In 1990, the Watchtower Society published "How Can
Blood Save Your Life?", a 31 page booklet outlining
Jehovah's Witnesses complex blood policy. This booklet
is another transparent example of devious
misrepresentations within Watchtower publications.
According to Kerry Louderback-Wood (B.B.A.,Georgia
State University:J.D., Florida State University) in her essay
entitled "Jehovah's Witnesses, Blood Transfusions, and
the Tort of Misrepresentation", Ms. Louderback-Wood
exposes the fact that the booklet quotes and misinterprets
"scientists and historians to bolster its position that early
Christians absolutely never ate blood."
Blood Save Your Life?", a 31 page booklet outlining
Jehovah's Witnesses complex blood policy. This booklet
is another transparent example of devious
misrepresentations within Watchtower publications.
According to Kerry Louderback-Wood (B.B.A.,Georgia
State University:J.D., Florida State University) in her essay
entitled "Jehovah's Witnesses, Blood Transfusions, and
the Tort of Misrepresentation", Ms. Louderback-Wood
exposes the fact that the booklet quotes and misinterprets
"scientists and historians to bolster its position that early
Christians absolutely never ate blood."
Louderback-Wood further states: "It is a misrepresentation for the Society to quote
Priestley as an adherent to an absolute prohibition, when in fact he was not
committed to either eating or not eating blood and did not think the argument was
important enough to include in his main text. While the Society quoted Priestly's
words verbatim, the words were taken out of context leaving the reader with a false
impression that Priestley advocated total abstinence from blood."(pg.791) Because
Jehovah's Witnesses view the Watchtower Society as their "Mother", loyal followers
take the Society's "word for it" within such publications as this, failing to do
individual research to see if the quotes stand within their original context. Through
examination of this erroneous Watchtower publication (How Can Blood Save Your
Life), the facts prove that the Watchtower Society presents quotes out of context and
makes numerous blanket statements regarding the potential diseases and death rates
associated with blood transfusions. The Watchtower Society presents its followers
with a misleading and biased interpretation of certain medical literature to support
their non-Biblical and shaky doctrines. The Society's assumptions that all blood
transfusions result in deadly diseases is hardly concrete evidence to stand so firmly
on as Jehovah's Witnesses do.
Priestley as an adherent to an absolute prohibition, when in fact he was not
committed to either eating or not eating blood and did not think the argument was
important enough to include in his main text. While the Society quoted Priestly's
words verbatim, the words were taken out of context leaving the reader with a false
impression that Priestley advocated total abstinence from blood."(pg.791) Because
Jehovah's Witnesses view the Watchtower Society as their "Mother", loyal followers
take the Society's "word for it" within such publications as this, failing to do
individual research to see if the quotes stand within their original context. Through
examination of this erroneous Watchtower publication (How Can Blood Save Your
Life), the facts prove that the Watchtower Society presents quotes out of context and
makes numerous blanket statements regarding the potential diseases and death rates
associated with blood transfusions. The Watchtower Society presents its followers
with a misleading and biased interpretation of certain medical literature to support
their non-Biblical and shaky doctrines. The Society's assumptions that all blood
transfusions result in deadly diseases is hardly concrete evidence to stand so firmly
on as Jehovah's Witnesses do.
Regarding the discussion of AIDS, Louderback-Wood explains: "A reader may thus
conclude after reading the medical risk section that today's blood, given the addition
of new diseases is far deadlier than 1 per 13,000 bottles. If the Society's argument is
sound, today's diseases would effectively turn blood into medical poison. The
Society distorts the actual risks of contracting Hepatitis or HIV. Informing its
readers is important because omitting relevant facts can also amount to a
misrepresentation where it leads the readers to a false conclusion."(pg.800)
(See Bag of Tricks: Sin of Omission) Louderback-Wood exposes the actual risks of
blood transfusions in the United States according to the Red Cross:
conclude after reading the medical risk section that today's blood, given the addition
of new diseases is far deadlier than 1 per 13,000 bottles. If the Society's argument is
sound, today's diseases would effectively turn blood into medical poison. The
Society distorts the actual risks of contracting Hepatitis or HIV. Informing its
readers is important because omitting relevant facts can also amount to a
misrepresentation where it leads the readers to a false conclusion."(pg.800)
(See Bag of Tricks: Sin of Omission) Louderback-Wood exposes the actual risks of
blood transfusions in the United States according to the Red Cross:
- Here is a quote the Watchtower Society used within this
devious publication to support their doctrine on blood:
The quote above comes from Joseph Priestly's religious writings entitled "The
Theological and Miscellaneous Works of Joseph Priestly". Priestley actually
concluded his discussion by saying:
Theological and Miscellaneous Works of Joseph Priestly". Priestley actually
concluded his discussion by saying:
With all of this confusion, how could any Jehovah's Witness keep these doctrines
straight? Due to this outright uncertainty, the Society has invented special
committees to assist Jehovah's Witnesses with these matters, and to prevent them
from giving in and accepting blood transfusions. Let's move on to find out about
these committees.
