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CVA Weekly Newsletter
May 8, 2013
- Activist Feedback
- Essay: On Being Outraged without Being Enraged
- This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman
1. Activist Feedback
Deanne, who leafleted with two fellow volunteers at Acquire the Fire in Denver, CO in late April, writes,
We had a great turnout. There were three volunteers, which was perfect. We handed out 1200 leaflets from 5:30-7:30pm at the Coliseum. People were receptive. A lot of people would ask us questions about how Jesus used to eat meat, where they will get their protein, etc. Only about three people seemed to be upset. Thank you for the opportunity! We had a good time.
2. Essay: On Being Outraged without Being Enraged
Many of us are – and should be – outraged by animal agribusiness. The abuse of animals is extreme, and the negative consequences for human health and well-being are substantial. It is difficult not to be enraged by the massive cruelty and the injustice. But there are several reasons to resist this natural response to outrage by being enraged.
First, being enraged makes us less fit to defend vulnerable individuals who need us. Ongoing rage is emotionally draining, and I am convinced that this is a leading cause of activist burnout. Second, people generally perceive enraged people as illogical, sentimental, judgmental, and, sometimes, threatening.
While enraged people generally communicate their own sentiments quite well, people see the anger and close their hearts and minds to the message of compassion and justice.
Third, it seems to me that being enraged presumes judgment. Jesus was not enraged at those responsible for murdering him “because they know not what they do.” We really don’t know what motivates people to participate in or contribute to animal abuse. In all likelihood, decisions about what we eat involve many factors. Some of those who directly or indirectly sponsor animal abuse probably deserve condemnation, but not all. Since its difficult, or perhaps even impossible, to identify those who deserve condemnation, we are wise to give people the benefit of the doubt and presume that their motivations, overall, are not vile.
Next week, I’ll reflect further on the challenge to make judgments without being judgmental.
Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.
3. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman
Your question and comments are welcome
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