What is the logical reason JW's refuse blood in today's modern medical age?

Question

All I want to know is: What is the logical reason JW's refuse blood in today's modern medical age?

Many things from the Christian bible are no longer followed as they are no longer applicable. Some rules put in place to simply keep us safe are no longer needed. Why do JW's follow this law?

Do they oppose organ transplants as well?

Are they against donating their own blood to save the life of someone else?

Would they accept blood from a parent?

The ONLY Bible that supposedly says to refuse blood is the JW one. So since they have "added" something, does this make them a cult and thus they are misinformed?

Also, the Bible says it is wrong to eat shellfish. Yet I don't know any Christians who don't eat shrimp due to this. I have heard this "law" was due to the fact that it was once considered dangerous to eat shellfish due to the chance of becoming ill. Now we are able to *usually* avoid most food related illness.

So this is based on the fact that the bible says not to "consume blood" (presumably because it would be disease causing-referring to animal blood in meat), and they assume that to also mean a blood transfusion?? Which by the way is very safe now.

Also, I had no idea they WILL accept blood components, but not whole blood. So it really IS only about a technicallity?

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses are not anti-medicine or anti-technology, and they do not have superstitious ideas about some immortal "soul" literally encapsulated in blood. Instead, as Christians, the Witnesses seek to obey the very plain language of the bible regarding blood.

Obviously, God prohibited the ingestion of blood by specific commands through the prophet Moses and the ark-builder Noah (more than a thousand years before Moses' birth). The commands to Noah are binding upon all his descendants, which of course extends beyond Jews. Also, while the Mosaic Law's dietary restrictions applied only to actual Jews, its prohibition against using blood (for any human purpose) actually applied to Jews AND others.

"Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; and as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning; of every beast I will require it [that is, lifeblood] and of man" (Genesis 9:3-5)

"No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who sojourns among you eat blood. Any man also of the people of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, who takes in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with dust." (Lev 17:12,13)


Jehovah's Witnesses well-recognize that Christ ended the unique requirements of the Mosaic Law, but they also recognize that some laws preceded and superseded the Mosaic Law (eg prohibitions against murder and adultery continued). Is there any indication whether God's laws about blood also should continue to be respected by Christians?

As Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses are bound by the bible's words in "the Apostolic Decree". This decree was the first official decision communicated to the various congregations by the twelve faithful apostles (and a handful of other "older men" which the apostles had chosen to add to the first century Christian governing body in Jerusalem). The decree helps demonstrate that the first century Christian congregation was highly organized, and that the holy spirit actively assists those "taking the lead" to make correct decisions.

Here is what the "Apostolic Decree" said, which few self-described Christians obey or even respect:

(Acts 15:20) Write them [the various Christian congregations] to abstain from things polluted by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.

(Acts 15:28-29) For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper.


Quite explicitly, the Apostolic Decree quite plainly forbids the misuse of blood by Christians (despite the fact that nearly every other provision of former Jewish Mosaic Law was recognized as unnecessary). It seems odd therefore, that literally one Christian religion continues to teach that humans must not use blood for any purpose other than honoring Almighty God.

A better question would ask: What is the logical reason that other self-described Christian religions don't even care if their adherents drink blood and eat blood products?


Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the repeated bible teaching that blood is specially "owned" by God, and must not be used for any human purpose. Witnesses do not have any superstitious aversion to testing or respectfully handling blood. Jehovah's Witnesses obey Acts 15:20,28,29 in connection with platelets, plasma, and red/white blood cells since each major component reasonably approximates whole blood; Witnesses readily admit that they are uncertain how Jehovah views minor blood fractions.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that any bible principles prohibit organ transplants, as long as God's laws regarding blood are respected.

