Ponderings from the Helm
Friday, March 2, 2007, 07:31 AM EST [Museing]
Being out on the water all day working lends oneself to a lot of time for mental masturbation. This being reflection on past events in ones life or people. That being said I was pondering a man I had worked with years ago. This man was of the JW faith, and something he did made me wonder about that belief system. Now then The thing that made me ponder and think was an event that happened some 21 years ago. This mans children were just being kids and playing in a sand pile behind their house. They decided to dig a tunnel. The tunnel collapsed on his daughter. She was partially revived at the scene, however she had sustained internal injuries and was on life support. She was in need of surgery and a blood transfusion. Now as a parent we would do anything for our children, even die for them in order for them to survive, but not in the JW belief. Somewhere along the line they decided that blood transfusions from someone else is unclean and can not be done. I do not recall anywhere in the bible that this is stated! He opted to have her removed from life support and end this young girls life because of religious convictions. The really screwed up part is that the state could do nothing to stop the ending of her life. How can someone be this cold towards their own child? I would have done anything if it were mine. Life in all forms is a wonder of the mother, and as such we are the stewards put in charge of making sure it can mature. Sorry just one of the little things that creep into my head
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I can't imagine knowing I had the power to save a life and not doing it. |
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What I find most disturbing for the children of JWs in this situation, is the decision being made for the body of one who has probably not had the chance to make that decision for their 'temple'... would they have the conviction of this path, as it is so ultimately their sacrifice first and fore most? |
Hi- I understand your thoughts on this subject. I studied with the JW for almost 5 years. I know thatthey have something many do not, the courage of their convictions. They believe that the Bible tells them they must not ingest blood in any form. The true test of convictions is when you see your child dying and still follow your beliefs. I don't think I would be that strong. However, let me assure you that from what I have read, in many cases there is no need for a blood transfusion...blood volume expanders and blood plasmaa is allowed by the JW and in MOST cases will be adequate in loo of a full blood transfusion.
HerbalpaganI went over this issue extensively with them. I can't remember the passage that said that about blood, but I do know to them it akin to a Catholics 7 deadly sins. We are so used to seeing hypocritical religious people that we forget that there are still people who aren't. The Amish being one example and the JW another. In our pagan beliefs, we don't run into that kind of issue, but imagine if it did? What if they started witch hunts of crackdowns where people like us were hunted, would we have the conviction to fight, maybe hide our children? who knows, but that poor fella you talked about has to live with the fact that his little girl is dead either way. I hoped this helped you understand a little.
01:31 PM EST