Here is a scenario for you...

by CaptainSchmideo 6 Replies latest watchtower medical

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  CaptainSchmideo

  You have a relative in the hospital. He is an "inactive" witness, but still believes in all that malarkey. The blood issue arises.

  Panicked, this person prevails upon you to call for help from the "brothers".

  So, you call around, 'til you find someone from the HLC.

  After the physical situation is assessed, the question is asked: "What is this person's status in the congregation?"

  You then find out that HLC assistance is a "members only" privilege, and that "the instructions from Bethel are that the HLC cannot get physically involved when the patient is not an active member." So, you get some token "assistance", they fax you the current information, DPA form, etc. But they will not be able to be at hand for this.

  However, what do you think would happen, if, instead of seeking assistance from the brothers, this same "inactive" Witness took the blood transfusion, or some "illegal" "major fraction", and it became known by the elders at the Hall this patient was formerly associated with. How actively involved would another type of "committee" be?

  Question to ponder, isn't it?
• 

  Honesty

  That's a good question to ask JW's when they come aknockin'.
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  penny2

  Maybe it's a bit different in Australia - the elders here seem to be willing to help almost everyone avoid a blood transfusion. That's individual elders with help from the HLC. Most hospitals here are well informed about the position of JWs and usually comply quite readily. Different if it's a small child - then they take out a court order and it's out of the parents' hands (much to the parents' relief in most cases).
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  SirNose586

  Hmm, never thought about that situation before! Funny how more emphasis would be put on making sure the offender is punished, and not the other way around.
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  JWdaughter

  I don't think they would ignore a person re; the blood issue in this area. While NO one visited my mom when she was in the hospital/nursing homes with my dad caring for him, when she turned in the blood card, they did visit once or twice during her own hospitalization. And if she was inactive, I think those particular people (nice married couple that I could really have liked as people) would have done everything to encourage her, study with her etc. I doubt all are like that. I imagine though that any excuse to witness to non JW people or 'strengthen' JWs who were interested in following the WT inst. would be actively pursued.
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  CaptainSchmideo

  I'm not saying that this person doesn't receive visits from Witnesses (ie:old acquaintances, etc).

  They just won't receive any overt help from the HLC itself, the "official" committee.
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  2dothebest

  Someone should have come to help you and your mother out. I had a similar situation with my mother and received the neccessary help.The HLC duty is to help all who are in need of there help.