April 6, 2001
From:
R. Jensen
24 Running Deer Road
Phenix City, AL 36870
To:
Watchtower Bible & Tract Society
25 Columbia Heights
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Re: Blood and upholding righteous standards
Dear Brothers
It has been three months since I last wrote you on the subject of blood where I again addressed serious concerns and suggested a course that is scripturally reasoned. (Ref: my letter of January 3, 2001 and enclosures)
On February 23, 2001 I called Brooklyn Bethel and asked to speak with someone in the Writing Department about my letter. I was transferred to the Writing Correspondence Department at Patterson. The brother taking the call said my letter had been received and that someone was “working on it.” To date I have not heard back from you. That hurts, and it leaves me bewildered. My sincere concerns are very serious ones, and your replies have not resolved them with the Bible. I have expressed that I have no one else other than you men with whom to discuss these concerns with understanding. In light of that, it hurts that I now feel practically ignored. It seems completely fitting and reasonable that I ask for your answers to questions—and a suggestion—that I have patiently waited over a year for. After allowing that length of time for your consideration, if I cannot talk back and forth with you brothers about these concerns then who should I go to?
The hurt and bewilderment is acerbated because I have offered to answer any questions you may have; yet none have been asked of me. I have even offered to visit you brothers in person if that would help. That you have made no inquires to me leads to the belief that my concerns and suggestion are understood by you, or at least that you do not believe you misunderstand them, or me. The result is that my confidence is eroding. My faith and confidence in Jehovah and his holy word, the Bible feels strong. What is suffering is my confidence that brothers who I look to for help will give a scripturally reasoned answer to the details of my concerns and suggestion; and I do not understand that because it goes contrary to my experience. This is very hurting and disconcerting.
This letter is not sent to aggravate or discourage anyone. If I thought my questions could be resolved another way I would do that instead of asking for your time and attention. Formerly I tried discussing the same concerns with knowledgeable and experienced local elders and even one circuit overseer, but none of them had answers; they all suggested writing you. In view of my pleas for help, only you men know why I have not already received scriptural answers from you on specifics. As a spiritual man I work hard at helping all those asking for it, and do not understand why I am being made to feel as I do. In any event, I think you brothers would want to know what effect your actions are having, and so I wrote to let you know. For all the reasons given in the past, I continue to welcome any questions or concerns you may have on this matter. I need some resolution on this subject, and it is hard to believe that need is unique to me. Surely all our brothers would benefit from seeing addressed the same serious and specific concerns I have raised.
Respectfully,
Your brother and fellow servant of Jehovah [Signed: R. Jensen]
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