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I've just watched this 25 minute video put together by the Humane Society. After reading countless books on food and industrial agriculture, I've already been convinced that the facts presented here in relation to animal farming are true. But the video images of some of the mistreatment takes this to a whole new level.
WARNING: There are some disturbing images here of the treatment of animals. I think it is essential that we become people of truth-telling, which means to face the facts rather than hide behind slogans like 'that can't be true - farmers wouldn't do that'. This is a call to action and faithfulness which demands thoughtful reflection and creative action.
The video includes some good thoughts from Greg Boyd on theological implications for animal husbandry and Christian faithfulness.
Watch and pray.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Eating Mercifully.
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4 comments:
I couldn't be more excited about The HSUS' 'All Creatures Great and Small' campaign for God's animals! I LOVE 'Eating Mercifully'. In fact when I heard that the new campaign was having the kickoff at The Washington National Cathedral in DC last September I just had to fly up and see for myself! It was like a dream come true watching as believers came together in love and concern for God's animals
I grew up in a Christian home. I am a preacher's daughter. I've always had a heart for God's animals, but was afraid for so long to activate for them as all I ever saw were animal 'rights' extremists. I decided to start thinking for myself and activate the way God meant for us to according to Proverbs 12:10 where He asks us to 'care for the lives' of His animals. That told me that during their time on the earth we must make sure they do not suffer.
Today, I activate not only here in the Dallas area, but also on facebook and myspace. Seems everyday more and more of my Christian friends write to let me know they have felt the same way, but didn't understand how to activate the right way or what all of the issues were with regard to TRUE Christian animal activism.
While I realize evangelism is paramount to the Christian church and within the Christian life, I believe if God took the time and space in the Bible to let us know how He wanted His animals to be treated, that we too should give a bit of priority to God's animals as well.
Feel free to link with me on facebook: Pamela Bertsch or myspace at: www.myspace.com/pjsmail26
I first was given the opportunity to watch this video last fall. I was moved and convicted by what I heard and saw, and am very glad that the HUSU has produced ‘Eating Mercifully’ and is making it available to religious leaders, interested individuals, and organizations as a DVD.
Even though I am a Christian and have always believed that God made the animals and gave us the responsibility to care for and steward them as He intended, I can honestly say that it is only in the past year that I have become a lot more serious about learning what’s really going on with all of His creatures, great and small, and what someone like me can do to make a difference or support those that are. I am saddened by the silence of the Christian Church to speak up on behalf of God’s creation and the animals He’s made, and the responsibility we have to be caretakers of that Creation; enough to confront the documented abuse and neglect of God’s creatures. As one who grew up in the church and have served as a religious leader, I was taught and have taught very little from God’s Word on how we as Christians are to care for our world and the creatures that live beside us. And I certainly was not encouraged and empowered to speak up for God’s world and animals, or given any suggestions on how to do so.
Since watching ‘Eating Mercifully,’ I have shared this video/DVD with my friends and their response has been the same as mine. They have felt a sense of horror as to what’s happening, a sense of shame for the part that they, (even if unknowingly), have had in animal abuse, and have seen them become convicted that to do nothing, is completely unacceptable. I have gotten involved so far by supporting those activating, encouraging someone I know who is completely committed to bringing a Christian perspective to animal activism, and am waiting for opportunities to be more directly involved in order to bring to light what is actually happening to God’s creatures and responding to His call for consideration and compassion on all He has made.
I commend the HSUS for the work they are doing, the resources they are producing, and the issues they are confronting, and I highly recommend the watching of this video and getting a copy of the DVD.
Dr. Scott Rische
Thanks so much for making the public more aware of the benefits of eating mercifully! I had NO idea such horrific practices were going on in our society until I viewed a video online; my heart was broken as I saw what these precious animals endure before and even during the slaughter process. It's incomprehensible to me that we allow such cruel and inhumane practices on today's factory farms. We should be ashamed of ourselves for even letting it progress to this level.
I believe with more publice awareness that more laws will be passed to protect these animals from such terrible abuse. Would we have surgery WITHOUT anesthesia?
Would we have something removed from our bodies without any pain relief? There are millions of animals who are unfortunately enduring excrutiating pain EVERY day yet we tend to "look the other way" and are oblivious to their suffering. Would we treat our own animals this way? I think it's time that we "step up to the plate" and make a difference in today's world by standing up for what is noble and right for our animals' welfare. There is absolutely NO justification for such abuse...animals are in the most deplorable conditions before and even during slaughter. I cannot as an American citizen stand idly by as this goes on. Together we CAN make a difference!
God has given us dominion over his beautiful creation and we should make a conscious effort to begin with ourselves in how we treat animals.
I would be remiss if I didn't thank "PJ" for her tireless efforts in lobbying for animal welfare. She should be applauded for everything she does on a daily basis to help animals. As far as I'm concerned she's an "angel in disguise!" Thanks PJ for making such a difference...I love you! -:)
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