Are Jehovah's Witnesses Blood Guilty Because They Ban Blood Transfusions?

[@mamajan99]

Religious Leaders condemned Jesus for breaking their interpretation of law when He showed "Mercy, not Sacrifice" on the wrong day of the week. I found the principle in Halakha very interesting: "Pikuach nefesh, means "saving a soul" or "saving a life," the principle in Halakha that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious rule of Judaism. In the event that a person is in critical danger, most mitzvot, including the Ten Commandments of the Torah, become inapplicable if they would hinder the ability to save oneself or someone else." At Matthew 9:13 Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 : "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice."

[@moondust7902]

This has blown me away Eric. Thank you

[@miraclesforus2]

May the Lord continue to comfort and strengthen you.

[@ascotinva]

Hey Eric. I just linked this excellent discussion to someone who asked about Jehovah's Witnesses stand on blood on Quora. It couldn't be presented any better. Hope you don't mind. Keep up the good work and I encourage everyone who views your videos to contribute to your work. I too have worked as a programmer and graphics designer and it requires a lot of time and Eric's presentations can be costly. Thank you

[@vintageseason2119]

John Drone, I wonder if you might be available to help me technically a little later on, maybe in a few weeks. I'm starting a KZbin channel, and Eric is maxed-out timewise. He can't help me with every detail. If you can help me, let's find a way to exchange emails.

[@marylaster9255]

Life is more important than law.

[@adenikeoni9145]

This is such an important comment

[@gigi9301]

No wonder they have to keep knocking on doors, begging for new believers

[@cs-kd6nd]

If Jehovah is The Giver of Life , why would he not want you to receive a life-saving procedure?Sorry for your loss Eric.

[@moisesbeyond]

Jehovah gave Jesus who gave his life pouring his blood , so christians should only use Jesus s blppd to saver their life...Christians believe in resurrection they are not scare to die.

[@JoeBytowner]

@@moisesbeyond But there is no need to die unnecessarily. It could even be argued that the the proclamation against blood transfusion is murder. And those who willingly obey are committing suicide.

[@vasiliosagio3127]

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss brother , and yes , she did the right thing , thanks for this video , great info, as far as the org , they just make there own beliefs just as the Pharisees did .

[@BeroeanPickets]

So true. They have much to answer for.

[@josephcliffordharris4701]

@@BeroeanPickets The reality is most likely that society is gradually moving away from adherence to principles. As in the days of Rutherford. (when organ transplantation was equated with cannibalism, eating human organs) Leaving it to the person's choice. Parallel speaking, it is completely different in the meetings. If today we introduce a complete ban on blood as it was before, and transplantation (which is no longer prohibited), then the SI would be the most dying adherents of religion. So we have to gradually, with subtle steps, move away from adherence to principles. But, at the same time, continuing to talk about the ban on blood transfusion (which, by the way, no one is transfused in its pure form, but only the volume is replenished, and the missing components, which may not be enough for everyone in completely different quantities) But, adherents of religion do not understand all these medical terms, and more often than not they do not want to understand - some refuse everything, arguing that they will be resurrected anyway. They do not even understand, and do not know that apart from the prohibitions, they can do something else. For example, to agree or refuse some components of blood or plasma. I believe that this is a complete degradation and dullness. It's easier for them. They completely trusted the organization, which is not responsible, saying that it is a person's choice. An organization that says they have no casualties, but right in their journals, posthumously praises for resilience in refusing blood transfusions. Of course, the SI will deny, saying that there is no such thing, and never was! Well, blinkers in the eyes, unwillingness to search, explore, find, understand, do their job, and the fear of seeing discrepancies in this helps.

[@josephcliffordharris4701]

@@BeroeanPickets Unfortunately, not all Jehovah's Witnesses are well aware that in case of blood loss, WHOLE BLOOD IS NOT INUSED !!!! They pour in those components, and in the amount in which there is not enough. With the help of special solutions, the blood volume is increased. It does not happen that a person loses 1 liter of blood, and the doctors say, okay, let's pour him exactly one liter. This is not my speculation. At one time, I talked on the occasion of my studies with a medical worker. So he told me that before giving anything to a person with blood loss, a blood compatibility test is performed. After that, an analysis is carried out on the subject of what components and in what quantity are missing, and only what is missing are replenished. This medical worker had absolutely nothing to hide from me, since it was not about my treatment. He did not have to choose to pour blood on me or let me die and then have problems in the form of responsibility for my life.

[@patricktipton6048]

Powerful message

[@latoyaglvr]

My sister is a need-greater in Ecuador and I am an inactive witness. In our bible discussion we talked about this very issue. Thanks for this life saving information. I will share it with her. Your wife was faithful until death and my hope is your future reconnection in paradise. Thanks again! I watch all of your videos.

