Commenting on The Watchtower July 15, 2008 “House‐to‐House Ministry” (all articles)
Questions for Jehovah’s Witnesses, Part 1 “No Blood?”
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In context (page 3): 1) It is a familiar sight in almost every nation on earth. Two neatly dressed individuals approach a house and endeavor to share with the householder a brief message from the Bible concerning God’s kingdom. If he shows interest in the message, they may present Bible‐based literature and offer a free home Bible Study. Then they proceed to the next house. If you participate in this work, you likely find that people often recognize you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses even before you begin to speak. Indeed, the house‐to‐house ministry has become our trademark. 2) We use a variety of methods to carry out the commission Jesus gave us to preach and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) We witness in marketplaces, on street corners, and in other public areas. (Acts 17:17) We contact many by telephone and by letter. We share Bible truths with those we meet during our daily activities. We even have an official Web site, which provides access to Bible‐based information in more than 300 languages.* All these methods yield good results. Yet, in most places, our principle way of spreading the good news is by preaching from house to house. What is the basis for this method of preaching? How did it come to be used so extensively by God’s people in modern times? And why is it important now? *The Web‐site address is www.watchtower.org.
All study articles in this Watchtower deal directly with the house‐to‐house ministry or other methods Jehovah’s Witnesses use to recruit members. You have likely met the Witnesses in these ways: We witness in marketplaces, on street corners, and in other public areas. We contact many by telephone and by letter. … Our principal way of spreading the good news is by preaching from house to house. –Study, page 3, paragraph 2 This material is part of a series that gives you direct questions for Jehovah’s Witnesses that will reveal dangerous inconsistencies, mind‐control practices and questionable beliefs. Questions that Witnesses rarely ask themselves. And, if you just don’t want to be bothered, the little‐known ways to keep Witnesses away from your door, completely. Witnesses are instructed to avoid arguments at the door, so make sure to remain respectful and interested in them. Just use the same tactics Witnesses have been using on you: If a person sees the truth about God’s purposes, he can then begin to cast off false religious ideas and cleanse himself of unclean practices. To the extent possible, therefore, it is good to emphasize things that will appeal to our listeners, starting with things we hold in common with them. It would be counterproductive to antagonize a person who, if approached tactfully, might listen to our message. –The Watchtower September 1, 2001 page 11
Question 1: No Blood?
Witnesses are famous for their refusal to accept blood transfusions—even if costs their life. The Watchtower proudly martyrs child victims of this policy by publishing stories of their deaths. Every Witness carries a “Blood Card” that is used in emergency situations to stop blood transfusions. But on the back of that form a Witness can opt to accept blood fractions, all the parts of blood. In a 2004 change of policy, “minor blood fractions.” are now allowed. (If a Witness disputes this ask them to show you their Blood Card.) That depends on how you define minor.
“Blood Card” Exact wording may vary according to region.
Awake! (May 22, 1994) features child martyrs who died refusing blood transfusions: Adrian 15 years old Lenae Martinez 12‐years‐old Crystal Moore 17‐years‐old Lisa Kosack 12‐years‐old Ernestine Gregory 17‐years old
Hemoglobin is actually 97% of red blood cells (after water is removed) and all parts of blood plasma are allowed, but not plasma. It is as if the Watchtower banned the ham sandwich but allows ham, bread and all the fixings. To be clear these “fractions” not available from any other source than human or animal blood.
Chart: The Watchtower June 15, 2004 page 22
GO TO ajwrb.org TO LEARN MORE
Does this make any sense?
All plasma fractions are allowed, but not plasma? Hemoglobin (97% of red cells)* is allowed, but not red cells? *without water
Confused? So are many witnesses. So ask them this question:
If you truly abstain from blood, how can you be part of a religion that allows parts of blood from humans and animals?
Follow up with:
Would you ever donate your blood so that the fractions could save the life of another Witness?
Remember, the key to opening a Jehovah’s Witness mind is not to argue about blood, but to show that the Watchtower violates it’s own principles. We firmly believe that God’s law on blood is not open to reform to fit shifting opinions. … We must ‘abstain from blood.’ (Acts 15:29) –The Watchtower June 15, 2004 page 29 Want to ask a Jehovah’s Witnesses these questions? They are happy to come to your door. Visit the official Web‐site of Jehovah’s Witnesses :
www.watchtower.org
Or phone your local congregation. Look up listings under “Jehovah’s Witnesses” or “Kingdom Hall.”