Wow, what a disturbing study article this was! This was by far the most difficult study that I ever had to sit through. Just take a look at what the article has to say about how blood should be viewed according to our conscience:
6 The Bible encourages us to avoid harmful practices and to be moderate in habits, such as in eating and drinking. (Prov. 23:20; 2 Cor. 7:1) As we apply Bible principles, we will be safeguarding our health to a degree, even if advancing age and infirmity may still affect us. In some lands, both conventional medicine and a range of alternative therapies are available. Branch offices regularly receive letters from brothers and sisters who are considering one form of treatment or another. Many ask, “Can a servant of Jehovah accept such treatment?”The article clearly states that blood fractions are a personal decision. HOWEVER, what was the stand on this issue PRIOR to the year 2000? We all know that taking in blood fractions was only allowed to be a conscience issue since the June 15, 2000 issue of the WT was published! It was never an option prior to that!!!
7 Neither a branch office nor the local congregation elders are authorized to make health-care decisions for a Witness, even if he asks what to do. (Gal. 6:5) They can, of course, call attention to what Jehovah has said that may have a bearing on the decision. For example, a Christian needs to remember the Biblical command “to keep abstaining from. . . blood.” (Acts 15:29) That would clearly rule out medical treatments that involve taking in whole blood or any of its four major components. This knowledge could even influence a Christian’s conscience when he makes a personal decision regarding minor fractions derived from one of those four components. But what other Bible advice can guide us when we are contemplating medical treatment?
9 A Christian who is reasonable does not impose his views on others.
Questions: Didn't the organization IMPOSE its views on others on the issue of blood fractions prior to the year 2000? Isn't the organization continuing to IMPOSE its views on others even today regarding blood transfusions???
10 If we cannot understand the conscientious decision of a fellow believer on some personal matter, we should not quickly judge him or feel that we ought to pressure him to change his mind. Perhaps his conscience is still “weak” and in need of more training or is too sensitive on certain issues. (1 Cor. 8:11, 12) On the other hand, it may be that we need to examine our own conscience, which may need further training in line with divine principles. On matters like health care, each of us should be willing to make a personal decision and accept the responsibility that comes with it.
So on matters like health care, we should not be quick to judge others. It could be our own conscience that needs fine tuning. Therefore, it should be a personal decision. Agreed!
Questions: If each of us should make a personal decision on health care, shouldn't this apply to blood transfusions as well? Why are there unwanted consequences (judicial committees, disfellowshipping, shunning, etc.) forced upon us by the organization if we follow our conscience when it comes to health care & medical decisions? When it comes to Christians whose consciences permit them to take blood transfusions, is their personal decision respected OR judged? Is it not the stand at this very moment that unloving action is taken upon JW's whose consciences permit them to take blood transfusions as it is said that they have voluntarily disassociated themselves by means of their actions???