[@BeroeanPickets]

My wife and I lived in Manta, Ecuador for two years from 1990 to 1992. However, I think the term Need Greater no longer applies. 😁 When Reta and I were there in 2015, we visited congregations in Cuenca and Manta, and saw that they were working their complete territories once every week or two; going back to the same homes over and over. The Ecuadorian people are humble and very religious and responded well to the work of Witnesses, such that their publisher/population ratio is better than that found in First World countries. They should be sending Need Greaters north to us. I'm not encouraging that, of course. 🤣

[@jessieberle3384]

Wow, thank you SO MUCH for this reasoning and explanation. My condolences regarding your dear wife. It warms the heart to hear you speak of how much you appreciated those few more months with her. I was referred to this video by KL Miller’s new book “To Go Beneath the Water”. I highly recommend.

[@vicroy5603]

Both of us know how if feels, because I've lost mine too. This exquisite video on blood is quite unique, enlightening and didactic. Great thanks to you!

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thank you, vic roy. Sorry for your loss.

[@itsjustme6315]

I learn a lot, every time I watch your videos! Thank you!

[@BeroeanPickets]

You are so welcome!

[@foxiedogitchypaws7141]

I'm so sorry Eric for your loss. Jesus says in a wink of an eye we will see our families again. This month, February, my brother and I lost our Mother in 2007. It seems like it was last month. After belonging to that cult since 1964, the last few years she lived, Jesus opened her eyes and said "No more" I am greatful my brother was able to help her as he did, I will always be greatful for my brother,Brian.

[@moodydrifter6263]

Bravo Eric! That was well presented.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thank you so much.

[@silvanobellotto8959]

A word of admiration for you, Eric. You are really trying hard. May Jehovah bless you for your efforts into the truth.

[@nolongerconfused6284]

Oh, how I am grateful for you & this beautifully executed video! Been trying to reason with my hubby who is an active JW. Perhaps this may help. ♥️ Thank you. ❤️

[@BeroeanPickets]

You are so welcome!

[@michelejashinsky8409]

When I woke up in March 2024 just b4 the memorial I took my blood card out of my wallet ….. i immediately understood that was false too

[@azazelsgoat]

Great video Eric. That was the clearest explanation I've heard on the topic. Sorry for your loss, I had no idea.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thanks Jon.

[@funnyjawharp7026]

Great talk Mr Eric. The Disciples said to each other after listening to Jesus when he had been resurrected. Were our hearts not burning as He was opening up the scriptures to us. I am stunned at your reasoning on the blood issue. Thank you very much. As we say in Ireland. May the blessings of God be upon you and yours.

[@carolwrinkles6204]

Wow! This was the best explanation of what the command to abstain from blood means for Christians. You reasoned very logically & applied the scriptural application of God’s command, what it meant for His people before Jesus came to earth & after. I will keep your illustration of the flag & what it symbolizes fresh in my mind. The country is the important thing, not the object that represents it. The life of anything is more important than the blood that represents it. So we should not treat the blood as more sacred than the life that will die without it. A big difference between what Jehovah said concerning animal blood verses human blood is that the animal has died or was slaughtered for sacrifice, so the pouring out of its blood & refraining from eating it shows respect for that animal’s God given life. Contrast that with a human who is alive & wants to donate their own blood to help safe another human’s life, doesn’t make any sense. This is a misapplication of God’s command & abuse of human life. It certainly adds burdens to JWs when making health decisions. Sad to admit that I know this first hand. Thank you for this video. I do hope it helps many sincere Christians.

[@peterbrooks6134]

Brother Eric I'm sure our God is very happy with your efforts conveying ^real truth^ to us all thank you very much

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thank you, Peter

[@jaythorn8733]

Sorry for your loss Eric. This particular topic, I have always had a tough time discussing with Witnesses and Non Witnesses alike.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thank you, Jay.

[@TheCchinc1984]

Beautiful presentation Eric, very useful scripture. I plan on using this to speak to some still in family members of mine but I could just see current JW's totally ignoring every word you said and instead focus on the extremely small minute amount of cases in the world where people receive contaminated blood and site this as the reason Jehovah and the GB continue to teach the truth to abstain from blood for good health.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Confirmation bias! Yes, if they die in the operation, and they took blood, it's because they sinned. If they live because of taking blood, they sinned and have lost out on life eternal.

[@edelcarvajal6555]

Woww Eric that was excellent to say the least. I can say that if anybody needs a convince statement all they have to do is watch your video. Congrats my brother

[@alans.wendelschafer6588]

One of my wife's family friends died from refusing the blood. He was losing red blood cells. He passed away while his wife was in her last trimester with their youngest child. My faith in the Jehovah's Witnesses religion never fully recovered since then.

