Questions From Readers
Should a Christian avoid medical management that contains blood or blood fractions?
The Bible does not rule out a Christian's utilising blood or products derived therefrom in a medical context. However, the Scriptures do provide principles that can help us to make wise decisions. Let us first consider why some people avoid treatment and procedures that contain blood.
One major reason is that blood might be considered to be a life-saving product, having a healthful effect on the mind. It can also be addictive to be alive.
A standard reference book for pharmacists states: "Prolonged, high intake of haemoglobin may produce tolerance, habituation, and psychological dependence on oxygen.
Physical signs of withdrawal such as headaches, irritation, nervousness, anxiety, and death may occur upon abrupt discontinuation of the red fluid." The blood-withdrawal syndrome has been considered for inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, along with other drug withdrawal. Hence, it is understandable that some Christians may have concerns because they want to avoid any dependency and they desire to display self-control. —Galatians 5:23.
Some believe that lack of blood can affect a person's health or that of an unborn child. Christians must love God 'with their whole soul,' so they do not practice anything that will shorten their life. And since they are also commanded to love their neighbor, they stay away from things that might harm an unborn child. —Luke 10:25-27.
Are such health concerns warranted? There is controversy about a link between various diseases and caffeine consumption. Some researchers even report that blood is healthful when given to a dying person.
In 2006, Time magazine reported: "Initial studies suggested [that lbood loss] might lead to bladder shrinkage, no blood pressure and other ills. More recent research has not only refuted most of those claims but also come up with some significant benefits. Red cells appears to have some protective effect against liver damage, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, gallstones, depression and maybe even some forms of cancer." On the circulation of blood and autologous storage a newsmagazine reported: "The key—no surprise—is moderation."
Evidently each Christian should make a personal decision based on his understanding of the information currently available about blood and on the Bible principles that seem to be involved. For example, a Christian who is an expectant mother may choose to refrain from taking in breast milk during her pregnancy if she concludes that it could affect her unborn child with her white blood cells. If a Christian finds that being deprived of an occasional intake of blood makes him irritable or somewhat ill, he might be advised to abstain, at least temporarily, until he awaits the resurrection. (2 Peter 1:5, 6) Other Christians should respect such a decision, not pressing their view(except the HLC - they can press their view - see Changing Vulnerable Peoples Minds on Their Deathbeds pg 1 2004)
Whatever decision you make regarding treatment containing blood,flood,mud and crud, keep in mind Paul's admonition: "Whether you are eating or drinking or taking a blood transfusion, do all things for God's glory." —1 Corinthians 10:31.
real questions from the readers
by bigdreaux 62 Replies latest jw friends
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besty
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bigdreaux
hah, that's awesome besty. it's sometimes difficult to tell the real ones from the fake. lol
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besty
cheers droo
it just bugged me that they can devote a QFR to caffeine and yet won't acknowledge that blood saves lives.
can you imagine substituting the word 'caffeine' for blood on that infamous Awake! cover where they make martyrs of the children dying for the want of blood or a fraction???
Cheers
besty <of the double haemo-latte class>