Can A Jehovah's Witness attend college?

Answer 1

We can.

However, we are urged to be cautious about certain aspects of higher education, and to preferably learn a trade rather than spend years earning degrees which frequently are not worth the cost to obtain them.

We are allowed to go to college, but it is very smart to avoid going away to college and we do not stay in dorm rooms just because the environment there is chaotic and you do not know what could happen. We enjoy spending our time in the full time preaching work and it is very hard to do so when we are going to college full time so there is another reason.

We can but ................ it isn't viewed as a particularly spiritual thing to do. After all why go to college to further yourself in this dying system when there is a far more important work to do. Preaching door to door.

These quotes from our magazine The Watchtower help to see our mindset in this regard:

WT 15th March 1969 page 171............

''The influence and spirit of this world is to get ahead, to make a name for oneself. 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.''

WT 1st Sept1975 page 543........

''It would hardly be consistent for a youth, of his own choice, to pursue extensive secular studies beyond what is required by the law.....additional years of college education may present snares. One may become 'brainwashed' by human philosophies so that faith in God and The Bible is destroyed.....there is the corrupting influence that the college atmosphere often has on morals, including the danger of drug addiction.''

A Witness that goes against this counsel is generally viewed as 'spiritually weak' and not 'good association'.

Answer 2

Yes, and many do so. A college education is not in iteself frowned upon and there are a number of Jehovah's Witnesses who are doctors, lawyers and other professionals with a college diploma.

Jehovah's Witnesses are, however alerted to the spiritual dangers of young people moving away from home and living in a college environment that may be detrimental to their long term welfare as well as the need to balance a desire to support themselvs and their family in the future with setting spiritual goals.

but it isn't viewed as a particularly spiritual thing to do. After all why go to college to further yourself in this dying system when there is a far more important work to do. Preaching door to door.

These quotes from our magazine The Watchtower help to see our mindset in this regard:

WT 15/3/69 page 171............

''The influence and spirit of this world is to get ahead, to make a name for oneself. 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.''

WT 1/9/75 page 543........

''It would hardly be consistent for a youth, of his own choice, to pursue extensive secular studies beyond what is required by the law.....additional years of college education may present snares. One may become 'brainwashed' by human philosophies so that faith in God and the Bible is destroyed.....there is the corrupting influence that the college atmosphere often has on morals, including the danger of drug addiction.''

A Witness that goes against this counsel is generally viewed as 'spiritually weak' and not 'good association'.

Answer 3

That is an individual choice. Our primary focus is on God's Kingdom, and the work of spreading the good news of that kingdom. (Matthew 28:19,20) However, we still have to earn a living in this world. (Galatians 6:5). There may be a need for the person to get an education in the particular field that they feel that would be conducive to their being able to earn a living and still be able to pursue spiritual goals. That may require some college, or in many cases a tech school will suffice.

In my case, I have an associates degree for the technical field that I am in. Each person's situation will be different, and require each one to make the necessary decisions, while also keeping in mind that each one of has to accept whatever consequences there may be for what we do.

Answer 4

I would say yes. There doesnt seem to be anything wrong with the idea that someone has graduated from college.