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Hello L.E.

I just thought of something else today. Do you remember back in the late 60's when the argument that a transfusion was just another way to eat the blood was falling apart? I do. I pulled an old 'green' bible out of the attic today and compared it with the 1984 Reference bible. I had forgotten that the Society re-translated Acts 15:29 for the 1970 edition of the NWT. Before 1970 the NWT used the expression "keep free from" and after 1970 this was substituted with "keep abstaining from".

It seems to me that they were already planning the next phase of the argument in their effort to keep the blood ban alive, as the reasoning in the 70's revolved for the most part around Acts 15:29 and what it would mean to 'really ABSTAIN from blood'.

The more I study this issue the more revolting it becomes. I gently broached the subject with my aging parents today, asking simply if they thought that the Society was loosening up a little on their stance on the blood issue based on the fact that volumeric hemodilution and intraoperative collection are allowed today if the tubes are hooked up right. They almost got HYSTERICAL. (My parents are about the same age as most of the Governing Body members) There could be a long and difficult road ahead I'm afraid.

Best Wishes,

Z.

Dear Liberal Elder:

I read your Web Site with great interest and appreciate your opinion as well as the others who shared their experiences. In reading different responses from individuals I feel that some of us are confusing Jehovah with the organization and taking our anger out on Jehovah.

I firmly believe that it is in all our best interest to do extensive research on Blood and Plasma, so that when/if we are faced with such challenges, we can make a firm stand. We should not relay on what others tell us based on their research nor even information brought out on the Society, if we are uncomfortable with it. Jehovah will judge us one way or the other. The Brothers, the Society cannot, nor do we need to run to them with every little "problem" we have in our lives.

Jehovah created us as "free agents" capable of making decsions on our own, by this he will judge us. If we run to the brothers on every little occurrence, well of course, I can see why people think that Witnesses have no minds of their own. Jehovah gives us enough information via his Word, the Bible and literature put out by the Society, that we should be able to come to conscientious decisions ourselves.

If a person has committed a "gross sin", adultery, fornication...then I can understand approaching the Brothers for forgiveness by Jehovah, as brought out in the scriptures, and if truly repentant, should be forgiven.

I myself have issues with the organization, with the brothers...that make me extremely anger...but I can't blame Jehovah for their imperfection. I have made a conscience decision to read the Bible from cover to cover, for I believe it's the word of Jehovah whole-heartedly.

Regardless of our feelings towards the Society, we all should stand firm in the truth. The organization may change it's views and stances on different issues, BUT JEHOVAH DOES NOT CHANGE.

Be careful Brothers & Sistesrs, by Jehovah's word, the Bible and the signs Jesus Christ stated we were to expect, that are occurring now, we are living in the last days. Jehovah will answer all our questions, in the end. By keeping faith in both Jehovah and Jesus Christ, we cannot go wrong.

"So, if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God for he gives generously to all and with out reproaching; and it will be given him. But let him keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about." James 1:5,6

Remain Strong Brothers & Sisters

Agape,

A.

Hi, Liberal Elder,

I am behind on my reading on H2O, and only now found your call for volunteers to email your press release. I will help with this, if you can tell me what to do. I don't know of any news groups or have any connections. If there is something I can do anyway, count me in.

F.

The Captain of My Fate

I know that your emphasis is on blood. I was blessed enough to not have to deal with that issue while a JW. I am interested in the cult syndrome. Do you still believe that the WT is being used by Jehovah?

Do you think that reform will come in time to save lives? I know that there is some form of mind control involved in the meetings-either group dynamics (unwittingly so by the rank and file members through their comments, I did it myself), and definitely through the literature (We are supposed to comment in our own words, but it better be in direct agreement with what's printed! No new thoughts, please!) I am venting on you! But, please, forgive, I need the therapy! If you use this on the net, don't sign my real name.

P.

Hi,

Just a quick question. My understanding is... Jehovah's Witnesses are allowed to accept blood fractions, why won't/can't they give blood? Please explain how they can accept something that they are unwilling, although able to give.

Thank you for your time is answering this,

T.

Dear Liberal Elder,

I have just reviewed you Web site on the blood issue. I am very impressed at your thorough research which ultimately led to the press release and the letter to the Governing Body.

Even though I am not a Witness, I want you to know that I applaud you and support you in every step towards reform - of any kind! Just keep on rolling!

(And they have the nerve to call me an 'opposer!')

Sincere regards,

F.L.

I have been a JW most of my life. Being raised in the truth is a tough thing for a kid to experience but I've learned alot. My biggest problem is that I am very very sensitive to someone controlling my mind or thoughts.

I hate to be TOLD what to think or what to do. (or not do.) The bigger problems I've experienced have stemmed from elders in the congregation using their power and theocratic muscle to foist their own opinions on the congregation. If it comes straight from the societies publications then yes I'll check it out with what the bible says. But to blatantly use heavy handed tactics and shunning to control the congregation and limit it's freedom for no better reason than personal taste is wrong. I don't know why I decided to write you but I hope you write back. I am basically all alone now. I've stopped going to meetings and my wife is giving me heck for it. I am also interested in the reform movement. This is the first I've heard of it and would like to know more. Thanks.

S.

Hi L.E.,

I'd sure like to help but my time is restricted since I'm on my last part of my term at University. Also, I have access to E-mail and the net only here at school between classes.

Let me know what I can do, and if I can I surely will.

There are two local english news here in Montreal, Canada, and I will get their e-mail addresses and send them this release if you approve.

It would be great to see results from this. If anything will, it will probably be something like this.

Talk to you soon,

J.

Hello everybody out there, you user of the anonymous service, and staff at obscure.com!

I definitely never again want to receive mail which originated from "mixmaster" or the person behind.

I ask you, the staff at obscure.com, to do everything's possible to prevent such an occurrence in the future.

I am working with an internet provider, and you can be sure that I will take every possible legal means to make my rights clear and save them.

The person using your service has very bad motives and I feel sorry that such bad people misuse your services.

The smut and trash sent by "theliberalelder@hotmail.com" is not worth to be carried through the internet at all.

And you, behind that address, misuser of obscure.com, can be sure that you can receive some linux distributions to fill up your mailbox a little bit, if you don't stop spamming me! How about that?

Ok, I am very angry about this thing, and I hope you at obscure.com will support me to keep your service clean and legal.

Greetings,

O. J.

Congratuations and keep up the good work.

A resigned elder.

JB

I found out about your Web Page through the Jesus-Witness Mailing List. I have a slow modem, and many errands to run. But you had better believe I'm going to check out each and every link ASAP!

I am only studying with a Witness, but have had questions on the blood issue for some time. And now that the organization had "flip-flopped" on organ transplants, etc, I feel that the issue is deserving of my studying it in a balanced manner. Your information will help so very much!

