There is an interesting phenomenon that exists in the "Torah Only" world (better know as the Charedim). On the one hand we hear constantly about the trend away from secular studies in the ultra-Orthodox Yeshivas especially in Israel but even in the United States. On the other hand we see ultra-Orthodox conferences and banquets that often include experts with high secular degrees. Much praise is heaped on these people both in ads and during introductions at a banquet or convention. They are also heavily featured writers and authors of articles in Charedi magazines such as The Jewish Observer and in books published by Charedi publishers such as Artscroll/Mesorah and Feldheim. The books often contain Haskamos from Gedolei Yisroel. Obviously these people are valued as experts, and they are often involved with being Mechanech our children. Yet, they have been trained by secular universities and that is in the main where they get their expertise. How can this be? Either you think secular studies is a waste of time and nobody goes to college or you think it does have value.
Isn't a contradiction to say Bnei Torah shouldn't go to college and then at the same time confer great value and honor on those who have PhD’s by having them speak to us as experts?
