Are We Causing or Alleviating Suffering? - Christian Vegetarian Association Blog


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CVA Blog
Monday, January 31, 2011

Are We Causing or Alleviating Suffering?

1. Fish Do Feel Pain

2. Famous Quote – Will Tuttle, author of “The World Peace Diet”

3. Which to Eat and Which to Pet?

4. Bible verse – James 4:10

5. Veterinarian’s Oath Updated

6. This Week’s Video – Skinned Alive – Cruel Catfish Slaughter Exposed

1. Fish Do Feel Pain

According to a new book by Penn State professor Victoria Braithwaite, "Do Fish Feel Pain?", fish - like most other organisms - are capable of experiencing pain. She refers to many studies that support this from all over the world and throughout the aquatic fauna. To read the full article please visit http://news.discovery.com/animals/fish-feel-pain-too.html?print=true+

Fish are God's animals with God-given instincts and feelings. The ample evidence showing fish feel pain should change a lot of people's hearts, who are still supporting the fish industry.

2. Famous Quote

“Every day, we cause over thirty million birds and mammals and forty-five million fish to be fatally attacked so we can eat them, and it’s universally considered to be good food for good people. With these meals, we feed our shadow, which grows strong and bold as it gorges itself on our repressed grief, guilt, and revulsion.”

Will Tuttle, author of “The World Peace Diet”

3. Which to Eat and Which to Pet?

Why eat a pig and pet a dog? This article deals with the unethical reasons that lead humans to eat some animals and others not, mainly for the pleasure of taste, not survival. While millions of farmed animals suffer unimaginable pain and fear in today's factory farms, most people don't give a thought about them while they are ingesting and enjoying their body parts. Most humans rationalize this behavior by believing that eating meet is a "need", a belief that makes them feel OK about their behavior.

To read the full article, pleasesearch online for Eating Animals: Which to Eat? Which to Pet? Why?

Most people when confronted with this dilemma, of eating some animals and petting others, might react defensively or simply justify it. However, deep down, when confronted face to face with the horrible life and death of farmed animals, most people feel uneasy and don't condone these actions. Transitioning to a plant-based diet shows compassion for God's animals.

4. Bible Verse

(RSV) James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.

We live in a culture where power seems to give advantage. However, humbling ourselves is to grow spiritually. A humble heart is what brings the best in us, allowing us to reflect God’s love onto all Creation.

5. Veterinarian’s Oath Updated

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is known for upholding the status quo and defending cruel factory farming practices, such as veal crates, gestation crates, and battery cages. However, a very significant change will hopefully take place as new veterinarians recite the updated oath that emphasizes animal welfare commitment. It reads: "Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge."

To read the full article please search online for First, do no harm

Veterinarians should help expose and stop the victimization of farmed animals because profit and taste should not trump ethics. Christ’s teachings of compassion, mercy and love do not offer room for the support of industries that cause unimaginable suffering to God’s farmed animals. Adopting a plant-based diet helps us make compassionate and mindful choices that lead to the reduction of suffering in all of God’s Creation.

6. This Week’s Video – Skinned Alive – Cruel Catfish Slaughter Exposed

The animal advocacy group Mercy For Animals has released the video of an undercover investigation that provides a startling glimpse into "Catfish Corner," a fish slaughter facility in Mesquite, Texas. Behind the operation's jaunty name lies a grisly reality. From the water to the cutting table, fish are tortured – suffocated, skinned and dismembered, all while conscious and feeling pain. Please share with friends and family: http://www.mercyforanimals.org/fish/ .

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