Thank you for your efforts to help myself and others get the WHOLE TRUTH on this issue.

A.R.

Hi There;

I just visited your web-site, and I'm tired. It's in the middle of the night here. But it does look interesting. I believe I will supply a link to this site from the Watchtower Observer - from the "medical" pages.

I'll take a look at the pages tomorrow, since I now do have a bookmark to them.

One question. This "reform" stuff people are talking about. Could you please tell me what you do want to do - hope to do - what ever. I'm curious - since I can't see any possibility - but then again I'm only me - and it's a lot of things I can't see :-))

K.

Hello Liberal Elder,

My question is, is there any hope for those who have left the organization over the issue of blood?

What is the organizations view toward people who were disfellowshipped over issues in general that may have been changed due to the times we live in?

thanx

B.

Good job on the site. Thanks for putting it up and for your work. I gotta think it'll help someone.

Thanks again for all your hard work and God bless you and everyone who you care about.

GB

My dear Liberal Elder,

Thank you for finally getting this email address. I am pleased with your efforts for change.

I really am a child advocate in the court system, and spiritually, for my own children, and many witnesses who have fallen by the wayside, including the victims and potential victims of the "NO Blood" dictatorship.

I have xxxx biological children who are fourth generation J.W.'s, and I also have two step sons who feel religion is full of hypocrisy.

As a third generation J.W., I am amazed by the dysfunction I developed under. I however do not want to stand by and just point fingers and act on bitterness. I really want to effect positive change. I have too many family members that are under the illusion, that I must do what I can to help the reform efforts.

Please know that I am on the side of Christ, He is the reason we have the hope of John 1:12 and 1 John 1:9.

Praise Jah, through Jesus Christ and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. May our Father continue to bless you in wisdom, truth, and love.

C. A.

What a con. "The liberal elder?" Give me a break. Aren't you embarrassed to attempt to trick Jehovah's witnesses like this?

What a shame, what a shame.

Hi. I have been studying with JWs for about a year now, on and off. I find some aspects of the religion congenial, though I also have been bothered by much over the last several months. The person I study with is quite willing to furnish further information, but some topics are really difficult for her to deal with. So I am very grateful for all the info available online, and in particular from folks like yourself, who are committed to the organization while acknowledging some of the serious problems that exist within it.

On the question of blood, my study partner maintained that people do not readily get DFed for blood transfusion -- only in special circumstances -- and her friend was not even aware that blood transfusion was a DFing offense.

Another Witness online has been telling me that the factor 8 for hemophiliacs is synthetic and that all blood must be shunned. I guess folks are not very well informed...

I myself consider it good advice to "abstain from blood" (of other humans or animals). The only part of your utterly excellent site that I found unconvincing was whether "eat" could be interpreted as taking in in other ways. I think it could.

However, when it comes to extreme medical situations, I do not think it appropriate for fallible humans to tell others whether or not to transfuse, and to hold punishment over their heads. Your site sez it well.

May I ask you a question? I have been told by some Witnesses that we should pay attention to the writings of the GB as often wise and beneficent -- but since they are fallible, we must look to the Bible for the final authority.

On the other hand, many exWitnesses I have spoken to online say that the GB is to be obeyed no matter what and that I would be DFed if I disbelieved some of the teachings, even if I did not make trouble over it.

I met with an elder recently, and he said that even if my study partner, Ruth, decided that she did not believe that Jerusalem fell in 607 BCE, as long as she did not make a public issue of it, it would be fine.

So I am at a loss as to what to believe. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this issue. I have been wondering if the attitudes of the Witnesses have perhaps been changing of late, where the GB was perhaps believed completely in times past but no longer so anymore. In other words, perhaps the "corporate culture" has been changing, so that JWs take the teachings with a grain of salt.

I much admire your efforts at reform. With people like you working in the anonymous domain of the Internet, the impact will make itself felt -- and I hope sooner than later.

Many good wishes --

V.

Hey Dude-

Great site. Here are a few more names for you. At least they were there when I was there.

Ralph Walls- Factory Committee at Brooklyn

Harold Corkern- Factory Committee at Brooklyn

George Couch- Home Committee at Brooklyn

Max Larson- Factory Committee at Brooklyn

I hope this helps.

J.S.

Dear Liberal Elder,

On review of your web site we regret to inform you that we cannot link you on our site. Your view on blood currently contradicts the general belief of Jehovah's Witnesses and therefore would not be appreciated by nor appropriate for our thousands of visitors.

Regards,

S.M.

Hi there,

Congratulations on your new page, it's great. Carl Olof Jonsson has made an excellent brochure on this subject, which we now have in Swedish, Norwegian and Danish, we are distributing it to all interested parties and we will in time penetrate the medical profession with it.

Keep up the good work.

Best regards.

N.

Thanks! We'll try and get that added this week. This is wonderful. It is good to know that our efforts are not all for nothing, and that there are really reasonable brothers and sisters out there. This has always been our faith, but being week, it is always strengthening to have that faith confirmed by experience.

May Jehovah Bless you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Associated Jehovah's | "There is no fear in love" - 1 John 4:18

Witnesses for Reform | See FREE ZONE at: http://www.aracnet.com/~ajwr/

I am not interested in the slightest bit regarding this information. It is obvious that blood should be avoided, either with regards to eating it or taking it into your body by any other means. There is absolutely no gray area... the Bible is clear.

I am not interested in receiving any other messages, either.

R.S.

Although I am not a JW -- I do witness to them and teach/warn others about them.

May the one and only true God bless you in your efforts to have the WT reverse itself [once again] on this important issue that has surely and mistakingly already cost many their lives...

In Christ-

D.

Just looking at your site on the blood issue. Good work.

I was a witness for 20 years and personally dealt with the blood issue on numerous occasions. On at least two occasions I was very close to death as a result of this stance we as witnesses took. I lost my left hip joint as a result of my refusal to take a blood transfusion. The result has been a life of physical pain. And I'm lucky. People have died over this issue.

Keep up the good work.

Dear elder of JW :

I have read your mail regarding the blood. I will put a link at my web site ASAP. I think it is very good.

I have trying to stop all these tragedies from happening. Thanks for your awareness.

Finally I found somebody who believe that Human Life is more important than believing an organization that saying the end of the world will come at 1975.

God bless you, keep up the good work !

T.

On Fri, 28 Feb 1997, Mix wrote:

I have just looked at your site. I will definitely link yours to mine. This is a heartfelt issue for me as one of my friends lost her daughter to the blood issue when she was only 18 years old.

Another friend lost a baby to this and another friend died in childbirth. It has been a diabolical teaching that has cost numerous lives.

Brother, I will keep you in my prayers that you will not be 'disciplined' for your work....

