PBS documentary Knocking - Jehovah's Witnesses and Blood

[jgrossberg]

Knocking: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Blood

Because we at NoBlood are deeply committed to the mission to be a knowledge base and center for resources related to blood conservation, avoidance, and bloodless medicine, we are always on the lookout for unbiased and informative articles and other media that would serve to contribute in a positive way to the community of those pursuing similar interests. To that end, we'd like to draw your attention to a documentary entitled Knocking, which will have its premiere broadcast on PBS on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 (see Knocking Documentary Project for detailed information on the documentary). NoBlood has been granted permission from the producers of Knocking to reprint an excerpt from the printed study guide that accompanies the DVD. This excerpt is entitled “Jehovah’s Witnesses and Blood”, and presents an unbiased discussion of the role Jehovah’s Witnesses have played in the development of bloodless medicine. Please note, also, the subheading “Religion and Medicine”, in which it is aptly noted that the Witnesses have not been the only religious group to take exception to certain medical products or treatments.
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Our members are invited to read and discuss this article bearing in mind that it is not intended to stimulate debate over the validity or acceptability of religious positions that may be held by our very diverse membership. We trust you will appreciate the privilege NoBlood has been given to participate in bringing to its membership a preview of the documentary ahead of its actual debut on PBS later this year.</o>

[LarryEitel]

Please also see article PBS documentary Knocking - Jehovah's Witnesses and Blood.

[LarryEitel]

JulieM, we choose not to debate the reasons for or against a patient populations' choices in health care options. Please direct questions like that to Jehovah's Witnesses in your area or visit the official website of Jehovahs' Witnesses at Jehovah’s Witnesses: Watchtower Society Official Web Site. Thank you.

[jgrossberg]

Dear Julie M:
I am pleased to note that you have taken the time to read the Knocking article, but would like to point out that NoBlood is not in a position to interpret for you whether your impression of the article is correct. The documentary producers are more properly the ones to whom you should address that question. It is the understanding of the NoBlood Editorial Team that the producers of Knocking obtained their information by conducting independent research, interviewing Jehovah's Witnesses, visiting the Watchtower Society headquarters, and even accompanying individual Witnesses in certain of their religious activities. I believe Larry provided you links to both the producers' website and the website of the Watchtower Society, the official website of Jehovah's Witnesses. As to specific beliefs regarding blood transfusion, or any other doctrinal issue, we recommend that you address your question to the latter source, as the authors of this article apparently did. Because your question asks for interpretation of material NoBlood did not take part in developing or writing, we prefer not to attempt to stand in the place of either the authors or of Jehovah's Witnesses by venturing an answer. Anyone who wishes to clarify statements made by the article authors or ask whether a specific Witness belief is factually stated by them should certainly be addressed to those authors. We certainly hope you appreciate our reasons for wishing to avoid possible erroneous interpretation of others' published work or beliefs.