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BELIEFS AND PRACTICES The following reflects the current beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses. As such, it reflects the point of view of Jehovah's Witnesses. Bible The entire Protestant or Hebrew Scriptures tell the history of the People Of Israel as the beneficiaries of God's Covenant and recipients of His Law, and Prophesy the coming of Jesus Christ"We Have Found the Messiah"!, ''The Watchtower'' October 1, 1992, p. 10. The New Testament or Greek Scriptures is a historical account of Jesus and the early Christians. The New Testament particularly is directed to those who hope for a resurrection in heaven, or 144,000.''United In Worship of the Only True God''; 1983, p. 111 The principles in the Bible are beneficial to everyone. Basis for Beliefs Principle is the doctrine of Sola Scriptura , that is, only the Bible should be used for deciding issues of doctrine. The interpretation and application of scripture is the responsibility of the Governing Body . These ones represent the Faithful And Discreet Slave and are being directed by Jesus Christ.Christ Leads His Congregation, ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 2002, p. 13-16. All members are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body.Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'' 1 April, 1986 pp. 30-31. The Nature of God God is the creator and supreme being. Jehovah God created Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit is God's means of acting, not the uncreated third person of the Trinity Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', May 15, 2004, p. 29-31. Using God's name, Jehovah , an English derivative of the Tetragrammaton , is a requirement for true worship.Why True Worship Receives God's Blessing, ''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1996 p. 17. The Nature of Christ See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses and Jesus Jesus is a created being and God's first creation. Jesus was used by God to create every other creation.What Do the Scriptures Say About "the Divinity of Christ"?, ''The Watchtower'' January 15, 1992 p. 20-23. Jesus was known as the Archangel Michael in his pre-human existence; his birth on earth was accomplished when God transferred Michael's life force from heaven to the womb of the virgin Mary.Jesus?The Ruler "Whose Origin Is From Early Times", ''The Watchtower'', June 15, 1998, p. 22. While on earth, Jesus was executed for mankind's sins upon a single beamed torture stake. The cross is rejected as a symbol for Christ's death, instead seen as a later pagan addition.The Cross—Symbol of Christianity?, ''The Watchtower'', November 15, 1992, p.7. Jesus acts as the mediator of the "new covenant" for those going to heaven (the 144,000)Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', August 15, 1989, p. 30. Mary was not ever-virgin, but rather bore more children after JesusJesus' Family-Who Were They? ''The Watchtower'' December 15, 2003, p. 3 Worship After the death of the last Apostle , the Church gradually diverged, in a " Great Apostasy ", from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Influenced by Restorationism , their faith is a continually improving, imperfect restoration of first-century Christianity. The true understanding of the scriptures began to be reassembled by Charles Taze Russell and his associates when they formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny , Pennsylvania , and had until then been imperfectly represented since the "Great Apostasy" by a number of historical Christian groups.‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test!, ''The Watchtower'' March 1, 2004, p. 13-18. Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be the only true religion on earth.'' Reasoning From The Scriptures '' p. 203. Jehovah's Witnesses are organized into congregations, and each congregation has weekly meetings. Men are selected by representatives of the Governing Body to teach and direct the preaching work. Women cannot be teachers in the congregation; though female Witnesses do participate in meeting programs.''The Bible's Viewpoint'' The 'Weaker Vessel'—An Insult to Women?, ''Awake!'' October 8, 1994, p. 19. Prayer is featured at these meetings. As well, prayers are given at meals. Private prayers are given as desired. For a prayer to be acceptable, they must be made to the Father Jehovah in the name of the Son.Whose Prayers Are Answered?, ''The Watchtower'', January 15, 1990, p. 4. The use of idols is prohibited. They reject the veneration of Mary , the saints, or the cross.Is Christendom Truly Christ's Domain? ''The Watchtower'' May 1, 1966, p. 277. Jehovah's Witnesses typically have three gatherings each week, which are made up of five meetings, totaling approximately five hours. Meetings are held in local Kingdom Hall s and private homes. There are three conventions held annually in facilities owned or maintained by the Watchtower Society or in rented stadiums or auditoriums. Throughout the week, there are also meetings to organize the preaching work where members meet either in homes or Kingdom Halls to organize and pray prior to engaging in evangelism. On Saturday mornings, publishers are usually expected to engage in preaching activity. ''Watchtower'' and ''Awake!'' magazines are featured, though from time to time, various campaigns are arranged with specific literature offers.