Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - November 25, 2022
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

  1. Threats to Human Civilization: Curtailing Free Speech
  2. All-Creatures.Org Ministry

1. Threats to Human Civilization: Curtailing Free Speech

In the United States, as well as many other countries, we have seen efforts to curtail free speech. Sometimes, the efforts come from the left, where activists condemn “violent speech” that hurts feelings and, some claim, facilitates injustice. On the right, some decry speech that makes people feel bad about their country or holds them accountable for the sins of their ancestors.

It is easy to criticize the excesses of one’s opponents, and it is often tempting to seek banishment of the most offensive content. However, the problem with restricting free speech is that those charged with the task have interests of their own. In general, restricting free speech ends up silencing those who speak truth and/or justice.

It is possible that free speech will destroy human civilization. If enough people believe outlandish lies aimed at destroying democratic institutions, such as a free press, free elections, and an independent judiciary, human civilization could crumble. However, curtailing free speech will certainly destroy human civilization. Free speech is a necessary protection against autocrats who, once in power, censor the truth. The truth they cannot countenance is that which exposes the corruption that makes their power possible (by rewarding loyalists) and worthwhile (by satisfying their own greed).

Animal agribusiness interests go to great lengths to restrict free speech that impacts their interests. Many states have “ag-gag” laws that criminalize undercover investigations of factory farms. Animal agribusinesses have sought to have plant-based analogues of animal products renamed. Claiming that applying terms like “sausage” and “burger” to plant-based foods “confuses” the public, they want to ban such labeling, even though packaging on plant-based foods typically emphasize that their products do not derive from animals. In addition to impeding efforts to protect nonhumans, they easily apply to other critics of the “powers and principalities” (Ephesians 6:12).

Stephen R. Kaufman, MD

2. From All-Creatures.Org Ministry

Peace be with you! We hope your preparations for next week’s cruelty-free Thanksgiving are going well and that you enjoy this week’s newsletter. It is filled with helpful vegan, faith-based, and animal rights information to keep you up to date with all that is going on. There are plenty of turkey resources in this week’s edition to share with your friends as well!

All-Creatures.org Newsletter for November 16, 2022

In the Love of the Lord,
Frank L Hoffman
All-Creatures.org

and

Kindness,
Tams Nicholson
Executive Directress
All-Creatures.org 

2022 Newsletters Archive