Blood
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions See also: Criticism of Jehovah's WitnessesJehovah's Witnesses are taught that the Bible prohibits the consumption, storage and transfusion of blood, based on their understanding of scriptures such as Leviticus 17:10, 11: "I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood," and Acts 15:29: "abstain from ... blood." This standpoint is applied even in emergencies. The Watchtower introduced this view in 1945, and it has developed since then. Accordingly, the organization has established Hospital Information Services (HIS), which provides education and facilitation of bloodless surgery. This service also maintains Hospital Liaison Committees, which support adherents facing surgery and provide information to the medical community on bloodless surgery techniques and alternatives to blood.
Though accepted by most members, some within the Jehovah's Witness community do not endorse the doctrine. The doctrine has drawn criticism from members of the medical community.
Read more about this topic: Jehovah's Witnesses Practices
Famous quotes containing the word blood:
“Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends.”
—Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969)
“Fit gravefellows you are for Lincoln, Brown
And Douglass and Toussaint. . . all whose rapt eyes
Fashioned a new world in this wilderness.
American earth is richer for your bones;
Our hearts beat prouder for the blood we inherit.”
—Dudley Randall (b. 1914)
“She will sing the song that pleaseth you,
And on your eyelids crown the god of sleep,
Charming your blood with pleasing heaviness.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)