Jehovah’s Witnesses are
advised against pursuing a higher education, with the Watchtower regularly
providing warnings that
attending university is an
improper use of time in
these last days.
The outcome of these warnings is that Jehovah’s Witnesses have
amongst the lowest average education and income levels of
any religion in the United States, as shown in independent
studies, such as the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey 2008 by the
Pew Forum. Higher education
1.provides benefits at both a private and social level, as detailed in this article; hence
religious groups that attempt to take this choice from their
followers deserve public scrutiny. Watchtower View of University
Watchtower classifies higher education as a temptation akin
to smoking, using drugs, and watching violent and immoral movies. For instance, see the
insert from the Watchtower 2008 Sep 1, entitled “What Will
be The “End Afterward”?
The Kingdom Ministry warns:

“Your children will no doubt experience new challenges and
pressures. … Are they prepared for the pressure they will receive
to pursue higher education, date,
and use alcohol or drugs?”
Kingdom Ministry 2011 Jul p.2

Watchtower explains pursuing an advanced education is
dangerous because it:

>Wastes precious time in these last days
>Promotes prestige and
materialism
>Shows a lack of faith
>Involves bad association
>Promotes higher learning

There is no compelling validity to any of these reasons, as the
following examination will show.

Time left is reduced

The primary reasoning against a higher education has been that
the time left is reduced, so the final days of this system should be spent in full service for Jehovah and his organization.

“Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after
high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by
them. Do not let them
“brainwash” you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in
this world. This world has very little time left! Any “future” this world offers is no future! Wisely,
then, let God's Word influence you in selecting a course that will
result in your protection and blessing. Make pioneer service,
the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal.”
Watchtower 1969 Mar 15 p.171

“No doubt, school counselors sincerely believe that it is in your
best interests to pursue higher education and to plan for a secular career. Yet, their confidence lies in a social and
financial system that has no lasting future.” Watchtower 2012
Jun 15 p.23

This is not a reason to avoid a higher education and a satisfying career, after considering
Watchtower originally expected the “new system” to arrive in
1914, and has been saying the end will be soon for over a
century. Those that heeded the above 1969 quote are now at
retirement age, many working their entire lives in low-paying jobs, often without retirement
benefits. Watchtower reasoning that higher education wastes valuable time is of dubious merit, when it
recommends an apprenticeship
for a trade instead.

“That is why parents who base their lives on God's prophetic Word find it much more practical
to direct their young ones into trades that do not require such long periods of additional
schooling.” Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15

“A university degree does not guarantee success in the job market. As an alternative, many
have acquired marketable job skills by means of apprenticeship programs, some vocational or
technical school education, or
short-term college courses that require a minimum of time and
involvement.” Kingdom Ministry
1999 Apr p.8

See also Watchtower 2005 Oct 1 p.27

The additional time taken for a university education is of minor significance, since some degrees
take only 1 or 2 years more than a trade.
Watchtower has never held back from making long-term
commitments and plans for education and expansion. In the early 1990’s, Watchtower paid for former Circuit Overseer Vincent Toole to
obtain a university law degree, and he currently resides there as legal counsel. Watchtower’s
billions of dollars worth of property globally are part of an ongoing building program. In
2013, a $10 million Assembly hall was completed at Orangeburg.
On 29th July 2013, Watchtower commenced construction of a
new global headquarters at Warwick, New York.This campus of buildings spans 45
acres, and includes 588 rooms with capacity for 1000 residents. It is hypocritical for
the leaders to make long-term plans, but insist the followers
keep a short-term focus.

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