, but you also say in the past it was discouraged.  Well as of today it’s officially no longer discouraged. I wouldn’t do something Jehovah or his organization discourages. Why was it discouraged in the past when i wanted to go and why isn’t it discouraged now? What changed?  And to the friends saying you were always allowed, you’re allowed to do anything but there are consequences for them.  In my case i was allowed to go to university but the consequence was my dad would have had to step down from being an elder.  In others case the consequence was “just” that they had to feel guilty about going but still went.  I don’t think this is a misunderstanding on my part or my local elders, it was an unwritten rule. It is discussed in a negative way throughout the literature and has been viewed that way for decades now.  It will not be anymore. Things changed

Edited Friday at 10:42 PM by Buckeye

[Andress]

1 hour ago, Buckeye said:

It wasn’t my local brothers alone. So many are framing this as overzealous elders in my congregation. Higher education has been repeatedly discouraged in magazines, talks, and demonstrations. A couple are mentioned above but it’s been as recently as the dramatization at the convention with the couple who was weak/almost apostate trying to get the young brother to pursue education.  What was the point of that part? If higher education was a good thing, then was that couple doing a nice thing for the kid? 

 

I hear that you feel confused, brother. You have clearly followed a piece of advice without truly feeling you agreed with it (refraining from higher education several decades ago). You deserve praise for doing that, even if you have obviously felt that you missed out on something in life because of it.

What I feel, however—and this applies to this case as well—is that we sometimes forget a couple of important things in this context. First of all, we must remember that everything in our organization is built on Love and the unity that comes from it. This means that many things that may have been the right advice many years ago from the organization are not necessarily so today.

For example: Music. If you listened to progressive rock in the 1970s, there was a danger in that because of the culture and lifestyle it represented. Today, no one would dream of having an opinion about this, because that danger is no longer tied to the music itself. Beards, ties, and other dress codes—yes, what was called “well-dressed” in the 1930s–1900s is today considered overdressed. All of these recommendations we have received in our publications are based on biblical principles which, in order to promote unity, have been applied through time-specific advice.

The same is actually true with education. Where I grew up in Europe, it was even the case that if you went to university in the 1980s–1990s, even in the World you were considered as someone who wanted to achieve something and devote your life to work. One could get well-paid, good jobs, and if you were skilled, doors always opened to good jobs anyway. The world was different then—simpler. You could require 90 hours for a pioneer service; today it is 50 hours. At the workplace, demands were also lower. Life was simply easier to balance.

All of this creates a context for the environment we live in. Today, however, an additional 2–3 years of education has become more of a requirement just to get an ordinary job. Therefore, one often needs further education simply to manage. At the same time, the demands on us in terms of how much we are expected to give to Jehovah have been reduced. So, we still have the same expectation from the Bible (Matt. 6:33), but we now live in a different environment, and the GB tries to adapt to it.

The real challenge now will rather be this: Do our friends have the right perspective on everything—will they manage to prioritize correctly? But since the times are as they are, we must let them assess the situation person by person. I feel that our spiritual outlook is being tested now—it really shows what we have in our hearts. Do we truly want to serve Jehovah fully? Can we assess the dangers of various forms of education on our own, and so forth?

If we are spiritually minded, there is no problem. Sadly, the risk is that some, without clearer guidelines, don’t really understand what it means to follow a principle. For some, this will be challenging. But I actually think that is good. One must be in Jehovah’s organization and choose to leave other things behind because one wants to—not because one feels forced to. Times change, and we adapt... sometimes a little too late, though. Many of the changes we have seen now, I feel, could already have taken place 10–15 years ago.

 

[Amygdala]

I was nudged by a faithful anointed elder by text to watch the GB as we are traveling at the moment. What an encouraging update!
 

For all who have been praying for peace in our respective congregations, less misunderstandings, less judgment, more unity, this is yet another step towards it. If a person wants unity, but judging another based on how they set up their own standard for that brother or sister to measure up to, this can cause negative situations, mistrust and upset. Because each situation, background and person are different. A wonderful explanation by brother Splane was given for the family head to consider not only their family’s reasons for choosing additional education, but exactly how to be balanced with spiritual and even physical considerations. 
 

Essentially all of us want to strive for the same goal. To bring praise and honour to Jehovah, and help others to get on and stay on the road to life. All other decisions should be left to a person’s power of reason. The result ? More unity.
 

Yet too, regret is another tool Satan wants to create in a person. But would a human parent ever dismiss a gift a child gives out of their heart that cost them all their allowance money, refusing to keep it and not being used for themselves? Wouldn’t that parent not only be so happy with that child but cherish that gift? Even surprising them with joyful things in other ways? Jehovah cherishes all the sacrifices made for him, and is much more higher than any human parent could make a child feel or know they are appreciated. Who knows what’s in store in the future new world for those who made their lives completely and wholeheartedly focused on him? Like one of the convention talks said, visualize a new, wonderful future life in paradise full of peace and blessings. 

 

 

[YayaMichelle]

45 minutes ago, Buckeye said:

You say things haven’t changed, but you also say in the past it was discouraged.  Well as of today it’s officially no longer discouraged. I wouldn’t do something Jehovah or his organization discourages. Why was it discouraged in the past when i wanted to go and why isn’t it discouraged now? What changed?  And to the friends saying you were always allowed, you’re allowed to do anything but there are consequences for them.  In my case i was allowed to go to university but the consequence was my dad would have had to step down from being an elder.  In others case the consequence was “just” that they had to feel guilty about going but still went.  I don’t think this is a misunderstanding on my part or my local elders, it was an unwritten rule. It is discussed in a negative way throughout the literature and has been viewed that way for decades now.  It will not be anymore. Things changed

 

You nailed it my brother.  It has been different before.   Bro. Splane said “clarification”. He didn’t say “reiteration” of the same direction. 
 

