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Why Can’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Receive Blood?
Jehovah’s Witnesses adhere to a strict code of morality that is based on biblical principles. In short, they strictly refrain from ingesting blood or any of its derivatives in any form. This is a long-standing religious belief that Jehovah’s Witnesses observe despite the advancements made in blood transfusions, blood product utilization, and modern-day medical understanding.
It is often noted that many medical professionals and scientists regard blood transfusions as a life-saving measure, and in certain cases, they can be. However, this procedure is not suitable for all people, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are no exception. Jehovah’s Witnesses form a sect of Christianity with its own set of beliefs. These beliefs extend far beyond the realm of ingestion and consumption of blood, but in terms of the consumption of blood, the belief is centered on a biblical passage found in the book of Genesis: “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
This passage is the basis for the belief that Jehovah’s Witnesses adhere to in terms of avoidance of blood transfusion. This includes a refusal to store, donate, accept, or receive blood transfusions, including any and all derivatives thereof. In the eyes of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the consumption of blood – or its derivatives – is tantamount to a violation of God’s moral law.
The refusal of blood transfusions is indeed a difficult decision to make; however, Jehovah’s Witnesses are guided by a well-organized spiritual organization and a dedicated network of elders and ministry servants who assist in counseling and providing encouragement for their members for the purpose of adhering to their beliefs.
Under no circumstance is a Jehovah’s Witness to partake of blood or its derivatives, either directly or indirectly. Hence, they refrain from eating blood-thickened products such as puddings or other food items that may contain blood. Moreover, they also refrain from ingesting blood shed by another creature, such as blood taken in surgeries, transfusions or blood broths or soups.
Apart from the obvious issues related to digestion of blood, Jehovah’s Witnesses also take into consideration the possibility of blood or blood derivatives being administered involuntarily. To avoid such a situation, they may disregard medical advice that is given that involves the transfusion of blood or its derivatives.
Although this may seem extreme to some, it is important to note that it is a personal decision based on religious convictions and each individual is entitled to make this decision for themselves.
It is important to respect the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses and understand their refusal of blood transfusions. It is also important to remember that even though this is a strict code to follow, Jehovah’s Witnesses have the utmost respect for the sanctity of human life and the potential of medical science to save lives. With their unwavering commitment to the principles of their beliefs, Jehovah’s Witnesses stand as a shining example of faithfulness and dedication to God, virtues in which all of us can learn valuable lessons.
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