A n i m a l W r i t e
s © sm
The
official ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Established
1997
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Issue # 04/11/04
Publisher ~ Susan
Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Journalists ~ Greg Lawson -
ParkStRanger@aol.com
~ Michelle Rivera -
MichelleRivera1@aol.com
~ Dr. Steve Best -
sbest1@elp.rr.com
THE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ Animal Sacrifice and Liberation: Implications of the Atonement
2 ~ Passover and Vegetarianism
3 ~ ACT Radio
4 ~ Animal Liberation Student Association Conference
5 ~ Easter Bunnies Face Sad Fate After Holiday Excitement Ends
6 ~ I Hear Their Voices Crying
7 ~ Memorable Quote
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~1~
Animal Sacrifice and Liberation:
Implications of the Atonement
By The Rev. R. Deinsen
http://all-creation.franciscan-anglican.com
In ancient religious traditions, animal sacrifice was commonplace
and a part of essentially every known culture to appease "the gods."
Animal sacrifice still occurs in some parts of our world, particularly in
tribal religions such as animism, but for most modern people living in the
West, animal sacrifice seems far removed and difficult to understand. In
ancient times, people believed that their sin could only be “atoned” for (that
is, made "right" or “satisfied”) by sacrificing innocent animals to
their god(s). Animals were the "scapegoats" for the sins of the
people and bore the brunt of the evil and fear of humankind.
I do not believe God ever intended this or was satisfied with such a system,
but it was a widely spread cultural practice and God tends to work from within
a culture rather than impose on it from outside. However, at times in Scripture
the message from God is clear that this was not God’s intention, "I desire mercy not sacrifice!" (Hosea
6:6) and Psalm 51:16-17 "For You do
not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt
offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite
heart; These, O God, You will not despise." The Judeo-Christian God,
unlike the multitude of pagan gods, was not “bloodthirsty.” “Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the
blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make thanksgiving
your sacrifice to the Most High” (Psalm 50:13-14).
However, people continued doing what they were used to doing and killing
animals in an attempt to atone for their sins. Then finally Jesus came along.
Apparently Jesus did not approve of the sacrificial system of the Temple. In
fact, he became very angry and drove everyone out of the Temple who had been
selling animals due to be sacrificed for the Passover (John 2:13-22). The
Scriptures also never record Jesus as participating in the animal sacrifice at
the Temple, although the custom at the time required it.
Instead, on the night of the Passover, when the Jewish people were celebrating
the sacrificing of the paschal lamb, Jesus began to talk about his own body and
blood being shed and given up for the sins of the world. “While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing
it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my
body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying,
‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is
poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). Within
hours Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified.
Jesus’ disciples quickly made sense of the crucifixion, this highly symbolic
and transformative act: Jesus had died at Passover in place of the sacrificial
lamb. Jesus became, literally, the Paschal Lamb, the "Lamb of God who
takes away the sin of the world." The Greek word for “world” used in this
Scripture is “cosmos,” and it includes the entire world, all creatures great
and small. Applying the belief that was held about atonement, it was understood
that Jesus died, just as the sacrificial animals used to, on behalf of the world’s
sins.
Christians understand Isaiah 53:7-8 to refer to Jesus: "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His
mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before
its shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. By oppression and judgment He
was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off
out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my
people?"
It is painful to imagine how much Jesus may have identified with the millions
of animals who had been lead to slaughter before him. Jesus was innocent, just
as the sacrificial animals had been, because he was perfect, without sin, and
the Son of God. But Jesus’ action put an end to the system of animal sacrifice
once and for all. Jesus' life and death revealed the flaws of the animal
sacrificial system. God revealed to humanity that we need not kill innocent
animals because “God himself would
provide the sacrifice” in form of Jesus, God incarnate. (Genesis 22:8).
This is good news for humanity! It is also good news for all creation and for
God’s innocent creatures, the animals. Like Jesus, they had been abused,
exploited, and killed by humanity.
