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Jehovah`s Witness/blood transfusion
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Question
Dear sir,
Why is it not O.K to have a blood transfusion
But it is O.K. to have a Kidney transplant?
And If your small daughter had an accident, and she needed a blood transfusion to survive, would you let the docter give her one?
Thanks
Jeff OR USA
Hello Jeff. First, I am not a JW. I am a Christian, and I would give my permission for a blood transfusion for my child with NO hesitation at all.
As for the inconsistency regarding why it is o.k. for a kidney transplant, but not a blood transfusion, I have asked many JWs this question myself. If you can ever get a JW to give you a straight answer to this one, please let me know. So far, I haven't been very successful in getting a straight answer to this. There are some other "experts" on this board who are JWs, and I would like to see you send them this question, and see what kind of answer you get.
It might surprise you to know that there was a time that JWs were NOT allowed to receive a kidney transplant either. During the years 1967-1980, it was taught that organ transplants of ANY kind were "cannibalism". Then, in 1980 this teaching was dropped. For whatever reason, the commandment against blood transfusions has remained in effect.
You may find an article on my web site regarding the issue of blood transfusions to be helpful, and also very interesting. My site is www.jehovahswitnesses-thetruth.com, and the article is entitled "JEHOVAHS WITNESSES AND THE QUESTION OF BLOOD.". Check it out and let me know what you think.
Take care, and if I can be of any further help, please let me know.
Derrick
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Answers by Expert:
Derrick Holland
Expertise
I was raised in the religion known as Jehovah`s Witnesses for 13 years. Since becoming a born-again Christian, I have researched extensively this religion, especially their doctrines and their history. I can answer questions about their doctrines from the perspective of Biblical Christianity. To be clear: Jehovahs Witnesses is the religion of my upbringing, though I myself was never baptized into the religion, nor have I ever been considered as a Jehovahs Witness.
Experience
23 years of Biblical research into the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, and how they differ from the teachings of the Watchtower.
Education/Credentials
High School, some college. Studies of God's Word, the Bible, and how it compares to JW theology. I have found my own personal study and experiences to be far more valuable than any formal education or training. The Bible message is clear...Salvation is ONLY through and by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and no religious organization has a thing to do with it. While attendance at a Bible-preaching, Bible-believing church is a must for spiritual growth and fellowship, no church can grant salvation to its members. Nor is joining a particular group a prerequisite for being saved.
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