Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast
The Critical Thought encourages you to think critically about the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. As former members and teachers in this group, we have inside knowledge to help raise public awareness. We understand the psychological tactics the organization uses to attract new members.
Our goal isn't to attack the religion, but to share what we've learned about how the group operates. We want to expose the false teachings they use to control their followers. Many members carry a heavy burden of shame, fear, and guilt, struggling to keep up with the group's expectations. Some want to leave but stay out of fear of losing family and friends, pretending to be committed when they're not.
Through our platform, we hope to help anyone feeling trapped by the group's impossible standards or prevent others from joining. We aim to support educators, mend broken family relationships, and motivate people to pursue their education. If we can help even one person, we consider that a success.
Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses-Critical Thinkers » Critical Thought Podcast
Jehovah's Witness Leaders Tricked Us Out of College
What happens when a religion tells millions of people that higher education is “dangerous”?
For decades, Jehovah’s Witnesses were discouraged from going to college. It wasn’t a written ban, but elders, conventions, and Watchtower publications reinforced the message until it became a cultural rule. Careers, scholarships, and futures were lost.
In this panel discussion, JT and Lady Cee sit down with fellow former Jehovah’s Witnesses to share how this teaching shaped their lives. Together we’ll cover:
• The talks, articles, and letters used to discourage education.
• How elders enforced it in local congregations.
• Real stories from EXJWs who lost opportunities, scholarships, or careers.
• The sudden shift: why the Watchtower now calls it a “matter of conscience.”
• The lasting impact on finances, self-worth, and family life.
🎓 Whether you grew up as a Witness, left recently, or are just curious how doctrine controls life choices, this panel pulls back the curtain on how one religion controlled education for generations.
👉 Subscribe and join the conversation in the comments — your story matters too.
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00:00 Introduction
03:35 Wes' Story
10:58 Ra'Shuna & Terrance
19:13 Fran & Joe
32:48 Daria
45:44 Collin
57:57 Efrain
01:15:02 Jack
01:29:31 Koco & Totally Awake
01:36:51 Closing Comments
