I just got into a discussion recently about the laws regarding justified employment discrimination. Next thing we knew the conversion went on to college admittance. Can Jehovah's Witnesses apply to med school? Can they become doctors? Or nurses? Or Vet's? Or even vet techs? Can they give blood transfusions even though they can't accept blood? Then, there was a debate about could they be organ donors or receive organs? Can they receive transfusions if it is their own blood? Can they have surgery and have their own blood circulated back into their system during the surgery?
Employment/educational limitations
by Rev Sara 7 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Octarine Prince
If it is beneficial to you, you can justify anything.
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Lady Zombie
I worked for years in a hospital as a Phlebotomist (the person who draws blood) and lab tech. I drew countless people's blood for "type and crossmatch" which means they would be receiving blood transfusions. I often coordinated with the local blood banks in placing orders for PRBC (packed red blood cells), platelets, plasma, etc. I was doing all this as a JW too.
Out of curiosity once, I asked an elder if that was violating god's law. I was told that it wasn't because I was just doing my job.
That was interesting because I knew some JWs looked at me funny once they found out that I was involved (albeit in a minor way) in the process of someone having a blood transfusion.
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digderidoo
Hi and welcome Rev Sara
You have asked a number of questions and i will try to answer them for you.
Can Jehovah's Witnesses apply to med school? Can they become doctors? Or nurses? Or Vet's? Or even vet techs?
Yes, to all of these. However further education is discouraged amongst young witnesses.
Can they give blood transfusions even though they can't accept blood?
I didn't think that they could and am surprised at Lady Zombies post. I remember when i was a witness, we were even limited to jobs that involved serving food that had blood in it, such as black pudding and certain game meats. Although doing these jobs would not be a disfellowshipping (ex communicating) offence, your standing in the organisation would be limited and certain ' priveleges' wouldn't be allowed.
Then, there was a debate about could they be organ donors or receive organs?
Witnesses accept organ transplants as a ' conscience ' matter. This being that some witnesses cannot justify it therefore would not accept it. However faced with a life or death situation and no clear guidelines most witnesses would accept it. The witness will justify it on the basis there is no clear statement from the bible on such matters, only on abstaining from blood.
Can they receive transfusions if it is their own blood? Can they have surgery and have their own blood circulated back into their system during the surgery?
Witnesses cannot store blood for future use, this is based on some scripture that says blood leaving the body must be poured on the ground, i can't think of the verse at present. They also seeing it as ' eating ' blood which the bible condemns. However, again on a ' conscience ' matter, they can view blood circulated back as never leaving the body. For instance, some would see kidney dialisis as an extension of their circulatory system, therefore never leaving the body.
I hope these answers have helped. What witnesses fail to realise though is what a precious gift from their God, life is.
Paul
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WTWizard
There are no absolute limitations. However, those who become too involved in education and/or employment or that violate the Filthful and Disgraceful Slavebugger's laws in doing so will be marked as bad association.
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yknot
College education- depends on what level your KH is on the WTS pyramid. The lower tier (largest of course) is highly discouraged, nay warned against its dangers. At the second tier college is promoted as an individual choice, but I see this changing as the model of running Bethel is changing. I expect that higher education will be promoted to all and a minimum Bethel service time suggested. It is from this level that the WTS draws most of it's 'service" positions. The Top tier is reserved for (in theory and order) God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, WTS Legal Dept. & GB and then the various committees. The men and women who occupy the top tier are appointed. Sometimes college is required. Family ties and blind allegiance are also strong considerations.
Can they give blood transfusions even though they can't accept blood? - Yes Then, there was a debate about could they be organ donors or receive organs? - Yes Can they receive transfusions if it is their own blood? - Conditionally, the blood must be in constant circulation with the body. Generally a JW can justify any job as long as it isn't a postions that has authority to cause death. Any other questions? -
daniel-p
A JW nurse can reason that their own decision to abstain from blood has nothing to do with someone else's decision. This of course, is a bit of reason that's often lost among many worshipers, and may not be recognized by a person unless they're more inclined to logic than the average JW.
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wha happened?
"Out of curiosity once, I asked an elder if that was violating god's law. I was told that it wasn't because I was just doing my job." That has to be the stupidest answer I ever heard. If that's the case then anything goes.