“Do the Work of an Evangelizer” ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 2004, p. 10-14 Each month, a report is submitted to the congregation elders indicating the number of hours in the ministry, along with other details, and is required to be officially counted as a Jehovah's Witness. On a daily basis, Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to read the Bible and read publications such as ''Examining the Scriptures Daily,'' a booklet with a biblical scripture and commentary. The most important event is the celebration of the Lord's Supper held once a year after sundown on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar. Only those claiming to be of the " Remnant ", those who expect to be resurrected in heaven, partake of the unleavened bread and wine. Others simply observe the proceedings without partaking.Why Observe the Lord's Evening Meal?, ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 2003, p. 12-15. They do not believe in Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation (of the Eucharist )The Memorial-Are You Entitled to Partake? ''The Watchtower'' February 15, 1952, p. 101. To become a Jehovah's Witness, one must submit to a Catechism , or series of questions to determine eligibility for Baptism . Baptisms are normally performed at conventions. Eschatology See Also: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses The "seven times" of Daniel 4:10-17 are interpreted as a 2,520 year period from 607 BC to 1914 AD, referred to as the "Gentile Times"Be Thankful—Jehovah's Messianic Kingdom Rules, ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 1990, p. 15-20. 607 BC marked the destruction of the Temple Of Jerusalem based on the belief that 70 years transpired from destruction of Jerusalem to return of captives from Babylon.The "Cup" That All Nations Must Drink at God's Hand, ''The Watchtower'', September 15, 1979 p. 21-24. In 1914, Jesus' invisible enthronement as King in Heaven was followed by an inspection period of all religions. In 1918 Jesus resurrected those of the 144,000 (the " Anointed ") who had already died to heavenly life; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death''Revelation--It's Grand Climax At Hand!'', page 102 In 1919, Jehovah's Witnesses were chosen by Jesus as the only true Christian organization.Expanded Activities During Christ's Presence, ''The Watchtower'' May 1, 1993 p. 16, 17 paragraphs 4-8 The "last days" began in 1914."In the Last Days" Since When?, ''The Watchtower'' October 1, 1980, p. 19. Soon, all other religions will shortly be destroyed by the United Nations.''Revelation-Its Grand Climax at Hand!'' (1988), p. 257 After this, Jehovah's Witnesses will then come under attack. Armageddon immediately follows.''Revelation-Its Grand Climax at Hand!'' (1988), p. 259 All governments, which are under Satan's control, will then be destroyed.Flight to Safety Before the "Great Tribulation", ''The Watchtower'' June 1, 1996, p. 14-19. Salvation All humanity is in a sinful state (see: ) of God which through which one can attain this; works are evidence of faith and cannot gain salvation.Keep Your "Hope of Salvation" Bright!, ''The Watchtower'', June 1, 2000, p. 12. There are two destinations for those saved by God. The number of Christians going to heaven is limited to precisely 144,000 (the " Anointed ") where they will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over Earth."Have No Fear, Little Flock", ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 1995 p. 18-22. Everyone else who qualifies for salvation living today will survive the coming battle of Armageddon and have the prospect of living forever in an earthly paradise.A Great Crowd Rendering Sacred Service, ''The Watchtower'' February 1, 1995, p. 14-17. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the only scriptural hope of surviving Armageddon comes through adherence to their peculiar biblical interpretations. Those who do not, face destruction at Armageddon.Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium , ''The Watchtower'' September 1, 1989 p. 19Dwellers Together in a Restored "Land", ''The Watchtower'' July 1, 1995 p. 21Millions Get Ready for Uninterrupted Life on Earth, ''The Watchtower'' October 1, 1983 p. 16 Making All Mankind One Under Their Creator ''The Watchtower'' April 4, 1956 p. 207.How Can Man Be in God's Image?, ''The Watchtower'' April 1, 1994 p. 28 The fate of some, such as small children or the mentally ill, remains indeterminate.Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness, ''The Watchtower'' August 15, 1998 p. 20 After Armageddon, an unknown number of dead people will be resurrected, with the prospect of living forever, but those who have already been judged by God will not, such as any killed at Armageddon."Death Is to Be Brought to Nothing", ''The Watchtower'' July 1, 1998, p. 19-24 Christ will rule for a thousand years, during which time the Earth will be transformed into a paradise, while Satan is abyssed and unable to influence mankind. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, and the final judgment will take place during which Satan and all those corrupted by him will be destroyed forever, with evil never occurring again.Crushing The Serpent's Head, ''Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand'' 1988, p. 292. Discipline Formal discipline is administered by congregation leaders. In the event an accusation is made concerning a baptized member, if there is sufficient evidence, a tribunal or judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, administer help and possibly apply sanctions. There are three possible formal sanctions that are applied. Marking Someone who chooses a course that is deemed unscriptural, but for which the standard of disfellowshipping would not apply, would be marked. Though such a one would not be shunned, social interaction outside of formal worship settings would generally be restricted. The intent of this cutting off of social fellowship is to shame that person into a course considered proper. Generally, a talk would be given at the Service Meeting outlining the shameful course, but without explicitly naming the wrongdoer.w85 4/15 Question From Readers p.31 Reproof This involves sins which are more serious than those for which one would be "marked." Reproof is given "before all onlookers." If the sin is private, the reproof would be private. If the sin is known by a small number, they would be invited by the elders, then reproof would be given before both the sinner and those with knowledge of the sin. If the sin is known generally by the entire congregation an announcement of public reproof would be given. A talk is generally given in the case of public reproof, where the wrong course is outlined, but without explicitly naming the people involved.Giving Reproof "Before All Onlookers" ''The Watchtower'' December 1, 1976. Reproof is usually linked with a probationary period.'Reproofs Are the Way of Life' ''The Watchtower'' November 15, 1977 p. 691. Restrictions may include not sharing in meeting parts, not commenting at meeting parts and not praying for a group. The length of the probation period is dependent upon the elders. One cannot pioneer or auxiliary pioneer for at least one year after reproof is given.''Our Kingdom Ministry'' March 1983, p. 3. Disfellowshipping The most severe discipline administered is disfellowshipping, or excommunication. This is done at the determination of the judicial committee. The standard put in place to determine if one should be disfellowshipped is the judgment of repentance. To judge repentance, members of the judicial committee ask questions and review actions by the member being considered. The committee must be convinced without a doubt that the repentance is genuine.Watchtower 79 11/15 Questions from Readers Baptized members who express disagreement on any doctrine can potentially be disfellowshipped for Apostasy . Once the decision to disfellowship has been made a person has seven days to appeal. After the seven days, if the person has not appealed, the disfellowshipping will be announced to the congregation; disfellowshipping does not take effect until the announcement is made to the congregation. Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock - pgs. 121-122 After one is disfellowshipped, all baptized members would cut off all association with that person. They would not speak to such a one, or acknowledge him or her.''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1988. There are two exceptions. First if a member was forced to have commercial dealings with a member who is disfellowshipped, these would continue as before. Second, if the disfellowshipped member is living with family members who are baptized, they could continue to associate with this one, but are not to speak about matters pertaining to the religion. The extent to which disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives living in the same household would be included in family life would be left to the discretion of the family."Thus, it would be left to members of the family to decide on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred." Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped, p 4. Scan available at http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/KM8-2002.htm accessed January 27, 2006. Family members living outside the home who are disfellowshipped, would have minimal contact."It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum." Disfellowshiping-How to View It, ''The Watchtower'' September 15, 1981, p. 26.Discipline That Can Yield Peaceable Fruit, ''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1988, p. 26. In the case of doctrinal disagreements, and depending upon the nature and publicity of their disagreement, they may be labelled as an "apostate."Letter to Circuit and District Overseers, From the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society 1980. (''Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses'', M. J. Penton, p. 349) Scan available at page 1 page 2 accessed January 27, 2006. Construction and Humanitarian Efforts Jehovah's Witnesses are known in many lands for their building work. International and regional building teams frequently undertake "quick builds", construction of Kingdom Halls over the course of one or two weekends. Larger construction projects, including the building of regional Assembly Halls and Bethel offices, factories, residences, warehouses, and farm facilities, are also carried out almost entirely by volunteer members. Jehovah's Witnesses are also involved in relief work in disaster stricken areas. One notable example is the relief efforts to both Hutu and Tutsi Witnesses during the genocide in Rwanda as well as to Congo refugees. This humanitarian aid was not given exclusively to Jehovah's Witnesses; others also benefited. For instance, the Witnesses distributed medicine and clothing to several primary schools and an orphanage near Goma."Since 1994, Jehovah's Witnesses in Europe alone have sent more than 190 tons of food, clothing, medicine, and other relief supplies to the Great Lakes region of Africa." - "Christianity in Action: Amid Turmoil", ''The Watchtower'', Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (January 15). Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/1/15/ , accessed December 4, 2005. Practices Morality Their view of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Abortion is considered murder.Why Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness, ''Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life'', 1995, p. 118. Homosexuality and premarital sex are considered sins.Young People Ask... What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?, ''Awake!'' July 22, 2004, p. 12. Modesty is heavily encouraged in dress and grooming. During worship, standards of dress are more formal, varying by country and regional custom. In the U.S., Europe, and most of Asia, this typically consists of formal western business attire. Entertainment with Sexuality , Materialism , Spiritualism or violence is strongly discouraged. Though they are nonconformists in some ways, they seek not to appear to be " Counter-cultural ." They avoid appearing unkempt or unprofessional according to local norms. Therefore, in certain areas, things such as beards, long hair or earrings for men, alongwith any dress or grooming that is deemed to be rebellious or immodest is discouraged in everyday settings. A person violating these standards would risk bringing reproach upon the congregation. Nationalism and Holidays Among Jehovah's Witnesses, there is an avoidance of practices considered to have nationalistic or false religious origins. Examples include not singing the national anthem or not saying "bless you" when someone sneezes. Distinctive titles in address (such as Father, Pastor, Reverend, etc) are not employed. Witnesses address one another as "Brother" or "Sister", often followed by the first or last name of the individual. Despite varied positions of service, these are not used as a title to address the person by, such as in the case, "Elder John". Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are typically observed. Common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as Birthdays , Thanksgiving , and Christmas are regarded as pagan and not celebrated.Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', November 15, 1960, p. 704.Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 1998, p. 30. Family Life The family structure is patriarchal. Husbands are considered the final authority of family decisions. He is the head of his family. He must only have one wife. Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives.''The Bible's Viewpoint'' What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?, ''Awake!'' 2004b, July 8, 2004, p. 26. Husband are instructed to treat their wives as Jesus treated his followers. He should not hurt or mistreat his family in any way. The father should be hardworking in providing necessities to his family. He must also provide for them in a spiritual capacity. This include religious instruction for the family, and taking the lead in preaching activities. Parental discipline for children should not be in a harsh, cruel way. Children are instructed to obey their parents. Married couples are encouraged to speak with local elders if they are having problems. Married couples can seperate in the case of physical abuse and neglect, and if one partner attempts to hinder the other from being a Jehovah's Witness. Divorce (with the ability to remarry) is permissible only on the grounds of adultery. Neutrality Neutrality (not becoming involved in secular politics or taking part in an election) is required."Can You Make the World a Better Place?", ''The Watchtower'' October 15, 2001. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/10/15/article_01.htm accessed January 26, 2006. As well, members refuse any military service; ''cf.'' the Peace Churches and Quakers ) Death The soul is believed to be mortal, and that death is a state of non-existence (based on Ezekiel 18:4)"Is There LIFE After Death?", ''The Watchtower'' July 15, 2001. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/7/15/article_01.htm accessed January 26, 2006. Hell (hades or sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the common grave of mankind, a place of unconsciousness.Hell-Eternal Torture or Common Grave? ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 1993, p. 6. Those not saved are annihilated (cease of existence) as opposed to damned (eternal existence in hell).Comfort for Those Who Mourn, ''Awake!'' May 8, 2002, p. 19. The dead cannot hurt us, because they are dead, and are not able to feel anything. The soul does not continue to live, after one dies. Sometimes wicked angels (demons) pretend to be spirits of the dead. Any form of worship, customs, or even fear of the dead are wrong. Blood See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues Jehovah's Witnesses Whole outlining their medical wishes with respect to blood. Jehovah’s Witnesses have been known to highlight the potential dangers of blood transfusions. Witness representatives have stated that plasma volume expanders are sufficient to take care of emergency situations.February 22, 1976 ''Awake!'', p. 15: "Student: 'Well, suppose somebody was just coming to the hospital. They’ve got a few seconds to live. The only possible way out is a blood transfusion. Well, what’s your answer to that? I mean, that’s murder if you don’t let them accept that.' Witness: 'That situation doesn’t exist. Wherever there are cases where a person . . . let’s say comes in off the highway here . . . and there is extreme loss of blood. Every emergency room, in every hospital, has a plasma volume expander which can . . .keep the volume up in the system...'" Publishing Efforts Jehovah's Witnesses make vigorous efforts to spread their beliefs throughout the world in a variety of ways, with particular emphasis on the written word. Their literature is published in 410 languages through a wide variety of Book s, Magazine s and other publications. Their publications make extensive use of secular references and quotations from the Bible. Both ''The Watchtower'' and ''Awake!'' are published simultaneously in dozens of languages. In addition to the formats mentioned above, both magazines are available in various audio and electronic formats and some of the articles from these magazines are available online. After the end of each year the issues are collected and re-released in a printed annual edition, commonly referred to as a bound volume. In addition to this, the ''Watchtower Library'' computer program contains several decades worth of articles for both magazines and is updated on an annual basis. (Until 2003, this was only done Biennial ly.) It also contains many books, booklets, brochures, and other publications of the Witnesses. New books, brochures, and other items are released from time to time, major releases being announced at their Annual Conventions . Additionally, a number of Audio Cassette s, Videocassette s, and DVD s have been produced featuring various aspects of the group's beliefs, practices, organization, and history. Some of these also provide Drama s based on various Biblical accounts. Recent years have seen a proliferation of material available on their website. CRITICAL VIEWS ON BELIEFS AND PRACTICES Basis of Authority Jehovah's Witnesses claim that there is "abundant evidence" of a governing body operating in the first century.''The Watchtower'' March 15, 1990, p. 11, 12 Raymond Franz points to Galatians 1:16-20 as evidence to show that Paul Of Tarsus did not view the apostles in Jerusalem as a governing body.In Search Of Christian Freedom p. 44 He further contends that the Council Of Jerusalem was an isolated event,''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Ray Franz, p.47 and that the creation of a central authority in Christianity was a 4th century development.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Ray Franz, 63-68 Field Service Raymond Franz argues that a sense of guilt is imposed on those not complying with organization arrangements for field service. Further, that engaging in this formal activity became an extra-scriptural requirement placed upon those wanting to qualify for eldership.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 202 Though field service can be counted for activity pertaining to those not witnesses, time spent helping fellow members cannot be counted toward time spent in the ministry.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 203 In essence, claiming: that an individuals spirituallity is measured by how much time they devote to the ministry.