Blood Transfusion !

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 6908 Location: USA

19 Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God,
20 But we should send word to them in writing to abstain from and avoid anything that has been polluted by being offered to idols, and all sexual impurity, and [eating meat of animals] that have been strangled, and [tasting of] blood.
21 For from ancient generations Moses has had his preachers in every town, for he is read [aloud] every Sabbath in the synagogues.
22 Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, resolved to select men from among their number and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, [both] leading men among the brethren, and sent them.
23 With [them they sent] the following letter: The brethren, both the apostles and the elders, to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings:
24 As we have heard that some persons from our number have disturbed you with their teaching, unsettling your minds and [5] throwing you into confusion, although we gave them no express orders or instructions [on the points in question],
25 It has been resolved by us in assembly to select men and send them [as messengers] to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men who have hazarded their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will bring you the same message by word of mouth.
28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements:
29 That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell [be strong]!

Seems to me that the scriptures are clearly speaking about the consumption of blood and meat tainted with blood as result of idol sacrifice. But I suppose one could take a verse like this out of context and extrapolate a twisted doctrine in which to condemn others and to expouse one's own self-righteousness. Religions and religious men have done so for ages, in spite of the truth of scripture.
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franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 6908 Location: USA

That makes no sense. Is it the practice of all JW's to evade, twist, and prevaricate, or is it just your preferred method of operation?

Fornication is listed specifically as a sin in a few references, not context other than 'fornication is a sin', as is lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, murder, homosexual activity, pride, and a few other things. It just so happens that the idea of abstaining from blood has a specific context and concept and the WTBC has chosen to take it out of context and make a religious gathering point which is completely out of sync with the truth of scripture.
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franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 6908 Location: USA

Context. Not a difficult concept.

Specifically the scriptures pertaining to blood abstinence, refer specifically to the consumption and use of blood and meat of sacrificial animals. It was the practice of that time to sell the meat and blood of sacrificed animals to those who would use the as food and the blood as part of their rituals of worship.

The scripture admonishes against the consumption and use of the meat and blood, as they were spiritually unclean in their use, and therefore unclean to consume.

It was also fairly common for people to strangle the animals they use for food as a means to kill them before dressing and butchering. The result of this strangulation caused the animals stress and resulted in the release of endorphins and other chemicals (adrenaline, urine, etc.) which tainted the meat and blood of the animal.

Physically it is unwise to consume meat and blood of animals who have died in this way as it makes the meat distasteful and unhealthy. This is why it is inadvisable to consume roadkill.

There is nothing in this passage when taken in context that implies that the use of blood or blood products for medical reasons is prohibited. It is only when one takes a portion of the passage as a stand alone dictate that one can conclude thus. CONTEXT and CONCEPT.
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franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

I will be glad to continue to indulge you on this vital topic. I hope others are viewing the thread.

Perhaps the fact that "things sacrificed to idols" is listed first is what causes you to declare idolatry as the context. The context of this statement can be ascertained be reading the entire 15th chapter of Acts.

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

I forgot to mention that while meat sacrificed to idols was readily available in markets in those days, the drinking of blood, both animal and human for medicinal purposes is established in historical writings. I don't need to mention that fornication was as prevalent then as it is today. If James had chosen to list either blood or fornication first, I don't know if we would be having this discussion.

rarndt01 · Tadpole Joined: 31 Jul 2004 Posts: 16 Location: Ohio

Jesus clearly taught that to lay down one's life for another is the greatest act a fellow human could do. And the life of a human being is IN THE BLOOD. If my infant son or daughter needed blood of a type that matched mine, I would without hesitation give it to save their precious life. Because I love them even more than I could love another human. That IS my child. I would give my heart, my kidney, my very eyes to save my own. Oh what kind of person could stand by and watch his beloved die and not even lift a finger in protest? The thought to me is horrible.

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

Two questions:

Are you a former Witness?

Do you find it repugnant that God would let his son die when His justice required it?

rarndt01 · Tadpole Joined: 31 Jul 2004 Posts: 16 Location: Ohio

Jehovah Witnesses believe what they do concerning no blood transfusions is because of what the Watchtower Society has told them through printed literature and not what the bible teaches.

In answer to your second question, Yes if God told me to allow my Son to die, I would weepingly comply. But God would not and does not wish this to be such the case when it comes to giving blood to save the life of my children. Nowhere in scripture is this taught and all the misconstruing of the WTS literature won't change it.

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

Since you did not answer the first question, I'll assume its "yes."

No one has learned the truth of God's word without other information, be it written or oral. (Acts 8:31) No organization provides information that exalts the Bible as the only reliable source of guidance more than the WBTS. Its publications quote and cite the Scriptures prolifically, helping readers to learn God's view of any matter by subject. All that want to know God's view of blood should get the June 15, 2000 Watchtower. It will show anyone concerned about the misuse of blood numerous passages in the Bible that illuminate this important matter.

Faith is not a possession of all men.

Bye.

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 6908 Location: USA

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

Is your complaint that by giving Bible study material away at no charge the WBTS is cutting into the profits of Christendom? Every Sunday morning I cringe at the business of Christendom being conducted on television as they sell their books, tapes and videos designed to expound on Scripture. You're not one of these greedy opportunist are you? Isn't the pot calling the kettle black?

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93