Other Christian groups that reject blood transfusions & medical treatment

Unknown to a lot of people, this religious group is not the only one against this practice.

Here is is a list of other Christian denominations that also reject blood transfusions and even medical treatment in general.

Jehovah’s Witness

This organization is anti-blood. This means they do not do transfusions, and even storing blood as it goes against what they believe (See Leviticus 17:11 and Colossians 1:20).

This particular doctrine on blood was fully established by January 1945 after Watch Tower publications warned that doing this would lead to disfellowship.

“It may result in the immediate and very temporary prolongation of life, but that at the cost of eternal life for a dedicated Christian,” the publication added.

Contrary to popular opinion, members of this group are NOT medicine or medical treatment. In fact, they recommend it as opposed to faith healing.

The official site states: “We seek the best possible medical care for ourselves and our families. When we have health problems, we go to doctors who have skill in providing medical and surgical care without blood. We appreciate advancements that have been made in the medical field.

“In fact, bloodless treatments developed to help Witness patients are now being used to benefit all in the community. In many countries, any patient can now choose to avoid blood-transfusion risks, such as blood-borne diseases, immune-system reactions, and human errors.”

ALSO READ: 5 interesting ways Jehovah's Witness differs from others

Mormon

A lot of people believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is against blood transfusions.

Yet, this is not true. The church encourages it and even offers church buildings to be used as donation centers for blood banks to hold blood drives.

They are also okay with medical treatment. This was accepted in 1831 after Joseph Smith, the founder received the following revelation: “And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy….

“And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed” (D&C 42:43, 48).”

Fun Fact- The new Mormon president, Russell M. Nelson, is a former heart surgeon.

The Church of Christ, Scientist

This group is also known as Christian Science, which is different from The Church of Scientology.

Unlike Jehovah’s Witnesses, this Christian organization is against medical treatment as they rely on the healing prayers of Christian Scientist Practitioners instead.

This belief stems from the founder, Mary Baker Eddy, who mentioned this in her book, ‘Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.’

In extreme cases, they prefer to turn to traditional medicine.

Faith Tabernacle Congregation

Following the name of the group, this religious group teaches members not to seek medical care or visit doctors.

According to the official site, “We believe in God’s power to heal our bodies. The stripes on Jesus Christ’s back were placed there for our healing. He paid the price for our salvation as well as our healing.

“He is easily touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He gave the Church the authority to call for the elders of the church, to anoint the sick with oil, and the prayer of faith will save them. (Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:17, Mark 16:18, 1 Peter 2:24)”

Basically, they believe that “You serve Satan if you go to a doctor.”

Islam

Muslims are okay with blood transfusions when necessary.

“But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing the limits, then there is no sin on him…[al-Baqarah 2:173]

“… He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity…” [al-An’aam 6:119]

This used to be a taboo for Islam. This belief was changed in 1983 by the Moslem Religious Council.