Lies, Lies and More Lies
""...with regard to its stance on blood transfusions... members should have free choice in the matter for themselves and their children, without any control or sanction on the part of the association."
European Court of Human Rights, Application No. 28626/95
WITH these few words the society has seemingly agreed to end one of the most dangerous religious doctrines ever devised by man. But while every Jehovah’s witness should be rejoicing that they no longer face the prospect of deciding whether their loved ones should live, or face an early death, reality is somewhat different.
For these words, agreed in the European Court of human rights, only apply to 2,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses living in Bulgaria. For the other five million or so JWs throughout the world, accepting a blood transfusion, to save their life, will still result in them falling under the following:
the receiver of a blood transfusion must be cut off from god’s people by excommunication or disfellowshipping…"
Watchtower 15th January 1961.
So now, not only does the Watch Tower Society have a two-tier salvation system (i.e. the 144,000 and the great crowd) it also has two versions of its blood doctrine in force at the same time.
For an organisation that prides itself on world unity, it’s going a funny way about showing it.
Once again the real truth is that the society has conveniently agreed to this statement with the European court, but really has no intention of keeping it.
While Bulgarians may have been given a free choice as to whether or not they should take a blood transfusion, you can bet that many will still refuse out of fear of being viewed as second class members.
Just to prove our point, in a statement made on April 27th, 1998, regarding this issue, the society said:
"Bulgaria has agreed to grant the Christian Association of Jehovah’s witnesses recognition as a religion.
Bulgaria also agreed to create without delay a bill that will allow alternative civilian service for those whose conscience will not allow them to engage in military service.
The agreement also includes an acknowledgement that each individual has the freedom to choose the type of medical treatment he receives. With the amicable settlement, the Witnesses agreed to withdraw their complaint against Bulgaria.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are pleased that through open communication, an amicable settlement was made between the Christian Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the government of Bulgaria.
The terms of the agreement do not reflect a change in the doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rather, the agreement reflects an increased understanding of the concerns and actions of both parties."
So, as can be seen from the above statement, the society does not consider the agreement with Bulgaria, as change in its doctrine. It will continue to disfellowship its members.