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 Storys
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