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CVA Weekly Newsletter
June 6, 2013
1. Comments in Response to Larry Brown’s Essay
2. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman
1. Comments in Response to Larry Brown’s Essay (see 5/30 e-newsletter)
Some reflections on Larry Brown's piece on the indifference of the churches:
I wonder if part of the problem is what I see as the unbiblical way of the churches. Paul warns the church at Corinth that no one person should take over. Churches tend to have adopted a model of naming one person to bring a message, the pastor. If we followed the Biblical model of sharing leadership of worship, we would have the insights of different people in the congregation.
Any church led by God to a focus on care for all life, not just human life, would be sharing and wouldn't have to convince a paid pastor to include the issue in his/her sermons.
"So here’s what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three’s the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you’re saying. Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself. And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart. Take your turn, no one person taking over. Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other. If you choose to speak, you’re also responsible for how and when you speak. When we worship the right way, God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches no exceptions." (1 Corinthians 14:26-33, Message)
Bill Samuel
Thank you so much for the article on Christian indifference to animal suffering.
I’d like to make one more comment on the Christian indifference to animal suffering, and this doesn’t just apply to Christians. The taste of blood is addicting, and addicts are very good at justifying their addiction. I often wonder why people are quick to “put down” (more likely shoot) a dog if the dog happens to kill, say, a chicken, a “domesticated” farm animal. The reply is that “once the dog has a taste of ‘flesh’, it’ll want more”! Hmm….. We are not unlike dogs! Wolves are killed because they are doing what they’ve done for millennium – hunt, but unfortunately, they hunt the same animals that people crave and desire as meat.
I, and my family, scratch our heads, as Larry Brown does, as to why Christians, of all people, are so indifferent to animal suffering. I have also gotten the response, to add to his list, that native and indigenous people have to eat meat, and have then been asked, “Are you saying they are WRONG for doing that?” I have tried to explain that it’s not the same: the kill is swift, the take is sufficient, and the “thanks” and blessing is said, but by then the ears are closed.
Thank you, Mr. Brown, for your commentary. And, I cannot picture Jesus hunting with a gun!
- Marilyn Walther
2. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman
Kingdom Living for the World
Your question and comments are welcome
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