Dear Liberal Elder:

Thank you very much for the information you have provided regarding the blood doctrine of JWs. I have been an inactive JW for the past 2 years, after having some mental health problems [postpartum depression] which the congregation with which I was associated could not understand or empathize with.

I have seen such a lack of love among so-called "brothers" and "sisters", they might just as well have picked up a rifle and killed each other. In fact, one sister told me that my kids would be better off if I blew off their heads with a shotgun because I was so discouraged and depressed that I could not attend meetings or go in service.

While I applaud your efforts at reform-from-the-inside, I fear that many Witnesses are too far gone -- particularly those who have various measures of authority/position bestowed upon them.

I hope your identity remains secret until such time that you are ready for it to be revealed. I have heard about several brothers and sisters who attempted reform of this nature, whose identities were found out, only to be met by a judicial committee. I certainly do not consider you to be an apostate. Like yourself, I have written anonymous letters to congregation elders regarding matters upon which I held a "dissenting" opinion. I was not "found out", although I had a couple of close calls. :)

In the last two years I have returned to college to attend Nursing School. The information on your web-site, contrasted to the information in the "Blood" brochure, made for an interesting discussion during our lab on Blood Administration, and in our Ethics classes. My professors were very agreeable to considering the information, and have started a file containing this data.

Thank you for your commitment to uphold righteousness!

C.P.

Hi,

Read your blood article found on AJWR -- very well written and documented. Was wondering though, how we know the verses in Gen you cited were a part of a covenant with Noah?

My step son had open heart surgery when he was 3 months old, later after a divorce she got involved in our KH in Washougal, Wa. The sisters insisted on accompanying her to the hospital every time xxxxx had an appointment. Had she been a Witness when xxxxx was born, I fear he would be dead now and perhaps his picture would have been on the Watchtower cover with the other dead children...

Shalom,

R.A.

BTW, I hang out on the Compuserve religion forum in section 12 (JW's) if you care to see my views in more detail. I studied and associated for about 4 years, was never baptised. Dr. Bob has been to visit us several times here. I am currently sharing e-mail with a fellow from Switzerland (J.L.) who seems very much like Dr. Bob in his Bible knowledge and quick wit...

{King Richard} 71477.563@compuserve.com

I realize that this might be a little out of the ordinary. But, I am a nurse that lives in the XXXXXX area, and formerly a JW. My parents were willing to take the same chance and risk. I have fought in many fights that involved JW children, whose lives were in jeopardy. I am very, very concerned and I'd like to become involved if I can be of any help.

I didn't want to post this on the H2O board. Whenever I know of these types of battles, I feel that I have to do what I can. Please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely-

S.

Dear The Liberal Elder:

Thank you SO much for providing such an eye-opening web site and sending me the notice. When I read your web pages, I could not help reminding myself of Carl Olof Jonsson. As you may know, he did conscientious research on 607BC doctrine and proposed the doctrinal changes to the GB.

He was eventually disfellowshiped. Almost 20 years later, you are making quite a similar attempt. I wish you the best in your endeavor.

I have two requests and one question for you. May I translate part of your web pages and put it in my Japanese web pages? Of course, I will put proper credit and acknowledgment. My pages are to educate Japanese public on this religion. There are many Japanese readers who are current Witnesses.

Second request is to mail that generic letter on Blood issues and on your web site to my daughter who is a very zealous Witness. She is however a very good candidate of becoming a strong reformer.

Please never mention my name or my e-mail address in your mail. My daughter is very sensitive about any material which may look like "apostate". If she learned that I requested you to send that mail, our shaky relationship may be destroyed. However, I am sure she will read any mail which is originated from current Witnesses. Please include her e-mail address in your mailing list of "potentially reform-oriented Witnesses". I appreciate it if you could continue to mail similar materials to me and to her.

My question to you is this: have you read "Crisis of Conscience" and "In Search of Christian Freedom"? If you did, could you share your thought on these books?

Thank you very much for reading this. I wish you the best in your attempt. Even if I am not a Witness, I may become your spiritual brother in the future.

With Christian Sincerity and Love,

S.

You're obviously a very "lost" sheep or a "wolf" in sheeps clothing. Since you value "life" in this worldly system of things -- you must NOT have faith in the resurrection, thus you have NO faith in Jehovah and his beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

SAV

Hello,

Your site is a gift from Jehovah. I am a registered nurse, and have always had serious questions about the blood issue. I never felt comfortable discussing these with other witnesses, and have side stepped nosey questions about my work responsibilities and blood administration.

As a medical professional, I find the society's current stance on blood and blood products not based on sound scientific or logical reasoning, and not scripturally based. I had a serious discussion with my husband (a liberal thinking JW) about these issues and the wisdom of carrying blood cards. He agreed, and now neither of us carry one for ourselves or our xx month old son. My husband has had the courage to broach the subject with his mother.

The impetus for the conversation was her request that he sign as a witness on her card this year. She still carries hers, but at least a seed has been planted, and she is clear about our conscientious choice.

I am also praying for reform, as I don't feel the current environment encourages continued spiritual growth and personal expression. I feel myself outgrowing the organization's legalism, and believe me - the consequences scare me to death. It is refreshing and encouraging to know that there are elders out there like you. Wish there were a few like you in my hall!

Best wishes in your special ministry,

B.N.

Hi,

I have been a Witness for 37 years and I am in a real quandary over the blood issue. I have done my own research and reached basically the same conclusions as those who are considered as 'Apostates'.

I even went so far as to quietly write an essay on the subject. (which would get me disfellowshiped if it ever came to light). I thought you might find this document interesting as it is a little heavier than usual on the scientific/biological side of the subject.

With Regards,

A.S.

You write: << ........Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Check these references for yourself. If you determine that I have been honest here, and I have, will you have the courage to verify the rest of the evidence that I present on my site? Will you stand up with me for what is right, or will you maintain a morally sitting posture? ......... >>

I've been through this situation many times enough to know what >I< believe in. My "faith" lies upon my "conscience" and from what >I< understand/comprehend on what the scriptures read. You have your own "views" and I have mine. If Jehovah is "Love", then He will "judge" us individually, accordingly and justifiably -- and I "trust" His "judgment" -- whether it be "life" or "death".

My "LIFE" is in Jehovah's hands.

I wish you well. ............ But please respect my faith and privacy. Please do not send anymore messages.

Thank you,

SAV

It seems like our stand AGAINST the use of blood is gaining acceptance from more groups and individuals in the know. The ones that cave in and compromise are nothing more than gutless, disloyal, faithless cowards!!!

Looks like you LOSE AGAIN!!! You still have yet to reply to me, O NAMELESS ONE!

You are STILL NAMELESS! Yet I have disclosed to you my name and phone number - in fact, since I work for XXXX and receive a long distance benefit, I can call you right back at no cost to either of us.