[@georgebrown8312]

I am sorry to hear of that loss. Much ❤️ to you.

[@romans1229]

Thank you for this information. I’m educating myself to reach out and rescue JWs

[@mamajan99]

Best wishes. It's a difficult row to hoe. But who knows when or where the seed may grow?

[@caribsft]

I agree. Blood transfusions should be about the preservation of life, which blood represents. Only three uses of blood are sanctioned: poured on the ground when you sacrifice an animal for food(Lev.17:13); poured on the altar for atonement when you present an animal sacrifice to God(Lev.17:11); and the most natural use, flowing in your veins to sustain life, both human and animal(Gen.9:5). The storing of blood that will eventually be transfused is not an end use in itself, it is just a temporary measure that permits the blood from the donor to arrive at its destination, the veins of the patient that is needing it. So no misuse of blood can be imputed when it is simply moved from the veins of one person, to the veins of another, for the preservation of life.

[@BGPD70]

An amazing example of knowing that you know what you know. God's love shining light on His truth. Be still and know God and He will bring what you've forgotten into remembrance.

[@rosemarythompson1145]

Great video Eric, very easy to understand. Many thanks!

[@personnepersonne5843]

Excellent Eric, comme toujours, merci pour cette démonstration éclairante.

[@vintage6346]

personne personne says, "Excellent Eric, as always, thank you for this enlightening demonstration." ...though, I think we may be beginning to understand French without Google Translate. :)

[@UKS12345]

Very good Eric. I like your reasoning and clarity of scripture in its contact. Thank you for you honest videos.

[@vanshankguitars]

One thing to consider as well, is that the blood used for transfusions is not obtained from the killing of the donor, therefore not being "spilled" in vain. It is in fact never even exposed to air outside the body.

[@kevinbothma2057]

Dear Eric. Firstly, I am so sorry for the passing of your dear wife. Secondly, I love the flag analogy. You are right, our JW friends strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Great video.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thank you kindly

[@clintfitzpatrick266]

Eric, I have to confess, I have watched almost all your video`s on reasoning and truth. Very often, several times repeating, I have meditated on your field of reasoning. Except this one. I thought you're never going to sell me on this one so, i passed it by. I finally decided to give it a look. It made me laugh, actually laugh out loud. For the life of me how did this happen!? I already knew and, had read and seen all the reasoning you pointed out from scripture. I already knew all of this! And it`s biblical, scriptural, and right in from of us. I already knew it, had read it but, my teaching was to obey the laws of men and never gave it a second thought, never questioned it. How unbelieve that we`ve been taught that we sin for questioning the laws of men when, in fact, the laws of men or a pathway to death. I used to fear displeasing these men; now however, I look forward to seeing these same men I once feared on a future day of judgment. They owe more than they could ever repay and, I just want to see the look on their faces. Please don`t think of me as a bad man for saying that. I just need justice is all.

[@mamajan99]

My hope is that some, if not many will turn around one day, even as Saul did. And many are finding the true light, Christ..

[@joycewilliams6578]

Thank you so very much for taking care to explain what I've always thought is a most sensitive subject, you did it so very well.

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

The command in Genesis says not to eat the "flesh with the blood", is not a command related to ones spirituality, but rather the preservation of human life. The prohibition is against eating the raw meat with blood in it, specifically animal blood. Hence why there is hygienic laws concerning draining the blood from the animal properly after it is killed, and not to eat animals that had been strangled. As repeated at Acts 15:20 "abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood." Today we don't eat raw meant, we don't consume blood as food, because you could get sick and die. As you mentioned, the people of the nations would drink animal blood along with their animal sacrifice to false gods, and so Paul is letting them know the Spirit of God is guiding them away from doing these things, since they are not under the mosaic law. Of note, if you consume more than 1 tablespoon of blood you could get sick and die. These commands were clearly an advanced protection for God's people to keep them alive, not some random law or rule to test the faithfulness of God's people.

[@stopmotionmoron2373]

Is it not also because DNA is in blood?

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

@@stopmotionmoron2373 DNA is also in organs? what are you saying?

[@stopmotionmoron2373]

@@CanadianLoveKnot just a thought I had,I'm an exjw looking for the meaning of life

[@carltonbowie5897]

@@stopmotionmoron2373 DNA actually is not heavily stored in red blood cells. Very interesting.

[@gaetanodetorrice5555]

Excellent video thank you I'm sorry for your loss may God bless you in Jesus

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thank you, Gaetano

[@gaetanodetorrice5555]

@@BeroeanPickets you're welcome my brother keep up the good work I love learning from you give me good insight but I do have to say one of my favorite videos that you did was when you had to go to the kingdom Hall and all the brothers were blocking the driveways and you had to park at the at the shopping center parking lot and it wouldn't have your witness come in that was a good video I liked it in Jesus have a good weekend brother 🤗❤️

[@paulcarroll7054]

Perfect presentation on this subject

[@valeriepritchard2900]

Excellent Eric, you are an excellent teacher.

