Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination that is enjoying an impressive growth in membership numbers, with millions of adherents around the world.
One of the most well-known aspects of being a member of the denomination is being firmly against blood transfusions.
What does this entail though? And why do they oppose blood transfusions. We take a look in this article.
Background
Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians. They engage in regular evangelism, whether this is through knocking on doors and spreading the word of the Lord, or by standing in public areas with literature.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the world’s destruction is imminent, and that God’s kingdom is the only way of solving humanity’s problems.
The religion was founded in the 1800s in the United States, and has grown rapidly in recent decades.
There are approximately 8.5 million members, with over 100,000 congregations around the world. It isn’t quite in the top 10 of largest Christian denominations, but isn’t far away!
Jehovah’s Witnesses’ refusal of blood transfusions
As discussed, one of the most well-known facets of the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their refusal of blood transfusions.
Jehovah’s Witnesses consider blood transfusions as a violation of God’s law. Therefore, they are firmly against them.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have the right to refuse treatments, including blood transfusions, so long as they have the mental ability (capacity) to do so. Doctors and healthcare workers should respect this.
Many Jehovah’s Witnesses carry around a signed and witnessed advance directive card, which confirms they wish to refuse blood in the event of a medical emergency.
Many in the denomination also point out that alternative treatments exist too. Non-blood products and surgery are possibilities in some cases.
Such is the strength of their faith – that many are willing to risk their life in order to forego a blood transfusion.
What Bible verses do Jehovah’s Witnesses cite as being against blood transfusions?
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is the Bible of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is a version of the Holy Bible.
Jehovah’s Witnesses point to certain scriptures and verses in the Bible to explain why they are against blood transfusions.
For example, Proverbs 3:5, 6 states “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding”. This is an example of where witnesses believe that they must trust Jehovah (God) with all their heart, and live by his will.
In Luke 5:31, it is said that “those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are ill”. By stating that a doctor is not needed, some witnesses argue that medical intervention is not needed.
However, arguably the most important scripture for witnesses is Acts 15:20, which shows that the Bible forbids taking in blood to sustain the body.
Acts 15:20 reads “abstain from… fornication and from what is strangled and from blood”. Witnesses point out that this is a clear sign that the Lord forbids taking in blood.
In wider Christian beliefs, the blood represents life, and is sacred to God. The only use of this blood should be for the atonement of our sins.
Therefore, by refusing a blood transfusion, Christians are expressing their faith in only the blood of Jesus Christ can actually save their life.
The Takeaway
It is remarkable and highly honourable that many witnesses are content with giving up their life in order to abide by their beliefs. This sacrifice emulates Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Jehovah’s Witnesses will hope to continue to grow in years to come. One constant among all those who join will be the expectation to abstain from blood transfusions.
