No Blood Victims Memorial website - good or bad idea?

by cedars 5 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  cedars

  Hi everyone

  I was reading the tragic story recently posted on this forum of an elderly sister who was hit by a car and died several days later due to blood loss.

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/members/private/219473/1/Another-JW-Dies-After-Refusing-A-Blood-Trasfusion

  It struck me how senseless and ludicrous the "no blood" policy really is. As many have pointed out - older ones seem to be more at risk, because arguably they find the "new light" on the subject so confusing, and would rather say "no" to everything, just to be certain of their place in paradise.

  I occurred to me that many die in this cruel way, but there is no real way of knowing just how common these events are, or how multitudinous are the victims of the Watch Tower Society's approach to blood transfusions.

  Perhaps it would be a good idea to set up a "memorial" style website to remember some of those who have paid the ultimate price for the Society's flawed teachings? I am aware that there would be many obstacles to overcome in order to ensure that the website is tastefully managed, and in no way inappropriate. An obvious example of self-regulatory 'best practice' in this area would be the need to ensure full written consent from the next of kin before any individual's details or obituary is added. This would hopefully sidestep any legal issues, and ensure that the wishes of the immediate family are respected. I realise that virtually no JW next of kin would come forward to use the website, but the experience quoted on JWN today gives a perfect example of a family who feel robbed of their loved one, and who would no doubt wish to avail themselves of such a memorial - thereby helping to raise awareness of the dangers of giving oneself over blindly to any cult.

  I haven't yet made my mind up on this, as I am well aware that it is a sensitive issue. I would just really like to know what people think, and whether or not it's a good idea?

  Looking forward to hearing your feedback....

  Cedars
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  james_woods

  I guess the thought is a good one, but I don't see how this could be effectively done without compromising people's privacy.

  Remember, the people who died for this stupid rule mostly believe that they are doing the right thing - and would probably not want to be part of a protest against it.
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  cedars

  A good point james_woods...

  I understand that it wouldn't possibly be able to list all victims - but even if it could be an outlet for unbelieving families who lost someone because of it... surely it would be a good thing? I hear what you're saying though about considering the wishes of the deceased EVEN though their beliefs may be based on cult indoctrination....

  Cedars
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  james_woods

  Yes, if the unbelieving family volunteered the information and endorsed it, that might be a good thing.

  Don't know if there would be enough response to make it worthwhile, though.
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  cedars

  james_woods - yes, I know what you mean. However, even if there were only two victims whose families gave full consent, I think I would put forth the effort. They've still paid the ultimate price, and people need to see that there are real people dying because of this preposterous teaching.

  I was giving more thought to your earlier comment. I think a key challenge for any such website would be that of divorcing the resentment and emotional hostility from the key purpose, which is that of honouring those who have died and respectfully raising awareness of the no-blood policy. The website would need to be respectful in acknowledging that these individuals died in pursuit of their beliefs, irrespective of whether their beliefs were based on flawed understandings. It would require a great deal of balance and discretion....

  Cedars
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  lisaBObeesa

  There was a website like this years ago....it got most of the names from newpaper articles...there were a LOT of names. It was very powerful, I thought.