[@BeroeanPickets]

You're too kind.

[@haan3549]

Very good reasoning...thank you so much

[@BeroeanPickets]

So nice of you to say.

[@haan3549]

@@BeroeanPickets My Husband and I are PIMO's in Charlotte, NC. If your travels ever bring you our way please know we would love to host you, xoxo

[@BeroeanPickets]

@@haan3549 I just passed through Charlotte in December on my way to a gathering in Florida. I plan to be going that way again since I sister lives in Florida, so perhaps toward the end of this year.

[@vintage6346]

I knew a Korean JW "An family" in Ecuador. Did you live in Ecuador?

[@Tariro10000]

…. No freaking way… this is mindblowing

[@rakelmacc5325]

Blood is not life without the body it flows through

[@andrijanamija1795]

And who giv you the body and the blood

[@margaretislas2916]

Thanks so much. Very encouraging as usual. 👍👍👍 Jesus is our greatest example. Thanks Eric for bringing the mentality of Jesus. Jesus reasoned with people in a very powerful way. No wonder his father said that those who will not listen to him will perish. Deuteronomy 18:18,19; Acts 3:22,23. His father urged us to listen to Jesus. Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; Matthew 3:17

[@darh3375]

…life is in the blood ~ STAT !!! This patient needs more life !!! ❤❤❤

[@BeroeanPickets]

🤣

[@pauljackson4573]

Im watching now.. Thought Id give an opinion on this first, to prove I'm not being coherced by anyone else's thoughts.. I believe its NOT a decision for any religious authority to decide on medical treatment, and they have changed their mind such a lot about injections which contain blood particles, so someone had to donate blood for those injections . If someone in their own right decides that the blood is forbidden in any format, then thats up to them , its not the business of anyone else either way, same applies with vaccinations or any other medical treatment.. From my understanding those rules or principals could apply only to Black pudding ( blood sausages) and other things like that..but Im not judging anyone who eats it in good conscience though, but thats what it applies to..but if anyone of free will thinks it extends to transfusions to , thats their conscience..as long as they are not following someone elses conscience .. denying it for yourself is a choice , but no one has the right to deny it from children or try to influence others, same applies to any medical procedure...Yes they do have blood on their hands because they made it mandatory instead of making it a choice.. I first "woke up" to this when they played rule making about treatments which contain blood particles , they shot themselves in the foot when they said "a little bit of blood particle might be ok, thats your choice"

[@bahrangebregziabher3474]

Thank you and God bless you,and may God comfort you.

[@butziporsche8646]

Eric, my daughter died prematurely (leukemia) due to her refusal to accept a blood transfusion. The Liaison Committee was pretty much useless. She died 2 months after diagnosis due extreme anemia brought on by induction chemo with no transfusion.

[@BeroeanPickets]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We have the hope of the resurrection which is sure, despite the false good news that Watchtower preaches. But that doesn't take away the pain of loss. The Governing Body and those who unrepentantly follow the doctrines of men over the commands of God have a great mountain of guilt that is continuing to build up. The day of reckoning must come.

[@vhansworld2764]

I'm sorry for your loss brother. struggled the same issue myself..as a former ministerial servant, I was responsible to teach this doctrine at the podium, even though I don't believe it.

[@toddhayes3506]

Great Job Eric 👍

[@GerardMeerstadt]

Thank you, Eric, sound reasoning. One aspect that is also different in both cases, regarding the holiness of life which is involved, that is that the animal actually dies, you take its life. But the donor doesn't die and so there is no loss of life involved here.

[@jonnyfarnaby2765]

I love your work big man

[@carltonbowie5897]

Avast. The man standing there do you see the spirit of God with him? Jah she's you grey hairs, and your work! Such a clear, simple, well cited and thoroughly explained bible principle. Jah..YHWH, that will always be my God, and I mean amazing. For all the years I have yearned to reach the limit, truly there is no end to the ancient of days. Elder is jot a term I take lightly or throw around. I'm not a well off kid in my thirties with extra time in my hands. We are men, we love God. We love God because he forgives and corrects us and loves us, and he does so with seasoned, happy soldiers like yourself. You sir have earned the title of Elder in my mind. Video was a 10/10. Why. Because ues while you did get your old scrap or two in on the Hoves, you did not go after slandering them, instead you pleaded the legal case of my God Jah, and that's all i'm ever asking for. Thank you from my heart and my family. -Carlton

[@freddyray6805]

Interesting that I had just been reading the Jensen letters the other night and this comes up. Well explained. What about the mosaic law that women had to be unclean for some time during their menstrual cycle? Do JWs keep that ? No.. they use modern means to aid in this and have no need to do so.

