"Some people think we don't believe in medical treatment."

by compound complex 7 Replies latest jw experiences

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  compound complex

  I have just read Farkel's [hi Farkel ] post on the death of his elderly neighbor, who had refused to avail herself of available medical treatment.

  The statement appearing in the thread title was made at the KH.

  Do you think - or know - if such sentiments hearken back to the craziness of Woodworth and Franz and their off-center and ignorant medical advice in The Golden Age and other WT publications? I realize that that information is far back in time and unknown to the populace today, yet the idea persists that JWs refuse all medical treatment.

  Or is that simply a talking point Witnesses employ as an entry into their defense of the "TRUTH"? The overcoming of a potential objection before the householder raises one?

  I'd appreciate your thoughts.

  CoCo
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  Vidiot

  A little from column A, a little from column B, I think.

  One reinforces the other.
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  carla

  In one of our last jw fights err, I mean discussions, my jw brought up what people at the doors have said, he was somewhat shocked by the misinformation! go figure! they have been around 100+ years going door to door and still nobody knows what the heck they believe?!! Anyway, he was surprised that people thought they did not accept any medical care, I thought they (the doors) got jw's confused with the Seventh Day Adventists or Christian Scientists (?) He also was surprised that people thought they would not drink alcohol or caffiene, again they have them confused with the Mormons and others. At any rate people get these small so called religions confused all the time. Heck, even jw's do not know their own literature why should the general population?

  He did go on to say that he will use one of those topics as an opener at the doors. I bit my tongue because I simply did not have it in me that day to continue the 'discussion' but I thought why not open with the blood issue? why not try and explain how you can accept fractions but not whole blood using the bible? explain that to a sane rational person and see what your response is then?
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  clarity

  CoCo hi,

  I think that it may be a leftover inference to earlier beliefs or notions from Russell's day. Then of course is the blood transfusion issue, which seems to indicate that JW's are quite unreasonable when it comes to medical intervention.

  Also many people, myself included, just do not like running to doctors for all the answers. The fact that the death rate goes down when doctors go on strike, gives good reason to think twice about the so called 'Health Care' system!!

  clarity
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  compound complex

  Thank you, Vidiot, carla and clarity.

  Your comments have helped to widen my perspective.

  I appreciate your posts!

  CoCo
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  clarity

  CoCo....

  ...do you think this explains some of the crazyness? lol

  The Golden Age and other Society publications were so full of bizarre material on health that it’s hard to believe. Here’s a sampling of some of their statements which may give the reader an idea:
  
  "If the organs [of your body] are diseased, heal them by correcting your diet.

  Avoid the use of aluminum cooking utensils and alum baking powders as they are injurious to your health, poisoning your blood stream...

  Sleep on the right side or flat on your back, with the head toward the north so as to get benefit of the earth’s magnetic currents.

  Avoid serum inoculations as they pollute the blood stream with their filthy pus....

  Stop chewing gum, as you need the saliva for your food. [27]
  
  But the dog-rabies-vaccine imposition is the latest.... Rabies! When it has been shown conclusively that there is no such thing as rabies![28]The earlier in the forenoon you take the sun bath, the greater will be the beneficial effect, because you get more of the ultrua-violet rays, which are healing. [29]
  
  It has never been proven that a single disease is due to germs. 30
  
  Quite likely there is some connection between the violation of human blood [vaccines] and the spread of demonism.... [31]Milk is the greatest curative food known. [32]"
  
  http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/medicine

  clarity
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  Band on the Run

  It certainly is common. The rejection of blood is not principled to most people. It is logical to believe that a group that would ban a common, safe, life-saving procedure also is against any medical internvention. JWs are a fringe group. I don't feel they highlight their beliefs in a simple, cohesive form. Regular people are not going to pour over Watchtowers and Awakes. Mormons,seven day adventists, Christian Scientists are all considered fringe groups. I don't know if people are hostile but they are not informed of their beliefs. Why should they unless there is a comp religion course.

  Blood was the most heart wrenching of all the JW silly rules. This was before fractions. I remember Ray Franz noting that no database was kept of hemophiliacs to get in touch with them when the teaching changed. God's policy did not change. Most people would have PTSD from the strain of knowing they aided and abetted someone's death needlessly. How is it different from killing someone in an accident? There is no principled distinction between fractions and whole blood. The scripture is insigniciant in my view. It does not go to the core of Jesus' teachings or the narrative of God's special relationship with Israel.

  Real humans are denying others a fighting chance at life. Frankly, they painted themselves into a corner with the blood. It is one thing to die for Christ. Is the blood doctrine worth lives? What religion preaches this? It is probably the point on which most normal people will absolutely reject the Witnesses. I grew up surrounded by former Bethelites. They don't have special anything. Is blood refusal a doctrine or a means of exerting cult control.
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  clarity

  http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100924184438AAj0zVm

  c