Posted by Liberal Elder [TheLiberalElder] on November 09, 1999 at 08:24:34 {4Hfg918T5g3RTTYCED4sw1IXqCKa5s}:
At their new site, the WTS public affairs office
makes the following comments regarding blood:
"Blood Transfusion
Christians are commanded to "abstain from . . . blood." Since the Bible makes no clear statement about the use of minor blood fractions or the immediate reinfusion of a patient's own blood during surgery, a medical process known as blood salvaging, the use of such treatments is a matter of personal choice. Jehovah's Witnesses accept reliable nonblood medical alternatives, which are increasingly recognized in the medical field.—Acts 15:19, 20, 28, 29; compare Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 17:10-14."
http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/medical.htm
There are a couple of points worth commenting on.
1. The fact that they list this issue on their site
would indicate that the media is regulary pressing
them on the issue. They also have a paragraph on
vaccines ;-)
2. Did you notice the admission that the above paragraph contains? Here it is again: "Since the Bible makes no clear statement about the use of minor blood fractions..."
Here is a clear admission that the WTS position on blood fractions is an organizational policy. Thinking
individuals (including Witnesses) should ask why it is
the WTS permits the use of some blood fractions but
not others.
Additionally, there is no rhyme nor reason as to which
are allowed and which are not. Some large components are allowed but smaller components forbidden. Some
complex components are permitted but simpler ones outlawed.
I challenge the WTS public affairs office and for that
matter any Jehovah's Witness apologist to offer a
meaningful explanation of this policy.
LE