I still think, those whose circumstances do not include being in a family of elders/MS might not be aware  of how this was problematic for decades for those whose fathers are elders/MS.  The scrutiny is heavy. The privileges are at stake.  Many elders stepped down and were made to step down by the rest of the BOE and the CO. However,  many still kept their privileges for other reasons like  BOE has more open minds like some of them also attained university degree or their wives and kids, etc.

 

Maybe it depends on the personalities of the body of elders and the CO too?  also, even if the elders kept their privileges, possibility of murmurers surrounding him “why is he still an elder he’s not a good example yada yada” and the college student has this guilt over his head. There’s a lot of air of bitterness around. So they step down eventually too if they can’t handle that. 

Anyway, Today’s update should make the implementation consistent globally I guess? Balance and prayerful consideration and diligent planning and calculation of cost is key!
 

there should be no more judging, guilt-tripping and shaking heads upon learning a kid is going to a university going forward…. It irks the kid truthfully when being asked & scrutinized maliciously about university. He/she feels being judged and that is more dangerous to his/her spirituality than college education itself.
 

 

Edited Friday at 11:26 PM by YayaMichelle

[Shawnster]

11 hours ago, Aleks said:

In Mexico during the 1980s, the “elders” told us that it was a sin to go to university... now I raise my glass to the young people who, with their own conscience, will pursue further studies.

I see what you did there. 

[Violin]

7 hours ago, Buckeye said:

Yep. And to make it worse,  reading the comments it seems that it was just our two halls that had this problem.  Beyond our two halls everyone had beards and a college education 

Nope nope not at all.  I understand how you feel.  University was very discouraged in our area, I was an excellent student who loves learning and also very spiritual.  I would have loved to have pursued some kind of education but it was discouraged by all of the sisters and elders I looked up to.  I'm now a stay at home mom and love it, but it would help our family so much to have a second source of income (for example, if I'd taken accounting and had a work from home business).

 

I'm astonished to hear of sisters have hair dyed strange colors or having tattoos!  My sister in law was counseled about  having her hair colour changed too often, and she was a hair dresser and only used natural colors.

[Robinson]

14 hours ago, Buckeye said:

Sure wish I had been allowed to go to college. I mean this is such a change. The circuit overseer told me if I went to college how disappointed Jehovah would be in me.  Now parents should be encouraging us to go to college. I’m 45 now and it’s too late.  It’s so frustrating to me at times when these changes happen 

Jehovah will not forget your faithfulness! We all make decisions based on what we understand at the time. I'm 46 and decided to go to college even though the elders were against it and my dad was an elder. I don't think I was any less faithful for it. But, that was the decision I made. Don't be mad about the decision you made based on what you understood at the time. Value what you understood and count it as faithfulness. Don't be discouraged, Jehovah sees your faithfulness

[Dages]

Tattoos still have bad reputation.
All the brothers and sisters with tattoos are from the world, they aren't second generation JWs

[Cushi]

I love that the slave reflects Jehovah's desire for his sheep to use their Bible-trained consciences. As was pointed out, we must all carry our own load. I thought the update must be a real blessing for those raising children or teenagers, contemplating what they will do after high school. It definitely gives them something to think about.

 

I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was happy for the friends for whom this information benefits the most, i.e, young teenagers and their parents. But I thought this would be a test for those who gave up scholarships or the “higher education” their teachers and peers pressured them into. Will they see it as a sacrifice for Jehovah, or will they regret their decision and let bitterness hurt their relationship with Jehovah? Hopefully not. Will some decide to get an education to provide for themselves and their family, glorify Jehovah, and even use it in the new world, or will they use it to chase money or prestige?

 

I must admit that the broadcast had me a little concerned because I hope this doesn't mean this system will last long enough for friends to get degrees and put it to use in this system of things 😭 I also wish they had addressed those who may have felt discouraged that they gave up scholarships and encouraged them. 

 

Despite some of my negative feelings, I'm happy to see that the slave is reasonable and reflects Jehovah's view of Christians making use of their Bible trained conscience in regards to education. 

[Violin]

6 minutes ago, Dages said:

Tattoos still have bad reputation.
All the brothers and sisters with tattoos are from the world, they aren't second generation JWs

Apparently not, because I am in a group for JWHomeschoolers and a few sisters (who also pioneer ) have tattoos.  I think they live in a more liberal state like California.   Same sister in law I mentioned earlier also has a small tattoo.

[Cushi]

While tattoos can be very beautiful and skillfully done, the problem I've always had with them is that they’re permanent. To me, it’s like saying you don’t think the way you were “created” is good enough, so you have to permanently “improve” yourself in some way.

If tattoos weren't permanent, I’d feel differently. I would view it as fashion—something you can wear and take off. I personally wouldn't want something on my body that I can’t take off without paying more money and undergoing pain. I think a lot of people get tattoos thinking that it will give them some sort of individuality, but in the end they just end up looking like everyone else. Those who don't have them end up being truly unique because everyone else does. I think Neil deGrasse Tyson had an interesting perspective on tattoos.

 

 

 

[Julsey]

On 8/21/2025 at 8:34 PM, Dages said:

From my French pov where higher education has never been disapproved and the cong I was in during my University years had many engineers and even a young man who got a PhD in biomolecular stuff, and was a MS, I'm shrugging in advance  

It was the same way in Scotland when I attended university there. No condemnation from anyone in the congregation. I felt so loved! When I came back to the States, though, I sometimes wondered if most of the congregation had me marked for doing something as awful as attending university (yes, I’m being sarcastic), as I was rarely included in anything. We certainly had enough remarks made in talks over the years that made me feel like I was some kind of lowlife. 😞