In any event, yes, that is EXACTLY what I wanted to say. In 1978, I had to pay dearly to find a Witness lawyer to oppose a transfusion on my youngest son, then a new born. I still believe that this was the proper action for me to take, for how could I stand before Jehovah and tell Him that I served him loyally if I just let that happen? As it turns out, I lost, and my kid got blood -- only a few ounces, not really enough to "save his life" under those circumstances. I was railroaded by the court system because of being a member of an unpopular religious minority know as Jehovah's Witnesses. I am still convinced that he did NOT need blood, and I am equally convinced that alternative medical therapies are just as effective, and safer, even from the medical point of view than the (unscriptural) use of blood.

You have my condolences for having paid the ultimate price, but is not your faith in the resurrection promise strong enough to have offered you true comfort in your loss? If not, then how can you claim to be a faithful member of Jehovah's Witnesses? I wonder how you would have done when the REAL pressure was on, for example, in Nazi Germany in concentration camps? Perhaps that is an unfair, or loaded question -- far be it from me to judge (I would say "KILL 'EM ALL!"), but your web site is defamatory against the Society in its clear and UNWAVERING stand against the use of blood, and smacks of the kind of sensationalism found in grocery store tabloids! I am embarassed that one of my brothers would stoop to such a low form of "journalism" to vent his frustration/anger/depression/anxiety or whatever other negative emotion(s) that could have spawned such an outrageous attack on the Society's stand regarding the use of blood.

If you choose to continue to promote your web site, then at least have the decency to divorce yourself, its proponent, as having any association with Jehovah's Witnesses or the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in this instance. To say the least, it is misleading! It is a gross violation of the principle of unity as stated in 1 Corin. 1:10 with respect to the vast majority of us who staunchly and loyally oppose the use of blood. I cannot help but wonder where you are during the Service Meeting that distributes the Blood Cards each year.

The fact that I do not know you is your choice, not mine, as you still continue to remain nameless. Until you have the guts to reveal your identity to me, please refrain from refering to yourself as my: "fellow servant".

Very truly yours,

B.B.

Liberal Elder,

I posted this message to you but I wanted to make sure you received it and did in fact read it. I have decided to leave the board for a while. I believe I may have been in error in my STRONG criticism of your posts. I do not believe you are correct but I do believe I was too strong and allowed my own emotions and doubts about you to cloud my judgment.

I apologize for such behavior to you and to your family and ask for your forgiveness.

It's a cliche' but I do feel your pain. I apologize if I was rough. I hope you understand my concerns and I also hope we can become friends at this site. I appreciate in the strongest terms your sincerity. As I said L.E. I can make the choice for myself but NOT for my children and I believe that is the main issue you are addressing.

I expect we will disagree on many topics as the board matures. I will endeavor in the strongest manner to listen with open ears and to examine your ideas. I do not believe, as you would expect, that I will be changing my mind anytime soon. Just be careful L.E. that you do not let your personal situation cloud your judgments just as you wish me to do the same.

Times will be ever more difficult and not just for JW's. I think you know that. I pray Jehovah provides you and your family a full measure of peace and comfort. I look forward to many more positive and enlightening discussions.

I thank you and I REMAIN,

YOUR BROTHER

J.

p.s. I would appreciate it if you would consider dropping the "authorized" part on your site. Go ahead and say you are an Elder if you must but please consider dropping the authorized portion if you will.

I am looking for stories from people who have been involved with judicial committee meetings, from start to finish, with JW elders. Once I gather a sufficient number of narratives, I will publish them.

Please forward my e-mail address to ANYONE you know who may have a story that they would like to share. I will change the names (& locations, if requested) to protect the privacy of those who pass on their accounts to me.

This project is VERY important to me. Please help me!!

dreamers@cdsnet.net

I have been doing a lot of studying.... So I've been reading and looking up scriptures. I finally had my first encounter with the Elders with the information. The first one, whom I personally approached was our CO. He simply could not refute what I had to say. In fact he said it sounded like I could be right. He said he was proud to see someone actually studying and making sure of all things. So that went well. Then I also have a scheduled talk with another elder (set up by someone else,) so that ought to be very interesting. I will update you on that situation.

Life in Satan's world is not worth your arrogance. Imagine this, you are right. Nothing is holy. Sustaining life by opposing the "faithful and discreet slave", what do you have? A couple more years? I've lost loved ones to death. How does your support of Satan make them come back. Oh stupid Ones: Go away!!!!!

Hi Liberal elder:

Well, for me it is going to be a rocky road for a while. My wife and I, about xxx years ago, started to find out how wacky the JW position on blood was. You see, when xxxxx was x mos. pregnant with our first son, xxxxx, the BS conductor tapped her on the shoulder, shoved an envelope in her hand and said "read this and fill it out."

It was the "health care proxy" you know, the one that lets you check off from a menu which blood components you are willing to take. No explanation from the elders or anyone else was offered. What an eye-opener. We eventually found out what the deal was, and our disgust with the sneakiness simmered for a while.

At any rate, for me, this opened up my mind to start looking at where else they had been, or were currently being sneaky. Repeatedly, my wife asked "Where are we going with all this.. we both have lots of family in the truth." Well ultimately, we couldn't live with the lie anymore, and stopped going to meetings about a year ago.

We have since moved (leaving no forwarding address or phone #) hoping we would not tracked down.

Eventually, when I saw some of your material, I began forwarding it to some people I know who are on the internet.. I tried to be as anonymous as possible. Well, someone found out who I was and now the rumors are flying, that we've been disfellowshiped for apostasy. To my knowledge, we haven't. They couldn't do that without talking to us, could they?

In the past week, my xxxx closed down his account with me (I'm a xxxxxx) after telling my xxxxxx that he was uncomfortable dealing with me, and a few lifelong friends have told me to never speak/write them again.

Fortunately, my father is a bit of a liberal, one of those guys who goes on airflow during the meetings, but goes to support his wife. He has told me that my disfellowshipment (if it occurs) wont make any difference to him. And my other brothers and sister are out for some time now (I've always maintained relationships with them).

So, I'm beginning to see first hand the "iron fist coming out of the glove" Thanks for your work... catch you later.

Dear Liberal Elder,

Thank you for your letter.

I will be working on a review paper on the pros and cons transfusions over the next few months; it will be a balanced but somewhat technical presentation that should be of help to you.

There is plenty of data in the medical literature about the risks of severe anemia that should help with your case, but even if the risks of avoiding blood have been understated you will face enormous difficulties of reforming the Watchtower Society.

