As a Jehovahs Witness would it be wrong to PERFORM blood transfusions?

Question

I want to be a nurse anesthetist and i see transfusions as part of the job but whats the biblical point of view?

Answer 1

Ask at your local Kingdom Hall.

Answer 2

According to the Watchtower Society, probably Yes. But before you take what they say too seriously, please consider this:

*** w64 2/15 pp. 127-128 Questions from Readers ***

• Would it be a violation of the Scriptures for a Christian to permit a veterinarian to give blood transfusions to a pet? And what of animal food?

How, then, must we answer the question, Would it be a violation of the Scriptures for a Christian to permit a veterinarian to give blood transfusions to a pet? By all means, to do so would be a violation of the Scriptures. To use blood for transfusion purposes, even in the case of an animal, would be improper. The Bible is very clear in showing that blood should not be eaten. It should not be infused, therefore, to build up the body’s vital forces, either in the case of a human or in the case of a pet or any other animal under the jurisdiction of a Christian.

(paragraph omitted)

What, then, of animal food? May it be used if there is reason to believe there is blood in it? As far as a Christian is concerned, the answer is No, on the basis of principles already mentioned. Therefore, if a Christian discovers that blood components are listed on the label of a container of dog food or some other animal food, he could not conscientiously feed that product to any animal over which he has jurisdiction. He could not conclude that doing so would be excusable,

Servants of God have been told in the Scriptures what is to be done with blood. So they know that they would be held responsible by Jehovah for any misuse of blood over which they might have control. What is more, because they love God they are prompted to observe the laws and principles of his Word. Thus they are moved to keep Jehovah’s law on blood even in ways that might appear to some to be insignificant.

THAT's what the Watchtower says:

THIS is what the Bible says:

Exodus 22:31, NWT:

"YOU must not eat flesh in the field that is something torn by a wild beast. {in other words, not properly bled}. YOU SHOULD THROW IT TO THE DOGS."

So if you're a Jehovah's Witness, you might want to consider whether your view of blood transfusions is actually being shaped by the Bible, or by the Watchtower.

Answer 3

I work in a medical field. I have never saw one person die from a transfusion reaction. I have seen some reactions from blood but have seen many more people live because they recieved blood.

Common sense should override the New World Translation and all of Pastor Russels ideas.How many times were the Jehovahs witnesses wrong about the end of the world?

You see blood save people on a daily basis. You know the right answer. Think for yourself.

Answer 4

Some of these things are conscience calls. As you learn more you may come to different decisions about what you would do. The same is true for other decisions we have to make. Maybe think about what the Bible's counsel is on doing something that may stumble or hinder someone else whose conscience is weaker. If by giving a transfusion, someone sees it as contradictory to your belief about receiving blood. then that may hinder someone who may be watching what you do as an example. I think that this is one of those decisions that you need to let your conscience be your guide ( as well as your knowledge)Personally, I would consult with the elders and then make my decision.

Answer 5

A Jehovah's Witness would not decide to perform a blood transfusion. However, many Jehovah's Witnesses in the medical field feel that their consciences are not troubled by performing or assisting a blood transfusion which respects the wishes of the patient, under the direction of another responsible health care manager.

These health care workers may look to the Scriptural precedent wherein the prophet Elisha refused to condemn Naaman's work for his king:
(2 Kings 5:17-19) Naaman said: “...[I] will no more render up a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other gods but to Jehovah. In this thing may Jehovah forgive your servant: When my [employer] comes into the house of Rimmon to bow down there, and he is supporting himself upon my hand, and I have to bow down at the house of Rimmon, when I bow down at the house of Rimmon may Jehovah, please, forgive your servant in this respect.” 19 At this [Elisha] said to him: “Go in peace.”

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/library/vcnb/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/library/vcnr/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/library/vcae/article_01.htm

Answer 6

The Bible simply states "abstain from blood" Acts 15:29 and paralleled the abstaining from blood to abstaining from fornication, and things sacrificed to idols. Notice it doesn't say abstain from "eating" blood. The text is very general "abstain from blood". Notice the difference in the Hebrew scriptures where it is specifically for "eating" - Gen 9:4. Acts 15:29 does not say "do not eat blood". Rev 2 reflects the same commandment in Acts 15:29 and Jesus was against those who sacrificed to the idols and did fornication. You can have alternatives to blood, to save your life. Are you really "abstaining" from something if you put in thru your veins. You are not abstaining from drugs, if you inject it thru your veins, right? People do die because of AIDS and Hepatitis, & other diseases if they get those from blood transfusions. Who is liable if someone dies because of getting AIDS, for example, thru blood transfusions?

Answer 7

The Biblical point of view is that blood transfusions are fine.

Jesus told us at Matthew 15:10-20 that nothing that goes INTO us can defile; it's only what comes OUT of us (i.e. lies, adultry, murder, etc.) that defiles us. The prohibition against eating blood has NOTHING to do with transfusions.

Peace.

Answer 8

Yes, it would be wrong to perform a blood transfusion as a Jehovah's Witness...
In modern legal terms it would be called "Aiding & Abetting".
Says my wife, a 30 yr baptized witness...

Answer 9

My father-in-law is a Jehovahs Witness,they do not belive in getting blood even if you will died without it.

Answer 10

if you cant have it yourself, i dont see how its right to do it to others