Christian Vegetarian Association Blog


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CVA Blog
Monday, July 5, 2010

A Call to Mercy

1. Vegetarians More Empathetic Toward Humans and Animals

2. Famous Quote – Matthew Scully

3. Good News for Tasmanian Pigs

4. Bible verse – Psalm 138:8

5. Animal Abuse Leads to Human Abuse

6. This Week’s Video – Abused Calves Rescued

1. Vegetarians More Empathetic Toward Humans and Animals

A new study that appeared in PLoS one last month describes brain differences between vegetarians, vegans and omnivores in the way they process pictures of animal suffering. The results of the study suggest that vegetarians and vegans are more empathetic to the suffering of others, whether human or animal, than omnivores. To read the full article please search online for Empathy is what really sets vegetarians apart (at least neurologically speaking)

While it is evident to many of us seems to also be evident in MRI results of the brain: vegetarians and vegans extend their circle of compassion beyond the species barrier without discrimination. This is a reflection of God’s love in us.

2. Famous Quote

"...[I]t is a terrible thing that religious people today can be so indifferent to the cruelty of the farms, shrugging it off as so much secular, animal rights foolishness. They above all should hear the call to mercy. They above all should have some kindness to spare. They above all should be mindful of the little things, seeing, in the suffering of these creatures, the same hand that has chosen all the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things to confound the things which are strong. 'Who so poor,' asked Anna Kingsford more than a century ago, 'so oppressed, so helpless, so mute and uncared for, as the dumb creatures who serve us -- they who, but for us, must starve, and who have no friend on earth if man be their enemy?"

~ Matthew Scully (1959 to present), American author, journalist, and speechwriter. Quote from Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy.

3. Good News for Tasmanian Pigs

Pigs are among the most intelligent and sensitive species on the planet, and yet have been subjected to one of the cruelest practices ever inflicted on farmed animals: gestational crates or sow stalls where sows are confined in tiny crates, unable even to turn around for months on end, denying them from practically any movement and the exercise of their natural instincts. However, consistent with international precedents, the Tasmanian government (Australia) will implement a phase out of sow stalls with a total ban in 2017. This decision came after a state-wide newspaper advertising blitz by Animals Australia and Brightside Farm Sanctuary, depicting sows in these cruel conditions. To read the full article please search online for Victory! Pigs to be Freed from Sow Stalls in Tasmania!

This is great news for God's Creation where every step towards alleviating animal suffering brings peace and reconciliation to Earth.

4. This Week’s Bible Verse

(RSV) Psalm 138:8

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O LORD, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands.

Each one of has a purpose in life that we should try to live out guided by God's love in us and for us. When we emulate Jesus actions and life, we can rest assured that we are following God's will.

5. Animal Abuse Leads to Human Abuse

Last week's Sunday New York Times Magazine, on June 13, had an article by Charles Siebert, who has written many articles on animal issues. This one titled "The Animal Cruelty Syndrome" deals with the connection between animal abuse and later human abuse. Siebert tells us that animal cruelty issues are finally being taken seriously by law enforcement officers and in the legal system. It reads: "The link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is becoming so well established that many U.S. communities now cross-train social-service and animal-control agencies in how to recognize signs of animal abuse as possible indicators of other abusive behaviors. In Illinois and several other states, new laws mandate that veterinarians notify the police if their suspicions are aroused by the condition of the animals they treat. The state of California recently added Humane Society and animal-control officers to the list of professionals bound by law to report suspected child abuse and is now considering a bill in the State Legislature that would list animal abusers on the same type of online registry as sex offenders and arsonists." Although it is a lengthy article, it is fascinating and well-written.

To access it please search online for The Animal Cruelty Syndrome

Factory farms and slaughterhouses are places well legalized animal abuse takes place on a daily basis. Workers, who are routinely desensitized by the methodic and often sadistic animal abuse in these facilities, are not surprisingly people who tend to be more prone to commit other crimes. By transitioning to a plant-based diet we help alleviate animal suffering and promote empathy toward all God's creatures.

6. This Week’s Video: Abused Calves Rescued

This uplifting video gives us hope that one day all animals get rescued and freed from exploitation. Watch the story of 6 abused calves rescued by Farm Sanctuary. Please visit http://action.farmsanctuary.org/site/PageNavigator/RescuedCalvesatSanctuary.

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