Best Wishes,

D. John Doyle MD PhD FRCPC

Toronto Hospital and University of Toronto

Pager: 416.375.0565 Fax:416.423.0452 E-mail: djdoyle@inforamp.net

WWW Home Page: http://doyle.ibme.utoronto.ca

Dear jwreformers and theliberalelder,

Believe it or not, I think your Blood web-site is almost one of the BEST web sites for and by Jehovah's Witnesses! The issues raised against the WTB&TS are significant because of the larger issues involved. ie. The disfellowshipping issues, 1975, 1914 etc. HOWEVER, that's not what you web site is about is it??!!?? No. Not really - there are plenty of other web sites devoted to these issues and in much greater detail and better than your web site. I feel that 'watering down' your web site with issues that are not DIRECTLY involved with the BLOOD issues should be avoided to retain your credibility on the blood issue. I don't want you to ignore these other issues - but rather concentrate upon the EXACT goals you have set yourself to achieve ie. Blood reform and nothing else. (It is a well know fact - that the best web sites in any category on the net - are the ones that specialize on a particular issue!!. The more highly you specialize, the more web hits you get!!)

Watering down your web site with other false WTB&TS issues will only leave your web site less impressive than it can be.This is not an attack on your web site, but rather some constructive criticism that I hope you will examine with a humble attitude. (I thought your web site was EXTREMELY moving, provocative and insightful - right up to the page of psueado-threats aimed at the Governing Body ie.governin.htm) You can keep it there - just as long as you realize it looks out of place on an otherwise professionally made and objective web site. ie. This page brought up issues to the reader, that were NOT explained fully NOR containing any HYPERLINKS to web sites that DID explain them more fully. Either provide the hyperlinks NOW, or remove the information not concerning blood issues. I would STRONGLY recommend removing side issues from most if not all body text on ALL pages - and instead group these other doctrinal problems under "Cool Links to other JW web sites"

I want to start sending people to your web site to read about blood, with full confidence that they're questions on blood will be answered, without unnecessary side-tracking.

Sorry this is so long, but I feel very strongly on the issue of reforming the society for the better, and this web site looks like it could be a very big help in that... with some slight modifications.

Yours Sincerely,

WP

I don't think I will ever understand why 10 -15 men (GB) would ever in all their lives chose to heap upon their own shoulders all the responsibility involved in telling millions of others what course in life they should take. It would be so much easier and so much simpler to say the following:

"Brothers, here in the pages of the Wt we are presenting the best information that we have at the moment and the best understanding of the Scriptures as we see it. We feel we have God's spirit in our endeavors and we feel that the God of the universe may be using us to accomplish His will. However, if you chose to follow what we say keep in mind that we are only men of flesh and blood and the end result is that you are responsible for your own life and your own eternity. Life is not ours to give. God gives life through Jesus his Son. No organization can guarantee life to you. Follow your own God-given conscience and make your own decisions based on your own level of spirituality and your own prayers for right decisions. May God bless your efforts."

It seems to me this would serve as a Wt disclaimer that would provide them with all the legal excuses for no liability now or in the future. In actuality if the Wt would publish the above paragraph, it would probably eliminate the need for the all the ex-JW sites and most of their stand against the Wt as it would put the Wt followers actions in their own realm of responsibility.

LE,

I've been following the dialog at H20 for the past few months. I would call myself a "non-practicing" JW; I have family members still quite active in the faith. I and another family member became more and more disillusioned with the religion for the same reason I think most educated JW's become frustrated: the stifling authoritarianism.

I admire the work you and other "reformers" are doing. Years ago (before the advent of wide-spread Internet communication), I would hope for the day when the Watchtower would undergo its long overdue "Glasnost". Alas, it seemed like an impossibility and it seemed better to just learn what I could from the JW experience and move on (not an easy thing to do). Certainly, the forums now in operation and the dissident viewpoints offered at web sites like yours would have made departing the JW faith easier or perhaps would have provided some hope for reform.

I just thought I'd share with you what I think might be a potential source of liberal thought within the f ith - I don't know if this group of professional JW's is still around or if you've made contacts.

A fellow "non-practicing" family member related an experience from the mid-80's., after I mentioned the dissident JW sites I had come across on the Internet. As a MS and attorney he would be invited to T.A.D. (Theocratic Attorneys and Doctors) meetings. Invitations came from Brooklyn and meeting agendas were set by the WTBTS. It was an effective way to "co-opt" the brightest among JW's who might otherwise form their own professional associations.

At one TAD meeting, however, some young attorneys began to sound off their liberal agenda from the floor, calling for more democratization and decentralization of authority within the faith. Well, their little manifesto was not warmly received and I doubt they received another invitation from Brooklyn. Said family member regrets not having come to their defense. It was another sad example of the authoritarianism that convinced him to stop practicing the faith.

I imagine if TAD is still around, it may be a source of liberal thought and a potential source of reformers. Furthermore, it is the doctors and lawyers among JW's that are most instrumental in prolonging the blood ban. Then again, maybe all the progressive minds have become frustrated and chosen to move on. If you're interested in any further information about TAD, I'll see what I can find.

I've read some of your recent posts that allude to the charter of Unitarian-Universalism. Ironically, that's the religious community that I have chosen after leaving the JW's. The tolerance of this religious community is so refreshing. I often hear this joke from UU's whenever I mention my religious background:

Q: What do you get when you cross a JW and an UU?

A: Someone who goes around knocking on doors but doesn't know what to say.

I certainly admire your work. I found your discussion about the prohibition on blood and the Apostolic Decree especially thought provoking.

I think your strategy of issuing press releases is a good idea. Personally, I think it would be productive to target the religion columnists of major newspapers - of course, this would probably require you to shed your cloak of anonymity if you wish to be taken seriously.

Keep up the good work.

J.B.

Liberal Elder,

I frequently stated that if I were ever to be proven wrong on my standings that I would humbly adjust my views, and in view of the information brought to my attention I have.

My other stand was that I would not join the reform unless it could be proven scripturally that you all had justification and sanctioning by Jehovah to conduct such a reform. I believe I found what I was looking for. Therefore in light of my own statements, I adjust my views.

I am not simply compromising on my stand or disobeying my conscience. My stand has changed and my conscience also based on the facts. Therefore you have my support. I do not have much spare time, except in the late nights at home. I do not have full computer capabilities yet, possibly by September. So what can I do to help?

Also, do you have any suggestions to help me remain loyal to the real truth without making it obvious to the congregation? I am well respected in the congregation and trusted. I am a pioneer and have an important role in the ministry school, any suggestions?

I humbly apologize for any harm or hard feelings I may have cause by earlier letters and other statements. I simply felt that I was defending Jehovah and the truth, at the time. The sheer zeal for Jehovah's house will eat me up!

Your Brother and Jehovah's Slave,

ZJ

I been thinking a lot, as many others, on what's the best way to make the society to change its blood ban.

A month ago we had a talk by a brother involved with the liaison committees (LC) work and more then half the time he talked about this work.