Answer 2

Great article. Blood transfusions aren't always the answer. They're just a quick fix for doctors. Nevermind the many cases of the person's body rejecting the blood or one contracting AIDS from it or other autoimmune diseases. When I had my son, I signed a "no blood" waiver, so they were prepared to have an alternative. As it turned out, I lost so much blood I passed out, but with a shot to stop the bleeding and iron pills I was just fine. Never suffered any brain damage or anything else. That was 4 years ago. I have NO DOUBT that had I not signed the no blood waiver, they would have tried to give me blood. You know, I weep for mankind. They go about their day to day lives choosing to ignore the true word of God. Because Satan has blinded them. Many have turned to atheism and thousands of other false religions because they can't get any satisfaction from these religions. It's just sad that when they realize that Jehovah's word it the true word, it may be too late. Thank goodness, I'm not in that crowd.

Answer 3

Repeatedly the Bible tells us to abstain from Blood. This was not just a rule given for a certain time period or to a certain group of people(as in the case of the Mosaic Law, etc.)

All of us Christian or not need to decide for our selves. Jehovah lovingly gave us freewill and reasoning ability. However, we Witnesses feel very strongly the use of blood(This extends to ANY transfusions) is wrong.

You are very correct, we are living in a Medical Age. Due to this, there is much to be studied and weighed. There are many alternatives and many variations. We constantly have choices to make. This is one reason why Bible study is so important to us as repeatedly reviewing and studying and learning helps us to make sure that when we decide what to do we can see how the Bible feels.

Hi. If you do research you will see the abstaining from blood is not limited too the "Witness" Bible.

We do not Twist our Bible.

Blood Transfuisions are incredibly dangerous. Think about it this way. When we have children we tell them dont play with matches, dont play in the street, etc etc. As time goes on, hopefully, the child will realise that just because he cannot perceive the harm in an action the fact that his parent has been right every other time he gave warnings chances are the parent is correct now. The principle is the same. In the Bible we read of detailed instructions on how to prepare food, even how to use the toilet. As time has gone by we can see more and more clearly how right these instructions were. Based on that fact doesn't it make sense to abstain from Blood, even if it seems harmless, as the harm may be beyond what we know currently??

As to the blood fractions. It is a matter of understanding. The Bible was written thousands of years ago. Technology has changed. As technology changes we as humans with reasoning skills have to study to see whether the newly availible sciences fall inside or outside of Jehovah's law. Case in point, no where does the Bible say Gay marraige is wrong, however this fact is clear by reading Jehovah's views on marraige and sex.

Even beyond scriptural obligations, my Logical Reason to refuse blood is based on extensive research. I have seen there are Many problems with excepting blood.

Answer 4

The point is that abstinance from blood is mentioned so many times throughout the Bible (not just the old testiment either).

I just read below that someone things the Jehovah's Witnesses are 'twisted in their beliefs'. Forgive me for saying the obvious (from an atheist point of view), but aren't all Christians' beliefs twisted?

The Jehovah's Witness Bible (The New World Translation) was written some fourty years after the movement started, but the King James Bible DOES state not to injest blood, so this isn't them 'adding something' (although I won't deny that they may have done elsewhere).

To say that Jehovah's Witnesses aren't Christians is an act of judgement, and all you who CLAIM to be Christians know that you are not in a position to do any judging, so how dare you. Jehovah's Witnesses accept Jesus as their personal saviour, FACT. They follow Jesus. FACT. Jehovah's Witnesses ARE CHRISTIANS. FACT.

Now, you may not agree with them, but you cannot judge them for their beliefs. Their beliefs are no more warped than yours!

AND if anyone wants to give me a thumbs down, I suggest you read what I have just written AGAIN.

Answer 5

First of all, Mawkish I applaud and thank you for a fair-minded observation from "the other side".

Now, setting aside the logic, or lack thereof, of following the dictates of an ancient book... are you aware that there is a growing number of doctors who agree blood transfusions are not exactly the best idea and that "bloodless" clinics exist. In addition bloodless surgery is considered the best possible surgery because it forces surgeons to be extra careful as they work to limit blood loss.

Scripturally. It is absolutely inaccurate that "only Jehovah's Witness" bibles" include this command. Proof?