Animals have been victims of humanity’s fears and sin since the beginning of
time. Today we engage in our own form of animal sacrifice. We continue to pin
our fears and sins upon innocent animals in contexts such as our factory farms,
sport hunting, slaughterhouses, and laboratories. We abuse, exploit, and kill
animals every day for our selfish purposes. We justify our actions, saying
eating meat will make us strong and healthy when we have evidence to the
contrary. We hunt and kill for sport, believing this will prove our prowess and
courage. Meat, fur, purebred animals, and leather are all signs of wealth and
prosperity and cause us to feel “good” about ourselves by playing into worldly
standards of success. We experiment on animals, driven by our fear of death and
disease, because animals are helpless to resist. We dominate and exploit the
created world in order to prove our power over it and to help us feel in
control. Animals continue to bear the sins of humankind in all its tragic
forms. Their suffering never seems to cease even though Jesus came to seek an
end to suffering on earth.
Jesus died to bring us into a new reality. The cross is redemption for humanity
and it is redemption for all God’s creatures. We must no longer sacrifice
animals for our own purposes. We must no longer pin our fears and sin upon the
innocent animals of God. We must live in the reality of the redemption that
Christ won for us on the cross and live at peace with all God’s creation,
praying for a complete restoration of God’s kingdom, where there is no
violence, no killing, and where “the lion
lies down with the lamb” (Isaiah 11:6).
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us.
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~2~
Passover and Vegetarianism
By Richard H. Schwartz
http://www.jewishveg.com/holidays.html
Passover and vegetarianism? Can the two be related? After all,
what is a seder without gefilte fish, chicken soup, chopped liver, chicken, and
other meats? And what about the shankbone to commemorate the paschal sacrifice.
And doesn't Jewish law mandate that Jews eat meat to rejoice on Passover and
other Jewish festivals?
An increasing number of Jews are turning to vegetarianism and they are finding
ways to celebrate vegetarian Passovers while being consistent with Jewish
teachings. For many years, Jonathan Wolf, a Jewish vegetarian activist, has had
up to 50 people at his Manhattan apartment for completely vegetarian seders.
This year the Jewish environmental group Shomrei Adamah ("Guardians of the
Earth") has scheduled a vegetarian seder.
Contrary to a common perception, Jews are not required to eat meat at the
Passover seder or any other time. According to the Talmud (Pesachim 109a),
since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, Jews need not eat meat to
celebrate Jewish festivals. In recent scholarly articles by Rabbi Albert Cohen
in the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society and Rabbi J. David Bleich in
Tradition magazine, this concept is reinforced. Also, Israeli chief rabbis,
including Rabbi Shlomo Goren, former Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Israel and Rabbi
Sha'ar Yashuv Cohen, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Haifa, were or are strict
vegetarians.
The use of the shankbone originated in the time of the Talmud as a
means of commemorating the paschal lamb. However, since the talmudic scholar,
Rabbi Huna, states that a beet can be used for this purpose (Pesachim), many
Jewish vegetarians substitute a beet for the shankbone. The important point is
that the shankbone is a symbol and no meat need be eaten at the seder.
Jewish vegetarians see vegetarian values reinforced by several Passover themes:
1. At the seder, Jews say, "Let all who are hungry come and
eat". As on other occasions, at the conclusion of the meal, bircat
hamazone is recited to thank God for providing food for the world's people.
This seems inconsistent with the consumption of animal-centered diets which
involves the feeding of 70% of the grain grown in the United States and
two-thirds of the grain that we export to animals destined for
slaughter and the importing of beef from other countries, while 20 million of
the world's people die of hunger and its effects annually.
Although he is not a vegetarian, Rabbi Jay Marcus, Spiritual Leader of the
Young Israel of Staten Island, saw a connection between simpler diets and
helping hungry people. He commented on the fact that "karpas" (eating
of greens) comes immediately before "yahatz" (the breaking of the
middle matzah for later use as the "afikomen" (desert) in the seder
service. He concluded that those who live on simpler foods (greens, for
example) will more readily divide their possessions and share with others.
Many Jewish vegetarians see connections between the oppression that their ancestors
suffered and the current plight of the billions of people who presently lack sufficient
food and other essential resources. Vegetarian diets require far less land, water,
gasoline, pesticides, fertilizer, and other resources, and thus enable the better
sharing of God's abundant resources, which can help reduce global hunger and
poverty.