[@jeffreyl5151]

@14:00 what scripture is that?

[@vintage6346]

He did a play on Matt 23:17. "17 You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred?"

[@cghrios783]

This has been hard for me to watch because it makes one more thing that I believed another distortion but it makes sense. (Only we did not question it before until everything is presented by you in this way). It is the way it was taught to us. Is there one thing they got right?! All religions lie. I keep believing that God is good loving and merciful and knows our hearts. That in his infinite kindness he forgives us gives us a chance because we sincerely believe in Him and His Son.

[@vanshankguitars]

So sorry to hear of your dear wife's passing.

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

"Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" - Jesus

[@akatheheretic3014]

Wonderfully Explained ! ☺️👌

[@BeroeanPickets]

Thanks, AKA

[@rube.ar.9276]

Thanks Eric, very concise explanation. At Deuteronomy 14:21 allowance was made for selling to an alien resident or a foreigner an animal that had died of itself or that had been torn by a beast.

[@JohnDoe-gj5es]

I agree. An apostate that was stabbed multiple times. The only reason my heart didn't stop was a blood transfusion

[@daleprice8111]

WE REALLY NEED TO 🙏 FOR THOSE WHO MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURES. GENESIS , LEVITICUS, ACTS ,ETC IS ABOUT ANIMAL BLOOD NOT HUMAN BLOOD.

[@Rick_Alden]

The account in Acts 15 was a ruling of the apostles concerning circumcision and not about blood transfusions, which would become a medical practice almost two milleniums later in history. The rulings of Watchtower are pure speculation as to what the ruling of the apostles might have been regarding blood transfusions and is presumption on their part. Additionally: Was circumcision a life or death issue? Did anyone die either because they chose circumcision or did not? What Watchtower has ruled regarding blood is like saying they have even more authority in ruling over life and death issues than did the apostles of the first century. Can you imagine how God will hold Watchtower responsible for their guilt in letting people die for a false doctrine?

[@juschilln4904]

That one scripture in leviticus completely obliterates their policy, wow!

[@sollasollew3208]

Another question to ask is, "when does blood represent life", not while the soul is alive there is no need. Blood represents the life once the life is taken.

[@BeroeanPickets]

Excellent point!

[@archtitus3412]

I recall that you mentioned you are a mix of Scottish and Irish. You would know what 'black pudding' is then? I went through a bit of that when I was a little boy. One could always find it at our local butcher. I wouldn't eat it now, even the thought of it disgusts me. A blood transfusion might save my life, but I'm still not comfortable having someone else's blood running through my veins. And getting a perfect match could also be a little problematic. But you have convinced me, a blood transfusion could save my life and I accept it is an option for saving one's life. You know these days they can manufacture artificial blood. It's all very worrying, I hope I never need one.

[@domenicocatrambone9789]

Interestingly, these verses make it clear that Saul's men were reprimanded for eating bloody meat but were not put to death. They were exhausted from having fought a lot and were very hungry. 1. Samuele 14: 31-35 31On that day they kept striking down the Phi·lisʹtines from Michʹmash to Aiʹja·lon, and the people became very tired. 32 So the people began rushing greedily at the spoil, and they took sheep and cattle and calves and slaughtered them on the ground, and they ate the meat along with the blood. 33 So it was reported to Saul: “Look! The people are sinning against Jehovah by eating meat with the blood.” At this he said: “You have acted faithlessly. Roll a large stone to me immediately.” 34 Saul then said: “Spread out among the people and say to them, ‘Each of you must bring his bull and his sheep and slaughter them here and then eat them. Do not sin against Jehovah by eating meat with the blood.’” So each of them brought his bull with him that night and slaughtered it there 35 And Saul built an altar to Jehovah. This was the first altar he built to Jehovah.

[@chrisreed6738]

I was a JW for many years. I had a very bad motorcycle accident and the hospital were pressuring my wife and parents to give me a transfusion. I woke up from a potential coma and said I don't want blood. The result in my case was that I recovered very well. Others with less injuries on the ward who had received transfusions took much longer to recover. It was also in the 80's when the whole issue of buying blood from drug addicts and homosexuals was prevalent. Someone who had this blood was on a ward with hepatitis c. I can only say that despite general blood types being given. Everyone seems to have their own specific blood much like finger prints. Many people who have transplants/transfusions can take on characteristics of the donor. Given this and the fact that in many cases drugs have to be used to stop the organs being rejected. It would suggest that individual life may be in the blood. This does raise questions. The whole blood transfusion process came about during the Vietnam War as I understand it. A way of quickly getting troops back in to battle. As time goes by things like DNA are discovered and things previously thought of as simple mechanics like the cell are found to be much more complicated than previously considered. I suspect the case of blood will be too. As an example the stomach looked to bea group of simple digestive tubes but has subsequently been found to contain cells like the brain. The stomach and brain are linked and message eachother. With more messages being sent from the stomach than from the other direction. Brings new meaning to the term 'A gut feeling".

