Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - October 20, 2017
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

  1. Original Sin, part 11
  2. Activist Feedback
  3. 10th Annual Gentle Thanksgiving Dinner
  4. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman

1. Original Sin, part 11

In exploring the concept of “salvation,” I want to emphasize that my thoughts reflect my larger view of what Christian vegetarianism and veganism can offer the body of Christ as well as the rest of the world. They are not official views of the CVA, nor does one need to agree with these views to find vegetarianism and veganism as important and valid expressions of Christian faith.

Why do we need salvation? I have not found one common Christian explanation – that we are condemned as inheritor’s of Adam’s “Original Sin” – compelling. First, I am highly skeptical of the theory that the Garden of Eden story is historically factual. I find that the scientific evidence strongly contradicts this view. Further, the notion that “sin” can somehow be transmitted from one generation to the next violates our current understanding of inheritance.

Yet, I do think we need salvation. Humans nearly universally experience anxiety, and I think this is largely because the human condition leaves us confused and frightened. We find ourselves alive at a certain time and place and in a certain body, and we have no idea how this happened. Further, we receive conflicted accounts what we are supposed to do with our lives. Finally, with a natural instinct to survive, we naturally fear death, particularly since we know that our death is inevitable.

These concerns naturally induce anxiety, and many people experience despair. To be saved from the psychological (which some would describe as “spiritual”) burdens of being human, we need believable stories that make sense of our lives. Faith that these stories are true (as myths, not necessarily as historical facts) can help us find peace-of-mind in a universe that seems, at best, indifferent to our plight. As I will discuss, I think the stories related to Jesus’ life, teachings, and death offers us a path toward salvation.

Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.

2. Activist Feedback

Grace, who tabled at the Portland VegFest on 10/14, related that she had a very positive experience. She writes, “I never heard "God bless you" so many times in one day.” In addition to distributing hundreds of veg. booklets, there were four full pages of new CVA member sign-ups. Great work, Grace!

3. 10th Annual Gentle Thanksgiving Dinner - Oakland NJ

Oakland, NJ, Saturday, November 18th

God's Creatures Ministry 20th Annual Gentle Thanksgiving Dinner

4. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman

Lord, Gimme This, Gimme That, Gimme, Gimme

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