He said : The Swedish LCs has been very successful in their work due to two brothers who are Med. doctors and their enormous research work in the medical field. They have distributed written info on no blood alternative and most hospitals and doctors have been very impressed by their work and through that favorable to JWs.

He also told some stories that turned out well (Yes I know they always tell the success stories never about those that died). A baby that had open heart surgery although only 4.5 kg thanks to a machine made in Canada that LC how found out.

In Sweden the press have been quite favorable to JWs and we haven't got so much bad publicity as in Denmark, Norway and the Baltic states.

Then he said that the Governing Body specifically had asked the Swedish branch to help our neighboring countries when dealing with press and help them in LCs work. He told also of a doctor non JW who offered to defend the JW and talk to some Danish journalist.

Sorry for being so long on his talk but my point is that it seems the GB are very concerned to get a good reputation and have good press. In France they released a brochure just because the bad press over there.

Theirs only one brother I've dared to talk with about the blood issue and he also saw the Society's deceiving on blood. He mentioned that most of the changing the society have done when it comes to tolerate minor blood parts probably have come because pressure from doctors and hospitals, not from friend or because they die. The Society are more responding to criticism from the world then from the friends. (although we are the Society or supposed to be).

So one idea and probably you have thought of it is to work similar as to the LCs work try to convince the medical world. As I understand most doctors think that the patient are right to refuse due to conscience some treatment including blood then its a challenge to the doctor to adopt to that and do their very best in agreement with the patient. The LCs work are as I think not to explain why we refuse blood but to help in giving alternative. But our blood ban is not a conscience matter but a law from WBTS something I don't think doctors are aware of.

Again sorry for being so long but if we could distribute something to hospitals doctors etc. that explained first that each ones conscience should be respected. But that every decision should be made out of knowledge even conscience ones. And that their is many JWs who have a deep understanding of the bible but their conscience accept blood transfusion. This knowledge should every JW who stands for a to take or not to take bl.tr. have. We ask therefor your hospital to give this info to JWs who have to make this hard decision and then accept his/hers decision.

If the doctors then come to the society or LCs and ask what is this they have to act in some way, and it would be much easier for the friends to read something the doctors give them then if some apostate (in their view) give them.

Well I hope you understand my letter although spelling and grammar isn't my best side. Take good care and don't forget to get some recreation with your family.

Still a brother :-)

I am not a Witness, however, I have a friend that is. I am a nurse anesthetist, I administer blood products to patients only when it is necessary or when the health of a patient I"m treating will be seriously jeopardized if further blood loss is to occur. I have taken care of several Witnesses, and thankfully have not been in a situation were a transfusion was necessary.

I have recently been studying the blood ban issue. I have talked to my friend who states that under no circumstance would she want herself or her children transfused. She has talked to me about the beliefs of JW's, many of which I agree with. However, I have read the scriptures, and it appears quite obvious to me that the Society's viewpoint on the subject it based on a misinterpretation.

I have a couple of questions: (1) Why does the Society allow organ transplantation? Surely there must be substantial quantities of blood left in the organ. Even if the organ were purged with saline, significant amounts of microscopic blood would remain.

(2) Who actually decides hoe scripture is interpreted? Is it possible the the Society is fearful of a law suit(s) should it lift its ban?

Any help you have on these issues is appreciated.

Thanks, John

Please reevaluate yourselves to make sure you won't be found like Eve who also made her own decisions. I understand your concern for your own well being but we all must remember that we are not serving ourselves, but we are serving the one true god of Abraham, and of Isaac, and that would be JEHOVAH god so see what JEHOVAH has to say before you say it..I know you say you've done the research and searched the scriptures to prove your point, but then don't the people of the nations do this also?

Babylon the great also searches the scriptures. But look at what kind of a standing they've made with Jehovah. You made your point and provided proof texts, but you can still be proven wrong on the issue.Jehovah is the giver of knowledge, not men. The information that we as Jehovah's Witnesses hold dear comes from Jehovah. True, our understanding and enlightenment comes from the anointed, humans, imperfect, yet wasn't Paul, Peter, James, John, etc, the same? Yet do you dare question their authority? No. So please, since you do claim to be servants of Jehovah and are considered to be Jehovah's Witnesses, please remember who you are serving and why you were baptized as a Witness in the first place.

Dear people,

It was with very much interest that I read your information on the blood issue. I am not a JW, never was one and extremely unlikely to ever become one. As an academic researcher - University of Utrecht, The Netherlands - I am studying the Watchtower Society and its Dutch following for more than a decade now. I am an anthropologist, so I study the movement like my colleagues study exotic tribes.

Concerning the blood issue, I wrote an article about it in the scientific journal "Social Science & Medicine", 1990, vol 31, nbr 4. It has been reprinted in the book "Clinical Medical Ethics. Cases and Readings", edited by David Thomasma & Patricia Marshall and published by University Press of America, 1995. In this piece I also referred to the notorious quote in the Dutch edition of 'Consolation' of 1945 that you included in your pages. I also wrote a paper about the tremendous impact of the '1975'-prophecy in The Netherlands. That was published in the journal "Sociological Analysis", 1989, Spring-edition.

In case you are interested in this material and have problems locating it, do not hesitate to let me know. By the way: do you have any e-mail contacts in Holland of nearby countries?

Good luck and many regards,

Richard Singelenberg

HELLO. I MUST ADMIT THAT I HAVEN'T READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE IN THE INTERNET. HOWEVER, I DO THINK THAT PERHAPS YOU COULD (MAYBE) HELP ME WITH SOMETHING.

BACK IN APRIL 1983, A YOUNG WOMAN DIED FOR SOMETHING SHE BELIEVED IN. SHE REFUSED BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS - AND ENDED UP BEING GIVEN AN EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCT CALLED FLUOSOL (PERHAPS MY SPELLING IS INCORRECT). THE PRODUCT APPEARED TO BE WORKING, AS SHE HAD LOST 80% OF HER NATURAL BLOOD, AND AFTER BEING GIVEN THIS NEW PRODUCT, HER BLOOD LEVELS WERE IMPROVING CONSIDERABLY.

UNFORTUNATELY, SHE ENDED UP WITH POST-OPERATIVE PNEUMONIA AND IN THE END, THAT IS WHAT SHE DIED FROM. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA.

MY QUESTION IS, WHY HAVE I NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS PRODUCT? I JUST CURIOUS TO FIND OUT WHY IT NEVER BECAME POPULAR IN IT'S USE. ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU COULD HELP ME OBTAIN WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

MY INTEREST IS ONLY PERSONAL, THIS WOMAN WAS MY 18 YEAR OLD SISTER. THANK YOU KINDLY FOR YOUR HELP.