King James Version:
Act 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Act 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

New International Version:
Acts: 15:29 -You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell

American Standard Version:
Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.

Now some translations might say "eat" instead of abstain. However, let me drag out an old chestnut. Imagine you go to your doctor and he tells you that you have severe liver problems and can no longer drink alcohol. Would you then run and set up and IV in your home and start pumping gin in your veins instead? Think about it.

The question of whether or not to accept blood fractions is one of individual conscience... between ourselves and God. When the Governing Body first wrote the above, they had never heard of hemo dilution or plasma or whatever. I would answer the question about shrimp eating but I think this one is more important. If you really want that answer as well, add a detail to your question and I'll do that for you.

Answer 6

At one time Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) prohibited the use of every blood component shown here. The Watchtower has gradually permitted each component to be used, first globulin, then the clotting factors, plasma proteins and finally hemoglobin in June of 2000. The Watchtower still insists that JWs “abstain from blood”. Since permitted blood
components total 100% many have asked, "What is actually forbidden?". Permitted blood components are processed from donated, stored blood. JWs benefit from the blood components donated by others but they are forbidden from donating to the blood supply

Most people would probably be surprised at the idea that an organ transplant is cannibalism, but the WTS argued that this was the case. And JWs would have to toe the line. They should rather die or be crippled than accept an organ transplant, and for the next thirteen years, that is exactly what they did. That is until Jehovah God apparently changed his mind again about organ transplants.

God Bless You

Answer 7

"Logical" has nothing to do with it. Almighty YHVH told us not to "eat" blood. The JW's (rightly or wrongly) understand that to mean "don't take blood into your system". That is, that the general rule would include transfusions. An interesting question would be if they would allow their own blood to be taken and stored to be available if needed. (an autologous transfusion I believe it is called) With all the STD's these days, and the development of artificial blood, maybe the JW's are smart after all!

Answer 8

I am Christian, I was clinically dead, "they the Frankensteins "
brought me back while in coma gave me five pints of blood.I have not felt the same since.I would have refused if I were able to speak.The life is in the blood.GENESIS your brothers blood cries out to me from the ground.No I will not give organs which they must remove before you are dead, and I will not put anyones organ in me.Did I mention "modem medical" killed
my mother and my father.Killed, Murder.they are insane and have a God Complex.

Answer 9

Logic has nothing to do with it. It's because the bible tells them so. From what I gather they are against the use of any blood for any purpose.

Answer 10

They are really twisted in all there beliefs. God has given all manner of good things on this earth. God states he will take what satan has used for evil and use it for good. In that doctors prolong life and help people it is not evil to use a doctor. As blood is needed to maintain life it is not evil to recieve blood from a donor. Cults take the word of God and twist it to cause damage to people. The JW cult is actually having people in its mist promote the murder of there children in with holding medical attention from a child. They promote evil as good and good as evil. God has to use to be kind and good. Part of being good is to help the sick if you can. Donating blood is a example of being good. Every good word is rewarded by God evey evil work will be judged as well. But mormons do nto have to worry about being judged from good works. They deney that Christ is Gods only begotton son as scriptures declare. They do not follow christ nor are they saved. They follow a different christ who will not stand up for them on judgement day. JWs do not know Christ. They do not have a relationship with him. And they do not hear his voice.
They are a christian look alike cult.
Also if you look at the fruit of with holding medical help it is a evil fruit that is evidence of the evil nature of the JWs church.
If you will watch the JWs in these chat rooms you will see they like to lie. Satan is the father of Lies.
No lier shall have any part in heaven.
The word of God also states no one who takes part in a lie will enter into heaven. All the members of the JWs take part in lies.
When i say no JWs will go to heaven i mean exactly that, no one in the JWs will go to heaven period. It is a pagan cult with no redemption before God. The JW also provide a false salvation, Idol worship of the watchtower, endorcement of lies, the covering up of past lies, false prophets worship, false truths promotion and scripture deniel as well as scripture changing.
All of these indicate the lack of truth in the JWs churchs.