Discussion with Gilead Graduates
Spent some time with some who had recently graduated from Gilead. Found some comments they made interesting.
They mentioned their studying process while at the class. There was a Gilead Study Guideline featuring 3 columns. The one column had scriptures, the second had an explanation of the scripture, and the third was what application this could have for you. What I found most interesting was that they emphasized the importance of not missing the middle one. They said to make sure to read everything in the middle column so you don't jump to the “wrong conclusion”.
Apparently the correct conclusion is whatever explanation is provided by Watchtower. Even if that explanation changes, and what could’ve possibly been viewed as the wrong conclusion before if you thought it yourself, is now the correct conclusion before, since Watchtower concluded it. Wrong conclusions = teachings not currently taught by Watchtower (but may be in the future).
Also sometime during the discussion someone mentioned “Thinking deeply isn't always rewarded I’m this world”. Found it pretty ironic considering how JWs treat others who “think deeply“, at least when their thinking puts them at odds with the organization.