Hello liberal elder:

My name is XXXXXXX and have recently retired myself from the WTBT " Organization " and have vowed to never return until they repent for all of the wrongs they are responsible of committing and rectify their false teachings which are many. My problem is, Where do I go from here.

Last Sunday I went to a local Church that didn't display any Idols or symbols and enjoyed it very much But yesterday when I visited the Pastor to tell him something of myself he let me know right away that if I didn't believe that Jesus was GOD he couldn't welcome me to his church.That was my primary purpose of the visit. I wanted him to know right away where I stood so as not to be a Hypocrite.

So, that is where I am as of now. I can't go back to the Kingdom Hall without being a hypocrite ( profess to believe in things that I don't ) and I can't go to the mainstream churches for the same reason.

I'll continue to search and knock as Jesus commanded and I'll continue praying to Jehovah for guidance until He leads me to where-ever it is that I can gather together with true Christians.

I guess I really don't expect you to give me an answer to my problem but, it sure does feel good venting my frustration to someone whom I hope will understand.

Your friend

XXXXXXX

Dear Sir,

I have noted that one way in which the hair splitting decision on which blood fractions are permitted and which are not have been decided by determining what is exchanged between mother and foetus during pregnancy. However, in this case there is a direct connection between them and their bodies are connected. On the other hand, blood is taken out and stored to be later separated into components generally since most who use the permitted substances aren't attached to their mothers but have been born and are growing separately. Also, most of what is exchanged between mother and foetus are nutrients which are eaten by the foetus which that which is not food is not exchanged.

As such, it may be possible that the society has allowed those parts of the blood which are actually nutrients and food to be permitted and taken ironically by a faulty analysis while prohibiting the components in blood that cannot be eaten as food at all. If this is the case, then it has totally contradicted everything but this is worth checking out medically and scientifically because protein substances can be used as food for the body and these seem to be the permitted ones that a pregnant mother passes on to the foetus itself. Imagine the consequences if this proposition can be shown to be correct. It will really boilingly stir the blood issue and bring everything to a climax more or less. Please find out if the permitted substances as determined by the society based on the exchange of materials between mother and foetus actually constitute an eating of food nutrients such as proteins, amino acids, etc which are separated from the blood when transported and given to the foetus for food.

It appears that there is a possibility that they are allowing people to take the smaller food or nutrient components of blood while actually prohibiting the non nutrient liquid organ components of blood which make the most parts of it. What it proves is that the opposite is true and that the prohibited components of blood is not food at all because it is not given to the foetus for food nutrition since its not eaten.

Each and every cell of your body is nourished on an individual basis because each and every one is in direct contact with the blood. The process of digestion, simply put is the breaking of food down into components small enough to be carried by the blood plasma and pass through the cell membrane. Because of these constraints, the nourishment of the animal cell is limited to soluble materials: amino acids, fatty acids, simple sugars, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Assembled proteins do not pass through the cell membrane and cannot rightly be viewed as nourishment when in the blood stream. This can be better understood if it is realized just exactly what a protein is; Proteins are synthesized by linking a precise sequence of amino acids into a long chain called a "peptide chain". This chain is then "folded" into a three dimensional shape, (roughly analogous to oregami) The assembled protein is now a molecule of insulin, or hemoglobin, or cutin, or myoglobin, or any of the millions of different types of proteins in our bodies.

Proteins are very large and complex molecules, for example human hemoglobin chemically is:

C 3302 H 4816 O 872 N 780 S 8 Fe 4

If you count all the individual atoms in just that one protein molecule you get a total of 9512 ---far too large a structure to pass through the cell membrane! So no, the plasma proteins crossing the placental barrier do not nourish the fetus, they retain their form and function in the blood stream.

Zack

The mother does in a very real sense eat and breathe (and everything else) on behalf of her unborn child as well as herself. Since blood is the transport medium for both the nutrients and the waste products, the life of the fetus is undeniably sustained by the blood of its mother.

I think this could be an effective counter-argument if someone were to take the position that our friend Eduardo did in the future, (e.g. that Jehovah's design teaches us what blood components should be allowed based on which ones are passed to the fetus from the mothers blood.) because we could counter by saying that based on this, Jehovah's design teaches us that it emphatically is NOT wrong to "sustain lives with blood".

I'm not sure if it could be used effectively as a primary argument though, because of the number of very bright intelligent people out there who are abysmally ignorant on matters of simple biology.

Zack

Hi LE.

I has been JW since I was 5, I got baptized at 13 and now I'm 20 years old. Although I'm not an active JW (BTW, I'm not DFd, nor DAd) and I'm not interested in coming back, many of my family are active JWs.

You can understand how am I interested in seeing changes in the religion, particularly in issues like the blood, where the life of many of my beloved ones and friends are in risk.

Although I'm not totally convinced that our efforts can make to the Society to change their viewpoint about blood, I'm ready to do everything within my reach to help.

Currently, I'm helping Concerned Elder to translate some of the contents in your site to Spanish. I am translating the chapter "The Biblical Perspective", and today I'd finished the second section, "Blood and the Mosaic Law". I'll finish the rest during this week, I'll convert everything to HTML and I'll send it to Concerned Elder for his review and approval.

I admire very much your work, LE. Although your efforts to reform the society probably doesn't bring the desired changes, you can be sure that many JWs opened your eyes and begun to think, thanks to "the reformers". It's probably that, in the future, many lives will be saved due that many JWs did read your notes and begun to think in the lives of their children.

Please, keep your good work and ignore the stupid people that's accusing you of being an "apostate". I'll keep helping to CE to translate most of your work to Spanish, although probably I'll be a bit slow... my full-time work and my girlfriend are leaving me without free time :)

Regards!

Anon from Sudamerica.

Hi, LE!

I am not a JW, but I made some friends who are, including an elder and his family. I'd like them to know about the movement pro-reform, and, if you want, I can translate the texts of your page into Portuguese (I'm Brazilian). If you think it will help you, contact me.

A fraternal hug.

Rodrigo

I'm glad you are thinking about legal action against the Society to further your efforts at reform. After reading Ray's letter which you sent me, where he says the Organization is moved more easily by outward pressures than from within, it seemed to me the only way reform could be possible would be using the institutions available to protect us. I would like to share some thoughts with you.

A large class action lawsuit would be very sexy and exciting. It would also be very expensive. It would take a long time, and certainly the Society could afford to go to the U.S. Supreme Court with the issue.

I was thinking of the strategy terms of a guerilla type attack. What if individuals across the country who had been dissfellowshipped sued the Witnesses for defamation of character or torturous interference? Some may have been wrongly accused. There may have been concerted efforts to take business away from former brother's company's. The idea being, stick to small, winnable claims that can be argued in District Courts, rather than large Federal Constitutional issues. The complainants could pursue these claims at a low cost. Also, you may be able to locate several attorneys who have axes to grind against the witnesses for one reason or another, match them up with someone in their town with a complaint and bingo.

