Pentecostal (Assemblies of God)
Evangelical Free Church of America
Affirms

No prohibition; medical care including blood transfusions is morally permissible

The Church of the Nazarene has no doctrine prohibiting blood transfusions. The denomination does not interpret Leviticus 17 or Acts 15 as establishing a prohibition on the medical use of blood. The Nazarene commitment to human dignity, the sanctity of life, and compassionate care for the sick would support life-saving medical procedures, including blood transfusions.

The Nazarene Church's ethical teaching focuses primarily on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and sexual ethics, where the denomination has taken clear positions in its manual and official statements. Blood transfusions are not a contested issue in Nazarene life, and no denominational body has issued guidance restricting their use.

Individual Nazarene Christians are encouraged to make medical decisions responsibly and in light of their faith. There is no grounds within Nazarene theology for refusing life-saving medical care such as blood transfusions, and doing so would not be consistent with the denomination's affirmation of human life and dignity.

Key Distinctions

Official position:
permitted — no religious prohibition on blood transfusions
Scriptural basis:
Acts 15:29 understood as dietary rule, not medical; love of neighbour supports medical care

Scripture References

Sources

  • Church of the Nazarene Manual, Articles of Faith