Blood Transfusions 27 August, 2012
Learning Outcomes To classify statements according to one own beliefs and apply religious understanding to speculate how Christians may respond to the same statements. To explain 2 religious attitudes towards blood transfusions To describe how to structure a DYA question.
Starter: Classify the following statements What lengths would you go to in order to stay alive? Would you‌. You
Murder another human being Eat black pudding Murder an animal Have a blood transfusion Give blood Drink blood Commit Cannibalism
Mainstream Christian
Jehovah’s Witness
Most mainstream Christians advocate giving blood and blood transfusions. What does ‘mainstream’ mean? “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than [this]." (Mark 12:31) Pope John Paul II said a transplant is ‘an act of charity.’ Act of Charity Should be done for free
What do you know about Jehovah Witnesses? ď Ż Complete a spider diagram with the person next to you.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in a nutshell
Founded in 1800’s by Charles Taze Russell Kingdom Hall Watchtower Claim to be a branch of Christianity Don’t believe in the trinity Father (Jehovah) is the creator Jesus (his son) is separate and not equal
Do not literally interpret the Bible New world translation
Known for their door to door evangelism
Jehovah’s Witnesses strongly disagree with blood transfusions “You must not eat the blood of any sort of flesh” (Leviticus 17:14, New World Translation)
Against the will of God
DON’T DO IT!
Example Case study for homework: Jehovah dad DID get blood The critically injured Jehovah's Witness being denied a life-saving transfusion was given blood – until his wife called a halt. John Edwards, 57, had an emergency transfusion after loosing half his blood in a road smash. But his wife Sheila, 61, ordered doctors to stop immediately on religious grounds when she reached the hospital. Medics has no idea he was a Witness and he was unconscious when he arrived at Ealing Hospital, West London.
Jehovah dad DID get blood Retired teacher Sheila tearfully told medics her husband would rather die than offend his faith. Council worker John has to be resuscitated after being hit at 60mph by a suspected drunk driver near his home in Southall, West London. He suffered injuries to his kidneys and his spleen and may loose his left arm – if he survives. He remains critical. A family source said: “Sheila ordered them to stop Transfusions immediately – and the doctors were obliged to comply
Jehovah dad DID get blood
Why did Sheila order the blood transfusion to be stopped immediately? What teaching might she have derived this belief from? Should the doctors have continued the procedure despite Sheila’s wishes? http://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=s6mmZPZ3-Mg
Main and Demonstration Part 1 http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/tv_film/newsid_1 897000/1897090.stm 1. What is a blood transfusion? 2. What are two good and bad points of a blood transfusion? GOODBAD Some religious people are for and against blood transfusion? What are two reasons for this? (Use page 5 in your red booklet to help). Jehova Witness (absolute) Christians (relative) Which religious view do you agree with the most?
Demonstration “All religious believers should give blood� Do you agree? Give reasons for you answer showing that you have thought about different point of view You must refer to religious belief in your answer
Homework Research an interesting story on blood transfusions and give at least one religious view.
OR Organise a campaign, either for or against blood transfusions. Think about how you are going to persuade your readers through images and language.