Bloody Convictions: Beyond Jehovah’s Witnesses

We’re all aware that the recent Jehovah’s Witnesses blood transfusion case involving a Nigerian lady has generated widespread debate. Those who dislike religion, once again, looked at it with so much disdain. How could you refuse to save your life because of some brainwashed toilet water theology? Religion is indeed a bondage.

Even Christians looked at this with equal disdain, or almost equal disdain. How can you allow Jehovah’s Witnesses’ (JW) unbiblical theology to enslave you in some legalistic bondage? Wrong theology is indeed a bondage.

Ideologies are costly

Throughout culture and history, men and women have fought and laid down their lives for ideologies.

Wars, the killing of twins, suicide bombings, etc., are all products of ideologies that have claimed people’s lives since time immemorial.

While some are honourable, others are dishonourable. The death resulting from the refusal to take a blood transfusion should not be disdained simply because it is a product of ideological deductions. Rather, it should be assessed on whether it is honourable or not.

Soldiers, not Surfers

I often wonder what life was like during the times when nations went to numerous wars. The certainty of life was low, and you could be drafted into the army at any time. In such periods, it might have been easier to understand what fighting to the death looks like, but nowadays, that reality is mostly restricted to soldiers.

I thank God for the numerous soldiers we have in Nigeria fighting against insurgency and terrorism. Just like them, Christians are soldiers waging an unending war against sin.

This fight is an honourable one, and here is what the Bible says about it:

Hebrews 12:4

“In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”

The fight against sin is an intensely powerful one. Satan and his demons keep setting traps and firing bullets daily. Even when you have overcome one, they repackage the temptation and attack again from another angle. You must be alert and prayerful lest they catch you in your weakest moment.

Living in Nigeria comes with its own flavour of daily temptations, just as living in the West does too. But you must stand firm even if it means losing your life.

Should you refuse blood?

The Jehovah’s Witnesses blood transfusion debate is not merely about medical ethics. It also forces us to think about the cost of conviction. This article is not about whether you should refuse blood, but about having the conviction to stand up for what you believe is right in an age that prioritises life and comfort above all else.

Personally, I’ve been arguing with JWs since the early 2000s. The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses was a few metres from my house in Tanke, Ilorin, and more than twenty years ago, my friend and I argued with Daddy Jane and the rest of the JWs on several occasions.

In fact, let me tell you one experience.

During my university days, a team of young JWs came to my house, and we argued about where a departed soul goes. JWs believe that the soul ceases to exist until the end of this world. I argued that believers depart to be with the Lord.

The guys left confused and came back about a week later with someone who was like a deacon. We continued the discussion, and at the end, he said he would bring the elder. I was expecting the elder, and lo and behold, it was Daddy Jane, the same man I had been arguing with since my early teenage years.

The Real Lesson

As you can see, I’m far from agreeing with the Jehovah’s Witnesses on many of their errors. But a lady who stood her ground and died for a conviction is an indictment on those who think that life is about pursuing every comfort and escaping every inconvenience.