[@mamajan99]

The JWs taught this same kind of silly reasoning back in the 1970's when heart transplants were being performed. They foolishly implied that a muscle in your chest could think based on a literal interpretation of "Out of the heart's abundance the mouth speaks." Thus a person with their heart transplanted would become a different person. DUH!

[@BeroeanPickets]

If you do a google search using these keywords you'll get the information you need: jehovah witness bulgaria blood

[@DanielMJones-ej9kz]

As a Christian and a physician, your wife did the right thing by accepting a blood transfusion. In Mark chapter 7 verses 15-23 Jesus stated that there is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him. Nothing means nothing and that includes taking a blood transfusion. It is what comes out of a man that defiles him.

[@weservine5480]

The scribes from Jerusalem join the local Pharisees, criticizing the disciples who ate without washing (Mark 7:1-2). You are confusing this with Blood transfusions. He is talking about eating with unclean hands. Are you going to say that Jesus is contradicting what God said about blood??

[@jamesseward9263]

“7 However, not all have this knowledge. But some, because of their former association with the idol, eat food as something sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food will not bring us nearer to God; we are no worse off if we do not eat, nor better off if we eat” 1 Cor 8:7-8 So it seem that the prohibition to eating meat sacrificed to idols was also being done away with along with eating of blood under the mosaic law code which was part of the Old Convenient !?

[@rafaelsanfernando9417]

Intentionally ignore the symbol especially if that is the only way to save the "real thing" it represents. Thank you, that was enlightening. I was trapped in that dillema just months ago, in letting my JW mother decide to abstain from blood transfusion which, sadly was her only hope for surviving. I'm still beating myself up for not having a strong enough conviction to save her at all cost, afraid that she would lose the hope of getting ressurrected if she took the blood. By the way i'm already a "PIMU" & is gradually sneaking my way out.

[@mamajan99]

" i'm already a "PIMU" & is gradually sneaking my way out." I did it decades ago. It is tough but "The real TRUTH will set you free."

[@michaelbemvindo]

Well explaind.

[@kylehaynie5252]

Thank you my brother

[@sherylalismom285]

Enlightening.

[@beccabrooks4100]

I'm so sorry

[@UKS12345]

But if blood is life then it begs the question should a person give blood? Does it not result in them giving up their life which belongs to Jehovah? If we partake of their blood are we not sinning also?

[@chrisreed6738]

Going back to "The life is in the blood" . Everyone's blood is different. It can be classed into groups, but remains unique like a finger Print retina Etc. Organ transplants often pass on characteristics of the donor. As I mentioned the stomach for instance has been found to contain brain type cells that communicate with the brain. The Vietnam war kicked off blood transfusions in a big way. Today we are experiencing a massive wave of people who have multiple personality disorders. Stronger cannabis may have something to do with this, but could this also have something to do with memory retention from blood or organ transplants? "The life is in the blood'?

[@mamajan99]

The JWs taught this same kind of silly reasoning back in the 1970's when heart transplants were being performed. They foolishly implied that a muscle in your chest could think based on a literal interpretation of "Out of the heart's abundance the mouth speaks." Thus a person with their heart transplanted would become a different person. DUH!

[@WealthGemsNation]

Hey Eric, important question: The passage at Leviticus 17: 15, 16 describes the law on how a person should act if they come across a dead animal or animal killed by another. But unfortunately, it doesn't say that animal mustn't be properly bled. Is this assumed? Could an animal that is torn up or killed be properly bled? Couldn't one of the Israelites bring the dead animal home the same way, and bleed it? This is my reasoning. I want to bring this scripture up to my family, and want to have every base covered. Also, the law in Exodus 22:31 states how "you must not eat the flesh of anything in the field that has been torn by a wild animal." In your own words, are their concrete ways to object to the claim that Jehovah was simply just making it possible to now eat animals that have already been killed, but was still expecting them to properly bleed those animals? Thanks.

[@WealthGemsNation]

I think I might have jumped the gun, because you clarify later in the video. Are you absolutely sure it would NO longer be possible to properly bleed the carcass?

[@BeroeanPickets]

If it were, there would be no reason for the period of cleansing required by the law.

