Posted by Jeffery M. Schwehm [JefferyMSchwehm] on April 07, 1999 at 11:36:13 {HTWDI6pmYg7mGcjg8rgIMdud7girzQ}:
Hi-
Since we are all individuals and have come from varied backgrounds and circumstances, it is difficult for me to judge as to why one person decides to leave the JWs while another individual decides to remain a JW and work for change inside of the organization. We might all come from the same community of believers but we are still very different.
However, it seems to me that the goal of the internal reformers is very similar in some respects to the goal of external reformers (or as some like to call them "apostates"). As a former Jehovah's Witness I would love to see the Society allow personal freedom in choosing blood therapies for medicinal purposes without sanctions. I would also like to see the shunning doctrine disposed of. This would make life more pleasant for me and, I believe, it would improve the quality of life for my JW friends and relatives. My family relationships have suffered greatly due to my leaving the JWs. I know that I am not happy about that and I believe that my JW relatives are not happy about this either. I also worry about my sister and other minor JW children who may lose their life because of the pressure placed on JWs to conform to the ban on certain blood therapies.
It would be nice if external reformers and internal reformers could support one another in their reform efforts where we agree on what needs to be changed. It seems that there is a consensus among external and internal reformers that the current policy that the Watchtower Society has on blood needs to go. I would be willing to assist both external and internal reformers in putting pressure on the Society to change this policy. Of course, as a former JW, I would have to work at it outside of the organization.
Jeff S.