Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - September 24, 2023
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

  1. The Problem of Evil, part 10: Reforming Institutions
  2. All-Creatures.Org Ministry

1. The Problem of Evil, part 10: Reforming Institutions

In the previous essay, I noted that religious and secular institutions tend to be grounded in the inherently violent scapegoating mechanism. Are institutions with a foundational history of violence and scapegoating compatible with peaceful communities?

I think the answer is yes. Institutions evolve over time as new leaders reflect and respond to changing circumstances and changing societal values. The Democratic Party once strongly supported segregation, but today it is the preferred party among a large majority of Black Americans. Though institutions often resist reforms, because institutional leaders often benefit from the status quo, leaders are often forced to reform when the general membership demands reforms.

Though institutions can promote and defend unjust social arrangements, we need institutions to help maintain peace in large, pluralistic societies where most of the people we meet are not relatives or friends. Frustrated by the failings of many institutions, some people favor eradicating unjust institutions. However, the “burn it down” approach frequently results in the creation of new institutions that are also grounded on the scapegoating mechanism. The identities of the victims and victimizers might change, but the social dynamics do not.

Meaningful reforms are possible only when goals change. Reformists who insist that the institutions remain grounded in violence are not true reformers. Therefore, social justice movements that not only countenance but actually promote nonhuman exploitation and abuse are doomed to fail. It is not necessary that they prioritize the rights of nonhumans. Their main focus can be elsewhere. However, when they implicitly or explicitly condone victimizing vulnerable nonhumans (e.g., by eating animals), they fundamentally undermine their claim that we should not victimize other vulnerable individuals. If we can mercilessly exploit vulnerable nonhumans based on species membership, why not mistreat vulnerable humans on bases such as disabilities, sex, ethnicity, or religion?

Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.

2. From All-Creatures.Org Ministry

Dear Friends,

We hope you enjoy these recent newsletters. There is always so very much to share:

All-Creatures.org Newsletter, September 13, 2023

How caring for Mules differs from caring for Donkeys or Horses — why sentience matters to all Animals — some rodeo abuses banned — about Henry Bergh — Skunk facts — What the Bears Know (book) — proud to defend right to rescue — more valid non-animal research — knowing Rammie Baa Baa — Story’s Story — right-to-rescue trial — exposing cruelty and saving Animals in India — racehorses and betamethasone — and more…

All-Creatures.org Newsletter, September 20, 2023

Chickens comforting each other — despicable horrors for rabbit “meat” — Tom Regan articles directory — Oregon bans wildlife killing contests — dealing with anger toward pre-vegans — more viable alternatives to torturing Animals in labs — Native American plant-based recipes [book] — saving Turtles and Tortoises from extinction — zoonotic diseases: overview — animal rights view of cats and dogs in our homes — and more!

Do you have things that you would like to see included in future newsletters? Then send it to us at veda@all-creatures.org. 

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

and

Kindness,
Tams Nicholson
Executive Directress
All-Creatures.org 

2023 Newsletters Archive