Christian Vegetarian Association Blog - Are We Relating to God’s Animals Lovingly or Unmercifully?


	CVA BLOG

Are We Relating to God’s Animals Lovingly or Unmercifully?
August 6, 2012

Welcome to the weekly CVA blog! In it you will find famous quotes, news and commentaries.

So… Where Should We Draw the Line?

Famous Quote: Harriet Beecher Stowe (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896), American abolitionist and author

Very Dangerous Amendment to Farm Bill

Bible verse: 1 Chronicles 16:11

The Life of an Undercover Investigator

This Week’s Video: Mercy For Animals’ Matt Rice on CNN

1. So… Where Should We Draw the Line?

Why not eat a chicken but eat an orange? Aren’t both living beings? This type of question is many times asked by people upon learning that probably it would be a good idea to stop eating animals. Kasey Minnis, a vegan who is passionate about her faith and protecting Earth and its creatures, believes that the Bible certainly gives us much insight about this issue. She believes that sentience is the key to drawing the line. Animals have been endowed with the capability of feeling pain, which to this day seems plants cannot. So why cause unnecessary suffering to a creature of God when we can avoid doing this?

Please visit Plants, Animals & Souls: A Judeo-Christian Perspective:
http://www.thisdishisvegetarian.com/2012/07/plants-animals-souls-judeo-christian.html

Although in my opinion the question about why eat plants but not animals is just a way to avoid the issue, it’s always helpful to explain that even plants are creations of God; and therefore, we must make use of them in a responsible way. By feeding plants to animals and then eating animals, we are wasting enormous amount of food and killing/eating many more plants than if we ate them directly. After all, a plant-based diet causes the least suffering, is the most sustainable and is ideal for our bodies.

2. This Week’s Famous Quote

It is a matter of taking the side of the weak against the strong, something the best people have always done.

~ Harriet Beecher Stowe (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896), American abolitionist and author.

3. Very Dangerous Amendment to Farm Bill

John Robbins writes a fantastic expose about the current House version of the $500 billion Farm Bill that contains an amendment that could potentially nullify any laws to protect animals, and perhaps even laws to protect the environment, workers, or public safety. Interestingly, the person who introduced this amendment, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), seems to have some extreme views. Rep. King doesn't want anyone telling America's farmers how to raise and care for their animals as his words clearly express: "My [amendment] language wipes out everything they've done [to ban the most cruel practices] with pork and veal."

Please visit Will the Farm Bill Nullify Lawa Against Animal Cruelty?:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-robbins/farm-bill-animal-cruelty_b_1692264.html

The Farm Bill, already approved by the House, could mean a huge set back for God's farmed animals in the U.S. The callousness of Rep. King depicts very much how Big Ag sees farmed animals: mere commodities.

It's imperative that all of us share this expose far and wide. God's animals don't have a voice unless we speak on their behalf.

4. (RSV) 1 Chronicles 16:11

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

What does it mean to seek the Lord? I think it means to look within and find that very essence that enables us to be loving, compassionate, merciful and just. This essence of love should be our compass… by following it we could truly bring healing and reconciliation to God’s Creation.

5. The Life of an Undercover Investigator

Cody Carlson, a former undercover investigator for the animal advocacy group Mercy For Animals shares in a very insightful, heartbreaking and moving way how he became an undercover investigator; the unending, callous animal abuse he witnessed; how his job affected him profoundly, and why undercover videos are so effective in exposing the animal agriculture industry.

Please visit My Life as an Undercover Investigator:
http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=4676&catId=5

Thanks to the incredible bravery, diligence, dedication and passion undercover investigators is that the heartless, unethical animal agriculture industry can be exposed to the public. Truthfully, the work that undercover investigators do is priceless. These people truly demonstrate what it means to risk much in order to stand for what is right. This, I believe, is to put the faith of Christ into practice.

6. This Week’s Video: Mercy For Animals’ Matt Rice on CNN

Watch Mercy For Animals' Director of Investigations, Matt Rice, speak on CNN about animal abuse caught on hidden camera at a Walmart pork supplier. It’s important to note that the egregious acts of cruelty taking place in the factory farm in question are not an exception but instead standard treatment of pigs across the U.S.

Please visit Video: CNN Covers MFA's Cruelty Investigation at Walmart Pork Supplier:
http://www.mfablog.org/2012/07/video-cnn-covers-mfas-cruelty-investigation-at-walmart-pork-supplier.html

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