S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Acts 15:19-21, 28 is the Scripture Jehovah's Witnesses typically point to as the reason they refuse to accept blood donations. Acts 15:20 says, "Instead we should write to them, telling them to abs...

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July 01 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Dan Rivers Supporter Christian, Husband, Grandfather, Son, AT&T retiree

Blood transfusions and any type of medical treatment can be administered after proper consultation with your Doctors.

If the treatment saves your life, then it was God's will that you continue to live. If it doesn't, then it was God's will that your days come to an end...

Job 12:10 NLT - For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.

Job 14:5 NLT - You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.

Psa 39:4 NLT - "LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is.

Psa 139:16 NLT - You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

September 16 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Nils Jansma Supporter

Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions? The answer, in my opinion, is because Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW’s) truly believe that they are the only “true” religion. They believe that all other religions are a part of “Babylon the Great” and will eventually be destroyed by the Political “Beast” which the religions of the world ride. (Revelation 17:3-5; 18:2) Therefore, there has always been a tendency for them to want to be different, thereby showing themselves as being separated from the “world” and all its “Pagan” and ungodly trappings. 

That is the reason they don’t celebrate holidays, birthdays, Salute the Flag, fellowship with non-JW friends etc. Etc. In the late 40’s when blood transfusions were becoming more common, the Watchtower leaders were given “new light” by Jehovah that they shouldn’t violate the sanctity that the Bible places upon blood by misusing it. It should be understood that the JW members have nothing to say about this subject, it is all decided by a small group of men called the “Governing Body.”

They will state in their defense, two main Scriptures from the NT and OT as a basis for their argument along with many others stressing God’s requirement not to eat blood. Acts 15:20 compares the eating of blood with “sexual immorality” and Genesis 9:4-5 says that bloody meat must not be eaten. The former places a New Testament restriction on eating blood and the later an OT restriction. Though JW’s agree that we are no longer under the Law of Moses, they contend that we are still under the Law of Noah, since it was universal and given to the forefathers of the entire human race. So, they claim they are on solid ground doctrinally with support in both the OT and NT.

Regarding the argument about the difference between eating and transfusing blood, the Leadership claims that both are intended to nourish the body and thereby equivalent. However, they have since changed the phrase “nourish the body” to “sustain life”. The reason for the change is that a blood transfusion does not “nourish” the body like food. Instead, it is more like an organ transplant because once in the body, it does not change its form. For blood to nourish the body, it must be eaten and digested into its fundamental parts and distributed where needed. So, the change in wording from “nourish” to “sustain” was necessary to get around the mistake made in their original argument.

It is interesting nevertheless, to note that between 1967 and 1980, JW’s believed that organ transplants were “Cannibalistic” and were not allowed. However, since 1980, it is recognized that organs, like blood, are not “consumed” by the body and therefore not “eaten.” Once again, this is an inconsistency. There is literally no practical difference between a blood transfusion and an organ transplant, yet one is forbidden and the other permitted.

Another inconsistency is that while whole blood is forbidden, if broken down into its various parts, it often can be transfused based upon one’s conscience. Usually, when a JW hears that it is “based on one’s conscience” that means it is ok. If it wasn’t, it would be an excommunicating (disfellowshipping) offense. Taking a blood transfusion is just that serious. Without extenuating circumstances or a demonstration of true repentance, “taking blood” will result in “shunning” by one’s family and friends leading to the ultimate consequence of everlasting death according to their belief.

This prohibition has resulted in the death of thousands, many being babies, children and loved ones of all ages. To insure compliance, every JW carries an ID card that states, “I direct that no blood transfusions be administered to me, even though others deem such necessary to preserve my life or health.... “

In conclusion, I would like to say that one should pray for JW’s that God will open their eyes and free them from the blinding influence of the Watchtower Society and it’s Governing Body.”

February 11 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions?

JW's will say the following in response to that question:

What Does the Bible Say About Blood Transfusions?

The Bible's answer:

The Bible commands us not to ingest blood. Therefore, we should not accept whole blood or its primary components in any form, whether offered as food or for transfusion. Note the following scriptures:

1: A person should carefully and prayerfully consider what God would have him do regarding receiving/giving a blood transfusion.

2: The fundamental answer is that Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept blood. We firmly believe that God's law on blood is not open to reform to fit shifting opinions. Still, new issues arise because blood can now be processed into four primary components and their corresponding fractions. In deciding whether to accept such, a Christian should look beyond possible medical benefits and risks. His concern should be what the Bible says and the potential effect on his relationship with Almighty God.

3: JW's will quote scriptures like these for direction: "Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name."​—PSALM 86:11.

Leviticus 17:14. "You must not eat the blood of any flesh, because the soul of every sort of flesh is its blood. Anyone eating it will be cut off." God viewed the soul, or life, as being in the blood and belonging to him. Although this law was given only to the nation of Israel, it shows how seriously God viewed the law against eating blood.

"If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!" (Acts 15:29)

Conclusion:

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions based on their interpretation of biblical passages that they believe command them to "abstain from blood". They view transfusions of whole blood and its primary components as a sin, which can lead to expulsion from their faith. They are not opposed to all medical treatments and often provide advance directives to inform doctors of their specific acceptable and unacceptable treatments, which may include alternative blood-saving procedures. 

They believe the Bible commands them to "abstain from blood" and view taking blood into the body, whether by mouth or intravenously, as a violation of God's law.

Beyond direct biblical commands, the core belief is rooted in the idea that blood represents life, and life is sacred and belongs to God. 

For Jehovah's Witnesses, abstaining from blood is an act of obedience and respect for God as the Giver of life. 

There is a wealth of information available on this subject. But for a JW, it is their core belief that obedience to God is essential and that is why they abstain from blood transfusions.

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report