[@rayrayner4426]

Here's a little extra to consider too.....strongs Greek lexicon gives a translation reference number as g129 (you can Google that number) for "blood" in acts 15 :20. It's interesting to note it translates as "the blood" , not just "blood" in several other verses, mat 23:30 and 35. Luke 11:50, and others it is also translated as "the blood". As a witness we were taught a simple comma can change the whole meaning to a single sentence...Luke 23:43. Now read acts 15:20 without the comma, and replace blood with "the blood" (g129)......"from what is strangled and the blood. Obviously the blood of a strangled animal will still have it's blood, and not be prepared properly by the law. The word "from" is not found in the original Greek translation. Check out "scripture4all.org. it's covers both Hebrew and Greek translations, it will help to open your eyes to the many lies we have been taught. John 15:13 uses the word "life", translated from the Greek word "soul", and what would the Jews of jesus time understand the word "soul" to be? Leviticus 17:11.... John 8:32. May the only true and living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob continue to be merciful while we all come to the same truth through His only begotten son commonly known as jesus (Yeshua Hamashiach)

[@joetucker6597]

@Beroean Pickets, Google "pikuach nefesh," meaning "life over law, the ancient Jewish principle based on the scriptures which allowed for setting the Law aside in order to save a life. Jesus embraced pikuach nefesh and demonstrated it by healing individuals on the Sabbath, a violation of the Law deemed punishable by death. Yet Jesus appreciated that following the Law was intended to save lives, not to result in one's death. Thus, no JW need ever die for rejecting a life-saving blood transfusion.

[@dabidiam]

I think that the chapter on Blood in the In Search of Christian Freedom highlights other important reasoning. I especially like the scripture from Romans which says that Christians are no longer under the restrictions of the law and can basically consume everything.

[@sheiladavidson8305]

They are very blood guilty.. In more ways than one

[@andrewchristou2857]

Excellent video well done. WT has blood on it's hands....total dogma!!

[@joeljansen51]

Thank you for the clear reasoning. I do have one more question: from Leviticus chapter 17, where do you infer that the man who finds a dead animal is in the situation of being in need and eating the animal to survive?

[@BeroeanPickets]

I infer it from the statement that he is hunting, not in his "dwelling places".

[@joeljansen51]

@@BeroeanPickets thank you very much!! Its the fitst time i really examined the scriptures and I am convinced that it’s not unscriptural accepting a blood transfusion to save your live.

[@joetucker6597]

@Beroean Pickets, Google "pikuach nefesh" (life over law), the ancient Jewish principle based in holy scripture which allows setting aside any law of the Torah in order to save a life. Jesus embraced pikuach nefesh and demonstrated it by healing people on the Sabbath, a violation deemed worthy of death. Yet, Jesus realized that the very intent of following the Law was to save lives, not to cause one's death.

[@littleturtle1610]

Bingo. Mercy is greater than sacrifice Matthew 9:13

[@VuPham-fx1km]

I wish I can understand 100% the talk because my English is not very good. I love spiritual food very very much.

[@vintage6346]

Scroll to the bottom of the page of the transcript. Click under the row of colorful flags. Read in your own language: Đọc điều này trong ngôn ngữ của bạn: Choose Vietnamese from the list

[@VuPham-fx1km]

@@vintage6346 yes, I got it. Thanks very much

[@vintage6346]

Also, you can click the "gear" of the video, then Captions, then Auto-translate, then choose Vietnamese from the list.

[@VuPham-fx1km]

@@vintage6346 thanks for your care Eric, I read the “blood transfusion issue”. It deeply explained the current issue that JWs have. I totally agree with that.

[@georgetaylor7025]

Brother Eric, Are you telling us that my baptism of 1958 with Jehovah's witnesses is invalid and I should get re baptist?

[@BeroeanPickets]

No, not for me to say. Besides, back then they didn't ask the question that forced believers to acknowledge membership as part of baptism. That came in 1985

[@marcelocampbell1679]

If eating blood is still wrong, isn’t there a contradiction in eating non-kosher meat, which has on average 6-9 ml of blood per kg?

[@gabrielwitchett8284]

Excellent

[@mardukdemigod1523]

The answer is NO. If the servants of the Lord would rather choose to die in the Roman Gladiator Pit over denouncing Christianity then it has the same logic as those who would rather die than to accept blood transfusion.

[@BeroeanPickets]

The video explains the flaw in your logic, but of course, the final decision lies in your hands for yourself and you alone.

[@mardukdemigod1523]

@@BeroeanPickets It doesn't explain the flaw of my logic. Your video is the flaw actually. There are things that God would rather allow his servants to compromise their lives without being blood-guilty. Jesus died that way even if tho he has the power to protect himself. Logic!

