As many of you probably already know, the WTs have a relatively new feature series called "My Bible Lessons". This series, which apparently began running earlier this year with the February public edition, is specifically designed for children "Ages 3 and Under".
Caleb, of Sparlock fame, makes his WT debut in the "lesson" of the August 1st, 2012 edition of the Watchtower, pages 24-25.
In it, Caleb writes a letter to a friend that is sick. So obviously Caleb must be older than the target demographic. He would have to be at least 6 or 7 years old to write even a simple letter (assuming he's not a WT prodigy like Andre, but I digress). This would also fit in with the way Caleb is portrayed in the "Be Jehovah's Friend" video. Although there are few clues as to his exact age, in the video he says that he got Sparlock from a friend at school. Although that could possibly be pre-school, the general overall behaviors of Caleb in both the video and the magazine are consistent with a child of about 8-10 years old.
It is interesting that the WTBTS would have an older child serve as a role model for children 3 years and under, (and by extension to the JW parents that would attempt to implement this feature as a way to teach their very small children).
As a professional educator all I can say is that, in spite of the obviously messed up priorities of what to teach and what to expect from a young child (ie. obedience, rather than qualities like cooperation, curiosity, creativity and imagination), the WTBTS clearly does not know what age-appropriate teaching is.
The referenced scripture is 1 Peter 3:8:
Finally, all of YOU be like-minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate, humble in mind
That's some pretty deep stuff for an infant 3 years or younger.
- Q: How many toddlers are humble? Compassionate? Know what "fellow-feeling" or "like-mindedness" are?
- A: None. Most adults struggle with these concepts.
What a surprise. Once again the WTBTS attempts to teach on subjects about which they are completely unqualified. A bunch of high-school educated (or less) egotists attempting to represent themselves as early-childhood education and developmental experts.
I'm thinking this is another example of their fraudulent behavior. Not illegal perhaps, but certainly unethical and definitely destructive and damaging to the developing hearts and minds of young children.
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Interestingly, the w2012 06/01 had an article for older children (READ: Teenagers) entitled, "He Was Stubborn but Finally Obeyed". These guys are completely obsessed with OBEDIENCE!
What control freaks.