A point of contention: the scriptural basis for the Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal of blood transfusions.

A point of contention: the scriptural basis for the Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal of blood transfusions." (2002). I. Introduction It is questionable whether the " Christian Community " has ever been truly unified. Even very early references to the community, such as the " Apostolic Council " (Acts 15:1—35), attest to conflict and debate within the community. Over the centuries there have been many areas of contention, and one of the frequent battlegrounds has been the understanding of scripture. In some cases the different interpretations of scripture have been minor, with little or no important consequences. In other instances, significant differences have led to radically different claims as to what is ethically or morally appropriate and as to what is so fundamental that one must be willing to die for it. Furthermore, such differences in interpretation have lead to sharp, even violent clashes not only within the Christian community but also between elements of the Christian community and the secular world around them.