straight? Due to this outright uncertainty, the Society has invented special
committees to assist Jehovah's Witnesses with these matters, and to prevent them
from giving in and accepting blood transfusions. Let's move on to find out about
these committees.
The Watchtower Society
stresses that these worksheets
are not legal documents, but
you may use your answers on
these work sheets to help you
to complete your "durable
power of attorney". Basically,
if a Jehovah's Witness is
suffering with bed ridden
illness or they are
incapacitated and unable to
speak for themselves, the
attorney can speak for them
through the use of these work
sheets.
stresses that these worksheets
are not legal documents, but
you may use your answers on
these work sheets to help you
to complete your "durable
power of attorney". Basically,
if a Jehovah's Witness is
suffering with bed ridden
illness or they are
incapacitated and unable to
speak for themselves, the
attorney can speak for them
through the use of these work
sheets.
If you are interested in receiving a copy of
this informative publication which reveals
more of the Watchtower Society's
misrepresentations, write to following
address:
this informative publication which reveals
more of the Watchtower Society's
misrepresentations, write to following
address:
If refusing blood transfusions was really "God's law", why would he allow so much
confusion (yes and no's) on such a serious matter? Further, why is accepting fractions
of blood a violation of God's law, but fractions of fractions are not? These
contradictions have left many Jehovah's Witnesses rightfully confused. Out of
confusion the Society has invented worksheets for their own clarification as to what
they choose to accept, based on their own "Christian conscience" of course.
confusion (yes and no's) on such a serious matter? Further, why is accepting fractions
of blood a violation of God's law, but fractions of fractions are not? These
contradictions have left many Jehovah's Witnesses rightfully confused. Out of
confusion the Society has invented worksheets for their own clarification as to what
they choose to accept, based on their own "Christian conscience" of course.
Worksheet 1.
How Can Blood Save Your Life. pg.5.
"The Theological and Miscellaneous Works of Joseph Priestly". pgs.376,380.
| Jehovah's Witnesses, Blood Transfusions, and the Tort of Misrepresentation".pg.799. |
Although it is true that along side many other medical procedures, blood
transfusions do carry with them a certain amount of risk. Perhaps more common
than Biblical arguments, Jehovah's Witnesses favorite argument in defending their
stand on blood is this. "Refusing blood protects us from diseases, this proves that we
have the truth." What is contradictory however, is that Witnesses are now able to
accept some fractions of blood products which indeed can contain diseases.
transfusions do carry with them a certain amount of risk. Perhaps more common
than Biblical arguments, Jehovah's Witnesses favorite argument in defending their
stand on blood is this. "Refusing blood protects us from diseases, this proves that we
have the truth." What is contradictory however, is that Witnesses are now able to
accept some fractions of blood products which indeed can contain diseases.
The Watchtower.3/1/89.pg.30.
To clear up any confusion, here is a chart explaining what Jehovah's Witnesses
can and cannot accept:
can and cannot accept:
Since the ban on blood transfusions in the 1940's, the Watchtower Society's
restrictions on medical procedures are ever changing. Just when Jehovah's Witnesses
thought their stance on blood was solidified, the Society began to alter the laws again.
