15 April 2007 Issue - Christian Vegetarian Association Update Newsletters


	Update Newsletters

Update Newsletters
15 April 2007 Issue

1. Local CVA Members

2. CVA Sustaining Membership

3. Leafleting Feedback

4. Christianity and Violence: Freedom versus Security

1. Local CVA Members
Next week, we will list first names, locations, and e-mail addresses of people looking for like-minded people in their areas. So far, after last week's notice, 46 people signed up.

2. CVA Sustaining Membership
The CVA offers Sustaining Membership to those paying our $25 annual subscription. In addition to the weekly e-newsletter available to all members, Sustaining Members receive the Take Heart! daily e-messages, which include inspirational comments, biblical commentary, health tips, an advice column, and recipes.

To become a Sustaining Member, go to www.christianveg.org/freemembership.htm and fill out the form, which will take you to the dues-paying section. Or, you can send a check to CVA, PO Box 201791, Cleveland, OH 44120. Donations to the CVA are tax-deductible.

3. Leafleting Feedback
Italia writes: My husband and I leafleted at the 'Detroit Acquire The Fire Christian Rock Conference' in Detroit last Friday April 13...and it was truly HUGE! How many booklets We gave ALL the booklets [600] away in less than 2 hours! It was amazing how many young people attended this event.

WOW!!! Many people showed interest, especially young girls. What a great opportunity to spread the word! It was a successful evening and hopefully many of attendees will take the information to heart... for their health, for the environment and for the animals!

Upcoming Events

May 1 SC Greenville Derek Webb Christian Concert
May 2 FL Jacksonville Derek Webb Christian Concert
May 3 OH Cleveland Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 4 NY Rochester Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 4-6 MI Mackinan Island ECW Annual Meeting "Empowering Women"
May 5 NY Albany Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 5 AL Athens Barlow Girl-Christian Rock Concert
May 6 NJ East Rutherford Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 7 DC Washington Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 8 MD Baltimore Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 10 VA Norfolk Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 11 NC Charlotte Relient K Christian Rock Concert
May 12 FL Jacksonville Relient K Christian Rock Concert
Outside the US:
May 5 UK Staffordshire Toby Mac Christian Rock Concert
May 5 UK London Ayiesha Woods Christian Concert
May 7 UK London Toby Mac Christian Rock Concert
May 7 UK London Ayiesha Woods Christian Concert
May 9 FRANCE Paris Kevin Max Christian Rock Concert

To find out about all upcoming leafleting and tabling opportunities in your area, join the CVA Calendar Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group.christian_vegetarian/.

Read the home page, and then join. You will then be able to log in anytime to identify upcoming events in your region. Contact Paris at christian_vegetarian@yahoo.com if you might be able to help.

4. Christianity and Violence: Freedom versus Security

[This series reflects my views and not "official" CVA positions. It is being archived at http://www.christianveg.org/violence_view.htm.]

René Girard has noted that taboos serve to maintain social order. Consequently "traditional values" and traditional social arrangements often have broad appeal, particularly during times of growing unrest. When there is general peace and prosperity, people feel less threatened by those who break taboos. I think that more social and legal acceptance of women's rights, minority rights, and homosexual rights in the U.S. during the past few decades owes much to the country enjoying economic growth and relative peace.¹

When people believe that enemies, either from within or without, threaten their well-being, they tend to fall back on the institutions that have provided security in the past. As discussed in the previous essays on prophecy, during good times, people generally ignore or ridicule prophets who advocate abandoning traditional myths, rituals, and taboos in favor of new social arrangements. During troubled times people may violently oppose prophets and even blame the prophets for difficulties. However, during times of crisis, when traditional institutions seem to be failing, people may welcome the teachings of past or contemporary prophets.

The powers and principalities have often found it necessary to convince the public that there are real dangers (though not so threatening that they constitute a crisis that would favor a regime change). This encourages the public to support those in power, rather than risk the dangers inherent in adopting new social and political arrangements. However, the government can be more dangerous than the threat it purports to control. Therefore, Samuel warned the ancient Hebrews that, if God granted their request for a king, the king would become a tyrant (1 Samuel 8). Because power corrupts, Jesus encouraged his followers to seek servitude rather than power. Jesus admonished, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them" (Mark 10:42).

Our faith encourages us to seek freedom and dignity for all individuals. Only extreme circumstances might warrant relinquishing some of these freedoms. If compassion, respect, and love guide our choices, and if we are "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16), we will not stray far from a path of righteousness.

^1. While there have been significant military adventures in the past few decades putting loved ones in harm's way overseas, foreign powers have not threatened U.S. soil.

Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.

Your question and comments are welcome

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