Posted by Bibleman [Bibleman] on November 01, 1999 at 07:26:16 {2gTL9dbN6kMSSTtTA17sslyACFuF8c}:
In Reply to: *******the WALLS-WTS DECEPTION!! posted by Farkel on October 31, 1999 at 22:00:30:
Hi Farkel Sparkle-meister.
Just wanted to say I'm one of the "injured" from the Society's anti-education policy, though I'm not entirely bitter because the Society did de-emphasize seeking a materialistic life and that's practical.
I was kind of smart in high school. And many people may not realize it, but sometimes extremely wealthy people wanting to be charitable contribute to scholarships and such. When I was in my senior year of high school, some wealthy person wanted to give a full scholarship to medical school to some bright minority student and they offered to me. But of course, Armageddon was so close then and college was out of the question so I turned it down. They couldn't figure out why. Especially a black person who didn't want to advance.
Later I qualified from another scholarship in electrical engineering through the electric company who was giving scholarships out as well to go to Arlington State. And I was going to go, all expenses paid, but then got sick (my mom says "homesick") and came back to the West Coast.
But I think I would have wanted to study just for knowledge's sake though now it would have been great to have at least a semi-professional salary just to make it. Later I got some specialized training that gives me a semi-professional salary and lots of freedom.
But I know what a difference it is to be struggling and trying to make it at one level and how nice it is to have a salary over $30,000 a year (if your single, especially); so you can eat out at a nice restaurant every now and then, and if you want to plan a trip to Hawaii or something, you can do that.
Money makes a big difference. And not just to exist but to have a little style. And that's not being materialistic.
Furthermore, to me, if you don't make enough, you're always stressed out. You may have to put up with inadequate housing, etc. It's nice to be able to afford a modest apartment in an area you want to live in, have a few things and have enough money to take a trip or go take a friend out to a nice restaurant. That's a very pleasant lifestyle.
Also, if you make enough money, you can afford to take time off, pay your bills working part-time, etc.
So no matter what, a minimum-wage salary is never going to be better than that of a skilled laborer or a job in a technical field or professional field. It just doesn't make sense to insist upon not being educated. It's different if there is no choice and your poor or unable. But to insist upon remaining uneducated when you can do better just doesn't make sense!
Lots of witnesses coming out of the 70's and 80's are now reeling from that policy. I escaped because I went back to school and got special training. But so many haven't and are suffering now. That's why I'm always glad to hear about someone like you who actually got past that prejudice and went out and got your degree and I hope you are enjoying it and the money. God meant us to enjoy life, not to just struggle from hand to mouth.
And we know the WTS policy on this is totally off since they don't provide for full-time preachers after they are forced to retire. These people need health plans and some type of retirement and the WTS provides no guidance for these "Pioneers" etc. who fall through the cracks in their old age.
But that is certainly totally different than the GB members or Bethelites who retire who still are taken care of by the Society. It's such a double standard!
Even now I can't figure out why that concept of anti-education is so distorted with the WTS. Not being educated is not about being poor, it's about being incompetent.
Oh well... definitely a sore sport for J-dubs and X-J-dubs as well. Glad you got past that.
Cheers,
Bibleman