In the 1980's, the Watchtower Society confirmed that whole blood along with its four
components were not permitted for transfusion, but that this did not rule out fractions
which some Witnesses would accept. How can a loyal Jehovah's Witness keep any of
this information straight? Between meetings, assemblies and field service, how would
a loyal Jehovah's Witness have time to figure out what is classified as fractions in
blood? Up until the 1990's, Jehovah's Witnesses carried the anxiety that accompanies
defending their stance on blood. Loyal Watchtower followers carried the heavy burden
of explaining to doctors and judges why they will allow their own child or themselves
to die rather than accepting this potentially life-saving medical procedure. To prevent
these loyal followers from "giving in" because of sheer confusion, the Watchtower
Society invented Hospital Liaison Committees. These committees consist of trained
elders who help support and assist loyal Jehovah's Witnesses stand on blood. These
elders take the driver's seat in the hospitals and courtrooms to speak on the behalf of
the unsure and confused Witness. With all of this medical confusion and doctrinal
flip-flop, it's no wonder the Society fabricated these committees to speak for Jehovah's
Witnesses who are entirely confused as to their own beliefs. The following recording
contains excerpts from a recent talk by an elder at a local Kingdom Hall regarding these
"Hospital Liaison Committees".
restrictions on medical procedures are ever changing. Just when Jehovah's Witnesses
thought their stance on blood was solidified, the Society began to alter the laws again.
In the 1980's, the Watchtower Society confirmed that whole blood along with its four
components were not permitted for transfusion, but that this did not rule out fractions
which some Witnesses would accept. How can a loyal Jehovah's Witness keep any of
this information straight? Between meetings, assemblies and field service, how would
a loyal Jehovah's Witness have time to figure out what is classified as fractions in
blood? Up until the 1990's, Jehovah's Witnesses carried the anxiety that accompanies
defending their stance on blood. Loyal Watchtower followers carried the heavy burden
of explaining to doctors and judges why they will allow their own child or themselves
to die rather than accepting this potentially life-saving medical procedure. To prevent
these loyal followers from "giving in" because of sheer confusion, the Watchtower
Society invented Hospital Liaison Committees. These committees consist of trained
elders who help support and assist loyal Jehovah's Witnesses stand on blood. These
elders take the driver's seat in the hospitals and courtrooms to speak on the behalf of
the unsure and confused Witness. With all of this medical confusion and doctrinal
flip-flop, it's no wonder the Society fabricated these committees to speak for Jehovah's
Witnesses who are entirely confused as to their own beliefs. The following recording
contains excerpts from a recent talk by an elder at a local Kingdom Hall regarding these
"Hospital Liaison Committees".
Numerical statistics are
intentionally avoided regarding
the deaths of these youths. It is
safe to say that thousands is a
staggering understatement, and
the actual number of deaths due
to this wacky Watchtower
doctrine would be frightening.
intentionally avoided regarding
the deaths of these youths. It is
safe to say that thousands is a
staggering understatement, and
the actual number of deaths due
to this wacky Watchtower
doctrine would be frightening.
This child's life is one of
the many lives taken by an
organization that tells her
it is God's promise to
resurrect her someday on
Paradise Earth.
See Paradise Earth
the many lives taken by an
organization that tells her
it is God's promise to
resurrect her someday on
Paradise Earth.
See Paradise Earth
When a life threatening emergency occurs, the "legal reality" is a physician can
treat minors without parental consent, which includes blood. This is another
reason why the Society invented Hospital Liaison Committees. The elders on these
committees can jump right in on behalf of these children to prevent them from
having a transfusion.
treat minors without parental consent, which includes blood. This is another
reason why the Society invented Hospital Liaison Committees. The elders on these
committees can jump right in on behalf of these children to prevent them from
having a transfusion.
After recognition of the Watchtower Society's wishy-washy medical doctrines, it is
hard to imagine a Jehovah's Witness sacrificing the life of their own child through the
refusal of a potentially life saving treatment. The Watchtower Society morbidly sheds
light upon the many "youths who put God first" by denying blood transfusions. It is
transparent that the Watchtower Society's ban on blood has no scriptural backing, and
the lives of countless children have been taken by the twisted doctrines of this
religious cult.
hard to imagine a Jehovah's Witness sacrificing the life of their own child through the
refusal of a potentially life saving treatment. The Watchtower Society morbidly sheds
light upon the many "youths who put God first" by denying blood transfusions. It is
transparent that the Watchtower Society's ban on blood has no scriptural backing, and
the lives of countless children have been taken by the twisted doctrines of this
religious cult.
