Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - November 21, 2018
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

  1. Thought-Provoking Essay
  2. Original Sin, Part 53, Healing
  3. From the All-Creatures.Org Ministry

1. Thought-Provoking Essay

What Does It Mean to Be Human? Don’t Ask
By Martha C. Nussbaum

[subtitle] we don’t see the problem with our self-importance because our narcissism is so complete.]

Read NY TIMES ARTICLE HERE.

2. Original Sin, Part 53, Healing

Last week, I suggested that a first principle of healing is to be kind. A second principle is to be respectful. I offer a few caveats for respectful communication.

First, we should avoid the temptation to attribute bad motives to people with whom we disagree. Human actions almost always have multiple motivations, and simple explanations such as greed are generally incomplete, if not largely inaccurate. And, people accused of bad motives typically become defensive and close their minds to an issue that is much more important than whether they have bad motivations. That issue, for Christians, it is whether Christian faith calls us to adopt a humane diet.

Second, we should take the time to listen to the concerns of those who resist our message. People generally don’t like unsolicited lectures, particularly when other people tell them what to do. Consequently, it can be best to reply to their objections or concerns with “I” statements about our own knowledge, experiences, and values.

Third, we should remain mindful that people need to “save face” and have their self-worth affirmed. They don’t want to feel like bad people and resent others who accuse them of behaving unethically. Consequently, it can be helpful to say something like, “Many people don’t know what happens in factory farms, because those in the industry shield the horrendous conditions there from public view.”

Next week, I’ll offer some thoughts on effective communication.

Stephen R. Kaufman, MD

3. From the All-Creatures.Org Ministry

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