2. The main Passover theme is freedom. While relating the story of our
ancestors' slavery in Egypt and their redemption through God's power and
beneficence, many Jewish vegetarians also consider the "slavery" of
animals on modern "factory farms." Contrary to Jewish teachings of
"tsa'ar ba'alei chayim" (the Torah mandate not to cause unnecessary
"pain to a living creature"), animals are raised for food
today under cruel conditions in crowded confined spaces, where they are denied fresh
air, sunlight, a chance to exercise, and the fulfillment of their natural instincts.
In this connection, it is significant to consider that according to the Jewish
tradition, Moses, Judaism's greatest leader, teacher, and prophet, was chosen
to lead the Israelites out of Egypt because as a shepherd he showed great compassion
to a lamb (Exodus Rabbah 2:2).
3. Many Jewish vegetarians advocate that we commemorate the redemption of our ancestors
from slavery by ending the current slavery to harmful eating habits through the
adoption of vegetarian diets.
4. Passover is the holiday of springtime, a time of nature's renewal. It also commemorates
God's supremacy over the forces of nature. In contrast, modern intensive
livestock agriculture and animal-centered diets have many negative effects on
the environment, including air and water pollution, soil erosion and depletion,
the destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats, and contributions
to global warming.
Jewish vegetarians view their diet as a practical way to put Jewish values into
practice. They believe that Jewish mandates to show compassion to animals, take
care of our health, protect the environment, conserve resources, and share with
hungry people, and the negative effects that animal-centered diets have in each
of these areas, point to vegetarianism as the ideal diet for Jews (and others)
today.
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~3~
ACT Radio
Be sure to listen to ACT, Animal Concerns of Texas with cohosts
Greg Lawson and Steve Best tonight, April 11, at 7:30pm Mountain time. We will
be talking with Brenda Davis, Registered Dietitian, author of Becoming Vegan
and her new book, Defeating Diabetes.
ACT can be heard on the web with Real Radio, which is a free download. Click
here to listen to Act. http://www.ktep.org/
El Paso NPR - KTEP 88.5 : National Public Radio for
the Southwest
Click here for an archive of our past shows...
http://utminers.utep.edu/best/ACT/AnimalConcernsofTexas.htm
Animal
Concerns of Texas
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~4~
Animal Liberation Student Association Conference
April 23 - April 25,
Syracuse University,
New York, USA
The FREE conference, spanning three days, will focus on social
causes, tactics, education, analysis, actions, philosophy, and history of the
Animal Liberation movement. Topics include: Politics of Culture; Building
Bridges Between Academics and Activists; Animal Ethics; Pedagogy of a Rebel;
Being a Former ALF Member; Feminist Imperatives and the ALF; Human Rights and
Animal Rights: Solidarity with the ALF; and more. Presented in panel and
discussion form, each topic will be discussed and examined to produce academic
dialogue that will advance the movement. Concluding the conference Sunday
night, a benefit show will be held that will showcase bands that support Animal
Liberation performing cover songs.
SPEAKERS:
Ashanti Alston - Former Member of the Black Panther Party & Black
Liberation Army Political Prisoner
Matt Ball - Co-founder of Vegan Outreach
Dr. Steve Best - Chair of the Philosophy Department, University of Texas
Laura Duccesch - Director of Education at Animalearn
Dr. Karen Davis - Founder and President of United Poultry Concerns
Dr. Lauren Eastwood - Sociology professor at Syracuse University
Dr. Joshua Frank, Executive Director of FIREPAW, Inc.
Josh Harper - Filmmaker and Activist (www.reclaimmedia.com)
Kevin Jonas - Organizer of SHAC/USA (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty)
Pattrice Jones - Cofounder of the Eastern Shore Sanctuary and Education Center
Erik Marcus - Author of bestselling book, Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating
Lawrence Sampson - Southern Regional Spokesperson of American Indian Movement
Dr. Maxwell Schnurer - Professor of Debate, Marist College
Andy Stephanian - Former Animal Liberation Front prisoner and member of Animal
Defense League Long Island
AND MANY MANY MORE AMAZING SPEAKERS...
www.cala-online.org
STUDENT PAPER PRESENTATIONS:
Undergrad and Grad students will be given the opportunity to present papers on
Animal Liberation.