It would be helpful to sit down with a competent attorney and run through the Organization's practices of shunning or what have you, and see if you can isolate something that would be a slam dunk type argument. Find people who fit the bill and have them file about the same time. The Society will have to have attorneys present at each hearing in every suit.

Another idea that is very cost effective, in more ways than one, is to have these organized individuals appear pro se. You could do the homework for them and instruct them how to file their petitions. Judges tend to bend over backwards for a pro se litagent that treats the court with respect. The society's bills could easily top several million the first year.

This kind of attack would put the Society on notice that they are going to be in court for the next several years. It's likely that other class action lawsuits could result from the individual work done. One other thing, on the class action blood issue suit, it most definitely would be a Supreme Court case. Not every attorney, few really, are cut out for that type of work. I would look at cases that had been argued before the S.C. on religious issues and see if I could find some attorneys that might be interested in my cause. Generally, in this type of case the money runs out before you're done, and even though the Society may end up paying, nothing is guaranteed and it would be nice to have someone who has made it his business to change the interpretation of religious freedom and may have other sponsor supporting this type of work.

Thanks for hearing me out, . . . Later!

Dear Liberal Elder,

I have known for some time that the issue of blood transfusions held by Society was incorrect, but you have provided me with a fortitude of information.

Let me give you some background, while I was at Ohio State, I developed an interest in knowing if there was really a God who created the universe, was evolution correct, what about the so called "inconsistanties" of the bible, if there is a God..does he love us and what is our future as a human race? With much reading and research, I was able to answer these questions and my life was changed forever.

My brother is a Jehovah's Witness and was instrumental in providing me with these answers as well as other information pertaining to the nature of Jehovah and well as his Son, Jesus Christ. Yet, there was one issue I could not swallow,...the issue of blood transfusion. There was no support for their issue and since I was in a profession dedicated to "saving lives" not taking them, I can not be a JW. My profession is a Respiratory Therapist, and I often work with the critically ill providing life support.

I recently expressed my views again to my brother, and he stated that if the blood issue was the only thing holding me back, then I should put it aside, continue my studies where I left off, and come back to the blood issue later...... perplexed,...I went home and decided to continue my research on the blood issue since I can not just "put it aside".

That is when I came across your web site. What a TRUE BLESSING. I downloaded all the information on your site as well as all the links. When the time is right, and I have studied and know all of the information (biblical, scientific, and historical) and have the majority of supporting statements and verses memorized,....I will present this information first to my brother and his wife. From there, I will also present this information to other JW health care workers in the hospital and to the local elders. I will also mail info to the Society and to other Witnesses.

Strategy is of essence since anything going against the Governing Body at Bethal is labeled "apostasy"...... Yet, since I am not a baptized JW, I risk little,.....on the other hand, you risk disfellowshipping as do other witnesses in doing what is right.

I again thank you so very much,....you are truely blessed with the spirit of truth and are of the creed "who love the truth" 2 Thess.2:10.

In Christ's Name I pray for you,

TO: THE LIBERAL ELDER

WTS MEMORIAL REFORM --- ARE YOU SERIOUS?

I've read a few of your posts regarding blood issue. It's fascinating just to see that people within the organization are actually THINKING! Most of those those who "wake up" have left. Just for the record, I'm one who has never considered autologous blood transfusion as violating the sanctity of blood. Further, your point about the body using the blood as "food" is very well taken, I've always known that one purpose of blood is to convey oxygen via hemoglobin and transfused blood does that as well as delivering nutrients. But I don't want you to be disheartened if the WTS totally ignores your position, I don't think they really are interested in the "truth."

Anyway, FIREWORKS! ahead one way or the other.....may you have success in your search for truth, and thank-you for this website and the "BLOOD" site, you've made your point with me.

Long Reformed JW

Dear LE,

Thank you so much for R. Franz' letter. It was very enlightening and reaffirmed what I've felt about him since first seeing him being interviewed shortly after his being disfellowshipped. His love and commitment to God and Christ are unmistakable and I whole-heartedly agree with his affirmation of each of us as Christians, have a personal relationship with God and Christ, regardless of an institution.

Thanks again and may God bless your efforts at getting the blood issue reversed....for the children's sake.

Sincerely,

Linda

I have read a great deal on the net and fully support this cause. Some things I cannot deny is truth and am thankful to have received through the governing body. One is I know for a surety that the Trinity is false doctrine and Jehovah(Yahweh) is supreme. After that everything else is vague. There is a need for humble submission of human misjudgment. I love my Christian brothers and sisters but I feel that, like those who were commoners in the 1st century we have been tossed about and dealt with harshly by the members of the governing body, in a similar fashion as those ancient Pharisees. They used the mosaic law as a burden on those people and are we that much different. No, we can't even be trusted to work with one another in the ministry without the body enforcing more stipulations on whom we should work with. I am presently reading the Commentary On James which as you may already know was written by Ray Franz. The book of James was clear on the fact that nothing but love for God and Christ should be our motivation for our service to God and the keeping of his law. We all know that the law is encompassed by our wholesouled devotion for Jehovah and neighbor. Yet disfellowshipping has us tied to our religion for the sake of losing family and friends and even being the disgrace of our households.

I love my mate for the person I chose to marry not because of his/her religious choice yet he? She has been brainwashed to banish me for my thirst of truth and ability to be to informed. The need for a balanced reform is absolutely necessary. Families are suffering with their lives hanging on the laps of mortal men. Yes, their intentions MAY be good but as it is said too much power corrupts. I am very interested in hearing your thoughts on shunning. Please direct this also on your site or e-mail me. Of course I am using a bogus name for my address.

Many agapes

I was basically E-Mailing you my concerns about going out and reading Ray Franz's book, which you recommended to me. I have been a witness for pretty much all of my 25 years on earth. My father was/is opposed and my mother brought me up as a witness. I did have a rebellious period in High school when I play on the Basketball team,(which was actually very good for me-gave me self confidence,which I lacked) Any way, I saw a lot of the world in this time, nothing that would've gotten me disfellowshiped, but enough for me to realize that as Witnesses, we have the TRUTH.

I am so grateful for all that the society has done in my life, all the advice and so forth. I am by nature, however I very curious person, and like to know all that goes on. Thus, the issue of the Franz book. I am torn. I really do not want to go against the society, and read something written by a disfellowshipped person. But on the other hand, part of me wants to know.

This past year, I had the blood issue come up, with me personally. I had a simple operation go bad. The blood issue came up unexpectedly. The local elders handled it wonderfully and I was treated, despite opposition from the Surgeon, without blood. I will stick by whatever the society's stand on blood is. If it changes, due to your efforts, that is fine. I will wait on Jehovah.

CM