They believe that Christ died for the sins of man, but that he was resurrected spiritually rather than physically. For example, they believe that God is one person, not a trinity. Since the inception in 1879 of what is now known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, its adherents, called Jehovah’s Witnesses, have had distinctive beliefs that separate them from mainstream Christianity.
Therefore, whether to accept an organ transplant or donate organs is a personal decision.The Beliefs and Practices of Jehovah’s Witness In the case of organs that do not involve blood flow, for example corneas, they would have no religious grounds to object to donation. Some Jehovah's Witnesses may not wish to donate their organs because someone else's blood would then flow through them. Jehovah's Witnesses currently accept organ transplants, although any surgery would have to be performed on a bloodless basis. While forbidden to take blood, they are not specifically forbidden to take in tissue or bone from another human. Each Witness must decide individually whether he or she can accept these. Jehovah's Witnesses' religious principles do not absolutely prohibit the use of minor blood components such as albumin, immune globulins and haemophiliac preparations. When entering the hospital, they should sign consent/release forms that reiterate this and specify the hospital care needed. Jehovah's Witnesses carry on their person an advance medical directive/release that states they must not receive blood transfusions under any circumstances, while releasing medical practitioners and hospitals from responsibility for any damage that may be caused by their refusal of blood. Witnesses are strictly politically neutral and do not get involved in any debates or demonstrations on this issue.īlood transfusions, transplants and organ donation If the termination of a pregnancy is the only means of saving a mother's life, the choice is up to each individual. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that human life begins at conception and do not therefore approve of abortion. As the Bible does not directly discuss birth control, birth control is seen as a personal decision and is left to the individual's conscience. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God or Jehovah. There are no specific Jehovah's Witness customs relating to birth itself. Spiritual care will be provided by local Witnesses (friends, family and elders). You should make every reasonable effort to provide medical assistance and comfort. Jehovah's Witnesses do not have special rituals for the sick or the dying.
There are no particular points to be noted in this area and few Jehovah's Witnesses would object to being examined by doctors of the opposite sex. Washing and toilet present no unusual problems for Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses are not required to fast for religious reasons, but must not consume blood (for example in blood sausage or in animal meat if the blood has not been properly drained). Jehovah's Witnesses do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Some Jehovah's Witnesses may be vegetarian and others may abstain from alcohol, but this is a personal choice. Jehovah's Witnesses reject foods containing blood but have no other special dietary requirements. There are no specific religious practices that would affect a Jehovah's Witness while in hospital. They may be keen to make sure that medical staff are aware they would reject blood transfusions. Most Jehovah's Witnesses have a positive attitude towards healthcare staff and are willing to seek medical help and advice when sick. Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions and take a non-negotiable stance on this matter (see relevant section).Īttitudes to healthcare staff and illness Today the Jehovah's Witness publishing complex in Brooklyn, New York, issues 800,000 copies of its two magazines daily and publishes 100,000 books. Jehovah's Witnesses believe it is important to share their views with others and are well known for calling on people at their homes and for their magazine The Watchtower. They do not, however, use the symbol of the cross because they believe it to be of pagan origin. They accept both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as inspired by God.
Jehovah's Witnesses consider their religion to be a restoration of original first-century Christianity. Jehovah's Witnesses view themselves as Christian and regard Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but not in the sense of being equal with God or one with God. Charles Taze Russell founded the Jehovah's Witnesses in 1872, although it did not become known officially as such until 1931.
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