NATIONAL BOOK RELEASE:
Lantern Books will be hosting the release of Terrorists or Freedom Fighters?
Reflections on the Liberation of Animals
VIDEO PREMIER:
GourmetCruelty.com will present Delicacy of Despair, a video which takes you
behind the closed doors of America's foie gras factory farms. The 16 minute
documentary follows the investigation of this cruel industry and the open
liberation of 15 ducks.
Please register at: http://www.cala-online.org/Student_Association/register.htm
For more info visit www.syracuseanimalrights.com
or www.cala-online.org
For any questions please email info@syracuseanimalrights.com
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~5~
Easter Bunnies Face Sad Fate
After Holiday Excitement Ends
DEAR ABBY: Easter is coming. Many families still purchase
live rabbits as pets for their children. Parents often think rabbits are good
"starter" pets and don't understand what they are getting themselves
into. As a result, too many of these poor creatures end up in animal shelters,
and children learn that pets are disposable.
Before getting rabbits, people should consider:
(1) Are they willing to make a 7- to 10-year commitment? That is the average
lifespan of a rabbit.
(2) What will happen if their child gets bored with the bunny after six months?
(3) Is there a place in their house for a rabbit cage?
(4) Are they willing to pay to get it spayed/neutered and provide vet care?
(5) Do they know that most rabbits hate to be held? Will their child accept
that?
(6) Are they willing to ensure that children under 7 won't pick up the rabbit
without supervision? Rabbits are fragile; their legs or spine will break if
accidentally dropped.
(7) Can they provide three hours of exercise every day in an escape-proof area
outside its cage?
(8) Do the adults want the rabbit, too? A rabbit should be a family pet.
If people have questions about rabbits and their care, please ask them to
contact my organization. We are happy to answer questions. Our Web site is
http://www.rabbitnetwork.org and our phone number is (781) 431-1211.
Finally, if a rabbit is right for you and your family, please adopt one from a
shelter or rescue group. You enrich your family with a new member and also
teach your kids the value of saving a life. Thank you. --
SUZANNE TRAYHAN, PRESIDENT, HOUSE RABBIT NETWORK
DEAR SUZANNE: The topic of bunnies, baby chicks and ducklings as Easter gifts
is one that recurs every year. I hear from people who work in animal shelters
deploring the fact that the helpless little creatures are later dumped when
they cease to be novelties. I hope readers will take to heart what you have
written, particularly the suggestion that if a rabbit is going to be adopted, a
shelter or rescue group can be an excellent resource.
http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20040404
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~6~
I Hear Their Voices Crying
By Anonymous
I see Thy face
Reflected in Thy creatures;
Life's wondrous plan
That's mirrored in their eyes.
I hear Thy voice
In all their many voices.
And now, with heavy heart,
I hear their cries.
I smell the smoke;
The Everglades are burning
With fires set by man
In all his greed.
The only voice he hears
Is money talking.
His eyes and ears are shut
To their great need.
It's spring of year;
The wild things are nesting
With little ones too young
To run or fly.
And if they could,
It would not greatly matter.
There's no place left to go,
And so they die.
And more and more
They die in countless numbers
Brought on by man,
And long before their time.
Against all odds,
They struggle for survival;
Their trust betrayed.
Their pain is somehow mine.
I have not much
Of wisdom, wealth or power.
There isn't much
That one like I can do.
And yet I seem to hear
Their voices crying.
And so, in humble prayer,
I turn to You.
Don't let our world
Destroy Thy wondrous creatures,
For it would be
A sorry place, indeed.
Please give me words
And show me how to use them.
Perhaps a few may listen
And will hear.
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~7~
Memorable Quote
Prayer for Animals
Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals,
and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
- Albert Schweitzer
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
http://www.oocities.org/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal
Rights Online=-
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
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