Posted by easy1 [angler] on November 24, 1999 at 05:47:46 {BlpRHB6gpcP6iqioOwugXXuUsiPcoA}:
In Reply to: *The Watchtower Never Lies posted by WotM on November 24, 1999 at 05:04:08:
WOM,
This is an easy one... The WBTS is correct they have not changed their policy, nor have they lied about their stance on blood transfusions and any sanctions. The taking of a Blood Transfusion is strictly a matter of conscience. You as an individual are free to take or not take one as the case may be. As for sanctions, those are not handed down directly by the WBTS, rather they are a result of the elders serving on the local congregational level and their response to your individual circumstances as they interpret the scriptures. If you should choose to express what your conscience has allowed you to do, then you may now experience the actions recquired by the local elders consciences. Since they do not have to disfellowship you automatically for your actions, they are left free to make whatever claims they may desirre in this regard.
Now some elders may feel that they have no choice in the matter, that since you chose to accept blood, you did something which no real Christian would do and therefore the congregation of true worshippers must be protected from your rebelious attitude. But a mature Christian Elder would prayerfully consider the circumstances, and your attitude towards their counsel before making their decision to disfellowship.
So you can see that technically they have their legal out as to what is written. Now as to the day to day application of this in the real lives of individuals we know it is a very different matter.
Regards,
felix a