[@Des7iny7]

🙏🏻 Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Trublu52]

I was in fear as my wife would not take blood, so I did much study and this is what I found , If you look at the law covenant,in the old testament there was no death penalty implied for anyone who may have ate blood, though they were unclean for several days and had to go through a process to become clean again, However, there was a death penalty if the Sabbath was not observed, a far more severe punishment, according to the law covenant, then the partaking of blood , if you read in the four gospels Jesus was accused of breaking Sabbath law covenant more than once,and then on one occasion he performed a medical procedure right after he was accused of breaking the law covenant, when they ask, Jesus, did you break the law covenant Jesus he said no is there is no law against doing something good, so I had to wonder what Jesus was trying to teach us even though blood is sacred and should not be taken for granted or used in a worthless way, in fact in some countries blood is still used as a food source today’ what Jesus was teaching us is there Can be no justice as long as the law is absolute , and there is now law broken in doing good to our fellow man, please let me know what you all think of what I found

[@vitisbp1131]

@@Trublu52 Please give a text regarding the Jewish penalty for eating blood.

[@ruthmoram3861]

As it says in 1 Cor 8, everyone has their own conscience and it needs to be respected by others. Personally I wouldn't take blood since we will gain eternal life by faith in Jesus' shed blood which is sacred. If we turn to other blood to be saved it could damage our relationship to God. As Jesus said; 'anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.' I can't go along with the Torah that where saving life is concerned all other laws go out the window.

[@BeroeanPickets]

A blood transfusion may extend your life, but if you are talking about being saved, as in eternal salvation, then only Jesus' blood can do that. No one is equating a blood transfusion with Jesus' shed blood. So your statement--"if we turn to other blood to be saved"--is based on a flawed premise. To show this, let's make a simple but plausible substitution in your statement: "If we turn to [a liver transplant] to be saved it could damage our relationship to God. " I hope that helps put things into perspective. Of course, your choice to take or refuse any medical procedure is entirely yours to make.

[@ruthmoram3861]

@@BeroeanPickets Yes, thanks. I didn't explain it well. Lev 17 is interesting. Still, if you look at the cross references to 17:15,16, they all say do not eat the animal that is already dead or torn by a wild animal. Ex 22:31, Lev 22:8, Deut 14:21. We are not under the Mosaic law, of course, but eating meat already dead is quite dangerous. I give these alternative opinions because you have something really good going on here but another viewpoint doesn't hurt.

[@BeroeanPickets]

@@ruthmoram3861 Hi Ruth. Thank you for sharing. The article I point to in the description field of the video explains that. I wanted to keep the video relatively brief so I didn't go into detail. The key is that the verses you mention apply to finding a dead animal while in "your dwelling places". There was no risk to life in this case, only to one's purse, but even provision for that was made at Deut. 14:21. This actually reinforces my point, for what would God care about a little financial loss if blood had the importance that Witnesses place on it?

[@ericbulman1752]

Refusing a life saving blood transfusion is not loosing ones life for the sake of Jesus it's loosing ones life because of a small group of men who have put forth their own man made rule . The Bible does not say that blood transfusions are forbidden and it does not say that accepting a blood transfusion to save our life could damage our relationship with God. The fact is eating blood and a blood transfusion are two different things they are not the same what we eat goes through our digestive system and comes back out . A blood transfusion is putting the blood that God made for us directly back into our blood system which God made just for the blood He had made for us to have life .

[@Vanderhoven1]

Excellent video. The alcohol analogy is indeed flawed. A better analogy is: Would your doctor, who warned you to abstain from meat think you disobeyed him if you had a liver transplant?

[@BeroeanPickets]

I like that too.

[@patricktipton6048]

OK so blood is not referred to as a symbol - life itself is in the blood. I do agree with your position however. And I understand your analogy

[@marlenalmaguer-JWReformer]

I disagree with this video, Eric. I follow and obey Acts 15:20. Moreover, look at any Bible concordance, and you will find a plethora of scriptures where blood usage or blood related acts are prohibited; only permitted in a sacrificial setting mainly for atonement purposes. Eric, if it's okay to take blood transfusions, then it's okay to eat blood....right?

[@LosBereanos]

Marlen, to be accurate, you "follow and obey" your interpretation of Acts 15:20. How do you justify your interpretation that Acts 15:20 means an absolute prohibition against blood in light of the provision from the Mosaic law found at Leviticus 17:15, 16?

[@GiorgioSalaya-Cantabria]

I usually agree with you, Eric. However, blood transfusions may be deadly and cause a plethera of adverse reactions (i.e., life-threatening blood clots, infections, etc.,.). No wonder why YHWH God gave us Acts 15:20.

[@lauraadam3230]

Bravo

[@JoeBytowner]

Of course what he leaves out is the word "eat". It's clear and unambiguous that the words in Bible are referring to eating blood. And there is no way that the writers could be talking about a blood transfusion - that procedure wasn't developed until the 19th century. This was a sad misinterpretation of the Bible. I feel nothing but sympathy for the followers of LDS, they are literally sacrificial pawns.

[@woke2025]

So sorry for your loss