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 204 The expression "house to house" found at Acts 2:42, 5:45, 20:20 is employed by Jehovah's Witnesses to demonstrate the need for door-to-door witnessing. Raymond Franz critisizes this application, stating the expression "house to house" (gr. "kat' oikon") does not require the idea of consecutive door-to-door visitation.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 214 He compares 27 Bible translations, showing the more common rendering of "at home", "at your houses" and "in your homes".''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 218 Gambling Gambling on chance is strictly forbidden, it is likened to greed and 'appeasing gods of good luck'''Awake!'' magazine, "Should Christians Gamble?", 8 June 1992, p.11 such as buying lottery tickets, casino, or betting on horse or dog races etc., but some forms of risks are acceptable,such as buying stocks, shares and bonds, even though chance, greed, and money loss or gain can be involved. A person violating these standards would risk "bringing reproach upon the congregation" and may be excommunicated. Even doing a cleaning job like sweeping the floor at a casino is strictly forbidden. ''The Watchtower'' magazine, 15 April 1999, p.28 Discipline Witnesses believe that disfellowshipping (excommunicating) and shunning can have the beneficial effect of both restoring an errant former member to the religion and "upholding God's Holy Name".''The Bible's Viewpoint'' Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Arrangement, ''Awake!'' September 8, 1996. Critics contend that fear of being shunned and family break-up/loss causes people to stay who might otherwise freely leave the religion. Jehovah's Witnesses have no provision for conscientious objectors who freely leave to have any continued normal associations. Critics further contend the judicial process itself, due to its private and nearly autonomous nature directly contradicts the precedent found in the Bible and the organizations' own teachingsMatthew 18:17, "The local court was situated at the gate of a city. (De 16:18; 21:19; 22:15, 24; 25:7; Ru 4:1) By "gate" is meant the open space inside the city near the gate. . . as most persons would go in and out of the gate during the day. Also, the publicity that would be afforded any trial at the gate would tend to influence the judges toward care and justice in the trial proceedings and in their decisions. (Witness publication, ''Insight on the Scriptures, Vol 1, p. 518) and can be used in an arbitrary and punitive manner if there is consensus among just a few to abuse their authority.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' by Raymond Franz , 2002, and ''In Search of Christian Freedom, pp.374–390 'The Misuse of Disfellowshipping', by Raymond Franz Also no witnesses or defence are allowed at all in judicial meetings for the one accused, contrary to the many witnesses that would have been there in a public trial in Bible times, or a criminal or civil trial in the modern worlds' courts. Also no tape recorders, microphones or any form of record keeping is allowed for the one accused; it's basically the accused's word what has occurred in the private judicial hearing conducted by the elders who play the prosecution, judge and jury Blood The refusal of blood transfusions is frequently a significant issue among medical professionals, especially when it involves minor children. Some children of Jehovah's Witnesses have died subsequent to not having blood transfusions. In some countries, laws may impose limitations on physicians on the ability to withhold or withdraw blood transfusions or blood therapy from minors, particularly in life-threatening situations; parents who have prevented children under their care from receiving blood therapy in life-threatening situations may face prosecution. Courts have ordered transfusions for some children, often the very young; in other cases they have respected the declared choice of an under-age minor who is able to defend his or her own beliefs to the court in a manner that reflects a mature understanding and without undue influence from the parents. According to ''Journal of Church and State'' in a recent peer-reviewed article, Jehovah's Witnesses are allowed to accept whole blood provided it is in the form of blood fractions. ''Jehovah's Witnesses, Blood Transfusions and the Tort of Misrepresentation'', Journal of Church and State (2005), Volume 47, Number 4, Autumn, p. 816 Kerry Louderback-Wood, the writer, alleges that to label the currently acceptable blood fractions as "minute" in relation to whole blood, causes followers to misunderstand the scope and extent of allowed fractions. She also claims Witness publications exaggerate the medical risks of taking blood and the efficacy of non-blood medical therapies in critical situations.Ibid., p. 808: " Watchtower Society builds a case that other doctors wish all surgeons would become bloodless surgeons, when in fact those doctors recognize the benefits of blood transfusions for those who are in desperate need." REFERENCES |
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