Loyal adherence to the Watchtower Society's doctrine on blood has cost thousands of
Jehovah's Witnesses their lives. How many exactly? According to David Reed's book
"Blood on the Altar":
Jehovah's Witnesses their lives. How many exactly? According to David Reed's book
"Blood on the Altar":
Just like the deadly doctrines regarding vaccinations and transplants, the Watchtower
Society will slowly but surely entirely abandon their prohibition on blood. However,
abandoning the ban on blood transfusions could cause the Watchtower Society some
serious damage, suffering the consequences from the wrongful deaths of thousands
of loyal followers. This is possibly the reason why they continue with this wacky
doctrine. Nearly all blood transfusions use blood fractions, so technically Jehovah's
Witnesses could accept most blood transfusions. However, due to the sheer paranoia
the Society has instilled into their followers, most will never accept any form of
blood, even in the face of death. Until this deadly doctrine, or "killer cult" is
completely annihilated, their are many who are helping to expose the erroneous
grounds for this Watchtower teaching. Many former Jehovah's Witnesses and some
who never were are working together as a united effort to help all those who have
been touched by the deadly tentacles of the Watchtower Society. Let's all work
together to witness the Watchtower Society go out of business.
Society will slowly but surely entirely abandon their prohibition on blood. However,
abandoning the ban on blood transfusions could cause the Watchtower Society some
serious damage, suffering the consequences from the wrongful deaths of thousands
of loyal followers. This is possibly the reason why they continue with this wacky
doctrine. Nearly all blood transfusions use blood fractions, so technically Jehovah's
Witnesses could accept most blood transfusions. However, due to the sheer paranoia
the Society has instilled into their followers, most will never accept any form of
blood, even in the face of death. Until this deadly doctrine, or "killer cult" is
completely annihilated, their are many who are helping to expose the erroneous
grounds for this Watchtower teaching. Many former Jehovah's Witnesses and some
who never were are working together as a united effort to help all those who have
been touched by the deadly tentacles of the Watchtower Society. Let's all work
together to witness the Watchtower Society go out of business.
- Check out these informative websites for more information on the blood doctrine
of Jehovah's Witnesses: - http://www.ajwrb.org/index.shtml
- http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/bloodlaw.htm
Blood, Medicine and the Law of God.1961.pg.54.
Jehovah's Witness children are
constantly indoctrinated with phony
logic regarding the refusal of blood
transfusions. Witness parents tell
their children that accepting a blood
transfusion would make Jehovah
sad. "No Blood" is as indoctrinated
into Jehovah's Witness children as
"Don't talk to strangers". Why
would any parent do this? Because
the Watchtower Society has tricked
their followers to believe that a
blood transfusion for their child
could cost them their salvation.
constantly indoctrinated with phony
logic regarding the refusal of blood
transfusions. Witness parents tell
their children that accepting a blood
transfusion would make Jehovah
sad. "No Blood" is as indoctrinated
into Jehovah's Witness children as
"Don't talk to strangers". Why
would any parent do this? Because
the Watchtower Society has tricked
their followers to believe that a
blood transfusion for their child
could cost them their salvation.
"A chart published in the 1993 issue of The American
Journal of Medicine shows that studies based on 1,404
operations-mostly cardiovascular surgery and hip
replacement-performed on Jehovah's Witnesses without
blood transfusions reveal that 1.4 percent of the patients
die due to lack of blood as a primary or contributing cause
of death. Extrapolating that figure to the entire
membership, if 1.4 percent die in cases where a JW
"needs" blood, and 10 percent of the five million active
Witnesses and twelve million attending JW Kingdom
Halls "need" blood each year, that 1.4 percent death rate
would mean that between seven thousand and 16,800 die
by refusing blood each year." pgs.25-26.
Journal of Medicine shows that studies based on 1,404
operations-mostly cardiovascular surgery and hip
replacement-performed on Jehovah's Witnesses without
blood transfusions reveal that 1.4 percent of the patients
die due to lack of blood as a primary or contributing cause
of death. Extrapolating that figure to the entire
membership, if 1.4 percent die in cases where a JW
"needs" blood, and 10 percent of the five million active
Witnesses and twelve million attending JW Kingdom
Halls "need" blood each year, that 1.4 percent death rate
would mean that between seven thousand and 16,800 die
by refusing blood each year." pgs.25-26.
Awake!
3/22/94.
3/22/94.
www.sixscreensofthewatchtower.com.© 2011.