AboutDerrick 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.
Experience 23 years of Biblical research into the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, and how they differ from the teachings of the Watchtower.
Question Why was it that til 1945 blood transfusion was not allowed among witnesses? If it was stated in the bible then why was in it obeyed before?
Answer Hello Luis. Let me begin by saying that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your correspondences with Janko. You have obviously done some research, and the response you got was revealing, as well.
As for your question, I think that perhaps you meant to ask why blood transfusions WERE allowed until 1945 among JWs.
You then ask...."If it was stated in the bible then why was in it obeyed before?"
I think the answer to this would be, that it is NOT stated in the Bible. It is merely the interpretation that those in power in the Organization have placed upon the Scriptures regarding the eating of blood.
In fact, Luis, if you have studied the history of the Watchtower regarding medical teachings, their record does not inspire confidence. There have been many dangerous and costly medical teachings taught by this Organization, only to be reversed later on.
For instance, in the 1940s, Jehovah's Witnesses were taught that vaccinations were against God's law. There were even instances where JWs paid a doctor to "fake" a vaccination mark on their child, when vaccinations were required to enter school. Then, after a time, the teaching was reversed.
An even more serious Watchtower error between the years 1967-1980, and the subject was organ transplants. JWs were taught that organ transplants were also against God's law, and they were referred to as "cannibalism", because it involved sustaining one's life off of the flesh of another. As a result of this ridiculous reasoning, many JWs went blind rather than receive a cornea transplant. Many JWs died rather than receive a kidney or liver transplant. They died believing that they were obeying Jehovah God.
Then, without warning, this teaching was reversed in 1980, and it now became a "matter of conscience". Of course this reversal did nothing to help those who had already died in obedience to this doctrine.
Whenever JWs are questioned about changing doctrines or false prophecy, the answer is always the same...."the light got brighter". Exactly how JWs can think that Jehovah God allowed the deaths and needless suffering of these individuals, and that He is leading this Organization has always been a mystery to me.
It seems pretty simple to me....Either these teachings WERE God's law, and if that is the case, then they STILL ARE God's law, and should still be taught. Or else, they were NOT God's law, and therefore, they were man-made doctrines that caused the death of numerous people. I don't think "new light" is sufficient to explain this one.
I am giving you this history to finally give you an answer to your first question, namely....
"Why was it that til 1945 blood transfusion was not allowed among witnesses?"
The answer to that, is that it depends on who is in power making the decisions. For a revealing look at how the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses arrive at their decisions, that impact the lives of millions of people, I highly recommend reading the book entitled "CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE". It is written by Raymond Franz, former Governing Body member and nephew of former WT president Fred Franz. The fact is, not all members of the Governing Body always agree as to what is true. Policy is decided by a percentage of votes. That is why a policy can be changed, and then reversed back again to its original teaching. And JWs will accept the change, and see it as God "leading and guiding His Organization."
So, as for the blood teaching, this is the same as the previously mentioned medical teachings....It is all based upon the interpretation and reasoning of those in charge over the Organization. There has been much speculation and even some predictions that the JWs may soon change their policy on blood transfusions also. In fact, there is even a group of JW elders pushing for reform on the blood doctrine. Personally, I do not believe there will ever be change. I think the number of deaths that have resulted from this teaching will make any change impossible.
Your question is a valid one. God's Word does not change, so why should the teachings of a group that claims to be led by Jehovah God need to change? The fact is, the blood doctrine is based upon Scripture twisting and faulty reasoning.
I also want to refer you to an article on my web site at www.jehovahswitnesses-thetruth.com, and the article is entitled "JEHOVAHS WITNESSES AND THE QUESTION OF BLOOD". In this article, I discuss every major argument and Scripture that JWs have used to defend their doctrine on blood transfusions, and I think you will find it helpful in understanding where they are coming from.
I hope this answer has been helpful, and if you need any further clarification, please ask.
