Jehovah Eats Blood

Above is a copy of an older version of the Jehovah's Witnesses medical alert card stating that they will not accept blood transfusions. Though the newer ones are quite a bit less dramatic and more lawfully worded, the end result is the same: "Don't give me any blood because of a few scriptures in the bible." They point to two specific passages most often: Genesis 9:4 and Leviticus 17:10-14. Here they are, respectively:

But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood. ... Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood. ... And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

Most of the members of my family have the updated version of the 'No Blood' card in the wallet. *Gag.* While the intricacies and specifics of what they can and cannot accept has changed over the years, a few things have remained the same. Most witnesses only understand that they are against transfusions because "blood is sacred" or "it belongs to Jehovah" or something equally ambiguous. In reality, the Governing Body translates these scriptures as meaning "don't eat blood." Instead of having strenuous diets like Orthodox Jews, they don't accept blood transfusions. A nice rare steak is up for grabs though. I have experienced the real world effects of these cards in two ways.

A couple that have been lifelong friends with my uncle are very indoctrinated in the religion. They have 3 children. The wife gave birth to 5. The last two children were twins born slightly premature but with several issues. As Jehovah's Witnesses, they refused blood transfusions for their newborns, believing that is what their all-loving god truly wanted. While they were praying their doctors were trying to get an injunction from the courts. While the hospital succeeded, it was too late and both babies died. To this day, you can see the pain and suffering etched in their faces. Their torment is eased only by the false hope that they will see their children alive and healthy on a paradise Earth sometime in the future.

Another couple, newly married and lightly involved in Witness activities also had twins. Ignoring the dogma that had plagued their lives, they accepted blood transfusions. Their twins are now five years old.

Anyone who believes the blood bullshit that is put forth by the Witnesses needs to seriously review their own dogma. I wrote this blog because I was reminded of the very important topic by an article that is linked to the title. I am now wondering if I received blood in either of my two childhood surgeries. The holder of this information is my newly refurbished JW mother. What an interesting conversation that will be, I'll update.

The Things They Will Tell Children

I was catching up on this week's Atheist Experience and my childhood memories were awakened. This week's topic was hymns. Tracie took direct quotes from religious songs, both old and new (all of the Christian variety I believe), and broke down exactly what it is they are singing about. Most of the songs were directly related to the crucificition of Jesus and all the bloody gore that it entailed. More recently, "modern" churches and choirs have made a habit of changing some of the less tasteful lyrics. You know...like taking the word 'wretch' out of Amazing Grace. Now, while this may appeal to our present-day sensibilities and morals it brings up a very interesting brand of hypocrisy. They don't want to offend the less fundamental parishioners so they edit. Many of them don't want to call themselves or their children wretches, worms, or the like. Yet, as Tracie points out, this is the central theme of their theology. You are a useless, pitiful sinner whose mistakes are so grand that they required a semi-god human sacrifice just to make your ass worth anything. Christianity, like all religions, undercuts personal self worth. They tell you that you're nothing without them, quite a bit like an abusive spouse. There was a moment in the show where 'Noah's Ark' was brought up. Ah, my childhood memories flowed.

Anyone who was ever associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses (my youth's particular indoctrination source) would have some across My Book of Bible Stories. Like the name implies, it is a compilation of 116 bible stories aimed at a young audience, around 4-11 years old. It is fully illustrated, each story lasting only a page or two with biblical references at the end. The stories are pretty graphic considering the age group. Still, they keep with the happy-go-lucky attitude as much as their stone age theology will allow. The horrific thing that I remember are those illustrations. This isn't some over-exaggerated memory either, I've reviewed the book at my mother's house as an adult. I'll stick with the Noah's Ark theme and tell you about the story that discusses the flood. While all the emphasis is on Jehovah's love, Noah's commitment, the animals, and the lovely little rainbow at the end, the picture tells another story. The Witnesses decided it was a great idea to depict all of those evil, useless sinners as they were drowning. One of the most detestable images is of a mother holding her infant as they are about to be engulfed by the rising water. Preschoolers are being told that perfect justice includes the drowning of millions, newborns included. God's awesome love...what a crock.

It never ceases to amaze me that parents could tell their children these stories and not be simultaneously appalled by their own gall. Then again, they probably don't even think twice about it which is even worse.