There's turmoil in my immediate future. (page 6)

CunningMan

Snoozy,

Don't accuse me of being a loafer. I've been searching for a job for about three months with no results. In case you haven't noticed, the economy is going to hell in a hand basket. For each of the next two semesters, I plan on taking the maximum number of 18 credit hours. That's six classes per semester. I have been taking that many classes during previous, giving me very little time for a job. Being a full-time student was my job. That's why I want to remain at home while I go to college. It's a hell lot more cheaper. So please, spare me this crap about me preferring the easy life. These years have been anything but easy, so quit telling me to get a job as though I haven't heard that advice before.

troubled mind

If this information it really true and not just a hyped up rumor ...then I think the society has just bit itself in the butt big time . It is as if they WANT people to defy their rules .

We have many young ones in our old hall that have gone to college including one of the Elders . Those adults that grew up as witnesses are coming to the realization how lack of education has effected their lively hood. I would think they would want better for their own kids .

Give your parents more credit . They have supported your college decision so far I really could not imagine any parent not wanting to see their child finish what they have started . Maybe this will be a turning point in your relationship with your parents . You need to act like an adult now and use calm reason and logic to help your parents see the importance of your completeing your education .

CunningMan

troubled mind,

The trouble was my parents is that they don't want to fully acknowledge the organization's hostile attitude towards education. They always downplayed this as the organization's way of adopting a moderate view about education. Once they hear about the change in policy, they'll do anything to avoid the disapproval of their JW friends or rock the boat. They made it quite clear to me in the past that if they had to choose between me and the organization, the organization will win every time.

troubled mind

Then my best advice for you would be this . Use the education you have gained so far to your advantage . You no doubt have learned some reasoning skills and communicating abilities .

Remain calm don't panic over this issue at least not until it actually becomes an issue . If you remain unconfrontational with your parents it will help your cause .Reasonableness must be your approach .

Do you know any Elders in your circuit that have college degrees ? Maybe they could be your allies .

I would also ask your parents to think about the lawyers , engineers and other professionals the society uses for their benefit ...these people have college educations ! Why in the world would they want any less for you ?

Just try to keep positive ,and I truly hope all goes well for you

horrible life

Tell them about your debt. Your main goal is to marry a good JW, support her in her pioneering activities. You know that you could not possibly support such a sister, without finishing college.

Your other goals include: Reaching out for a position in the local congregation. All you need is 10 more months. Your parents are your inspiration, their faith is your example. You have prayed to Jehovah, and you feel right about your choices.

And making more money, will amount to contributions in "THE BOX",

Say whatever you have to. Maybe pioneer next month?? (Only if you really need to)

CunningMan

horrible life,

My parents know that I'm not that theocratic. You see, I actually told them I wanted to leave about five or six years ago. Bad idea. That lead to a three day fight. Ever since then, we never talked about theocratic stuff and I went to the meetings for the sake of keeping the peace. Deep down, they're too afraid to ask or confront me about it, since they're afraid they'll push me to that final step, with me disassociating myself. At this point, reasoning with them on this matter will not get me anywhere. I don't think my dad will be so reasonable when faced with the prospect of having to step down in disgrace.

cawshun

Hang in There, EDUCATION is YOUR FREEDOM !!!

scotsman

I greatly doubt the veracity of this "policy". Any active elders that have had a CO visit recently care to comment?

edited to add: OK, now read the other thread and confirmation. Still think it's unlikely that your father would be deleted when you're already at college, but if the policy is as open to manipulation as suggested, it's all down to the CO and the rest of the elders. Any other elders' kids at college?

Ironically enough I was appointed an elder in my first month of university and I left the JWs 9 months later - they're right to view education as a threat.

CunningMan

scotsman,

I have no idea how this policy will be interpreted by the CO and Body of Elders. I guess that's the scary part. The Elders at my hall are old-timers. One of them actually sold his home during the 1975 fiasco and another has admitted to reading some of Russell's literature aparently without shaking his confidence in the organization. They all give talks with plenty of praise for the organization and it's governing body. They don't seem like a liberal bunch. I have not idea what this CO is going to suggest.

Even if I get past this without being disfellowshipped, I still want to get an MA and eventually a PHd in the future. I want to get those degrees out of state, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Burger Time

The more I think about this, the more it pisses me off (obviously for personal reasons Cunning). I'm going to straight up confront my parents and my brother on this. About a week ago my brother told me that there was some talk about not seeking higher education and I could hear the dissent about it in his voice. This is one of those things that is very very hard to defend. Especially with the younger generation being so acclimated to the normality of going to college. In fact I would say 65-70% of people my age and younger in the hall I grew up in go to college or went to college, so it definitely will not fly there. They would lose half of their elders. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts Cunning.

There's turmoil in my immediate future.

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