OK, psych, let's talk about blood

by wasasister 7 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  wasasister

  In reply to a previous post, Psych said:
  

  There is an area where Jehovah's Witnesses fail to protect their
  children - blood transfusions. This IS a horrible situation. This
  is where the Watchtower is REALLY vulnerable because they are the
  only religion with this bizarre interpretation of the scriptures.
  The child molestation thing is a convenient distraction.

  I'll ignore the use of the term "convenient distraction" for a moment, but I think it could go both ways.

  Psych, if you feel so strongly about this issue, what are you willing to do about it? Would you move against "Jehovah's Chosen Ones"?

  Also, let's talk about numbers in this situation, shall we? How many faithful adult and minor JW's have died as a direct result of following an incomprehensible policy on blood? I doubt this number can be accurately determined, but what does it matter?

  What if only one died? A dozen? Hundreds? Thousands? More than a comparable proportion in the rest of society who die following "bizarre interpretation of the scriptures"?

  If you stand by and do nothing while people needlessly die, what share of culpability falls to you? Or, do you feel this also is an area where the entire burden falls on parents and family? Are parents able to make an informed decision on whether or not to allow their children to accept a life-saving blood transfusion, if they are taught the GB speaks for God?

  If you would answer even one of these sincere questions, it would help me understand where you are coming from on the Abuse Issue.

  Thank you in advance for your response,
  Wasa

  PS: as a Witness parent, I was careful to protect my children from predators. Thus, I would not allow them to attend an over-night party at the home of a "brother" known to me to have a past history of fondling children. Because my children were thought of as "good examples" in the congregation, other parents approached me and asked if there was any reason their children should not attend. I was warned - by elders who had direct knowledge of the brother's prior acts of molestation - that if I said one word to anyone, it would be slander and I would be subject to disiplinary action. As as result of my following those orders, some of my daughters' friends were victims of the man at that very event. How can parents protect their children if important information is withheld from them?
• 

  outnfree

  bttt in case Psych missed it

  outnfree

  It's what you learn after you know it all that counts -- John Wooden
• 

  SYN

  Wow, WAS, that's QUITE a story. One for the archives for sure...Dub apologists take note, this sort of thing is what's happening TODAY in YOUR VERY OWN BORGANIZATION. DEAL WITH IT NOW, NOT LATER.

  Thanks, WAS!

  "If men were like their personal ads, they wouldn't need personal ads."
• 

  outnfree

  Sorry, (((Wuzzy))).

  I couldn't resist bringing this bttt, because I'd really like to see if Psychdigg has any well-thought out reply. I'm hoping s/he missed it and hasn't ignored it.

  outnfree

  If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never
  tried before.
• 

  Psychdigg

  I can't keep up with all the new posts.

  Blood. The Watchtower policy on blood is detestable. First of all there should be NO blood policy. Any blood policy is based on a gross misunderstanding of the scriptures on blood.

  Because I take responsibility for myself and my family I have discussed this issue with my wife, kids and their mates. You won't find blood cards in our wallets. It is up to each individual to make this decision for themselves.

  I would be willing to contribute to full page ads in newspapers calling JW's to account for this. I don't have the money to pay for a whole page of the Wall Street Journal but I'm sure a $100 per year from a few thousand people could do a lot of good.

  Please post if there is an organization that does this.
• 

  ShaunaC

  Psych, why would you be willing to publicly denounce the WT's blood policy in the Wall Street journal but you criticize, no attack, Bill Bowen for his stand against the WT for the pedophilia issue?

  I'm confused on how you pick and choose the issues where and how the Society is wrong. Why is one thing good to pick on while the other is not?
• 

  Psychdigg

  The blood issue is based on very clear misinterpretation of the scriptures. It is also deadly. It is a policy that is unique to JW's. If the GB changes the policy absolutely no-one will die because they refuse blood.

  Molestation is endemic to mankind. The solution is not simply the adoption of a "popular" policy. I believe the watchtower policy with respect to molestation will continue to improve and evolve. I believe that the way governments deal with these issues will continue swinging in different directions just as they do on death penalty, abortion, drug abuse. If Bowen wants to campaign for uniform reporting laws in all states that would be more effective than attacking JW's. Ignore religious policy because it will never be stricter than the law allows.
• 

  out4good3

  Wisasister

  a very heartbreaking story. I once knew a girl whose father was the typical "company man elder" who mentally beat his wife into complete and unquestioned submission. His children, with whom he never got to know or spend any time to spend with, were basically seen but not heard. When the daughter got pregnant, within a week she was shipped off to another state. Can't have that "mature" man's reputation soiled in full view of the congregation. Power publisher mom beaten into full submission said absolutely nothing.

  The point is that those elder types are known for sticking together and using whatever means necessary to secure their position of prestige. Couple that with the WT admonition to not bring any reproach upon the organization or J's name, and you have the potential for a lot of abuse of the very people they purport to care about.

  It's a shame that many people don't know of the WT view and history in relation to the UN. That is a shining example of the hipocrisy that festers in the organization from the top down.