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What Does It Mean To Be A Compassionate Eater?
July 25, 2011

Welcome to the weekly CVA blog!  In it you will find famous quotes, news and commentaries. 

1. Five Facts About The Animal Agriculture Industry

2. Famous Quote – Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)

3. Book Recommendation: “The Longest Struggle: Animal Advocacy from Pythagoras to PETA”

4. Bible verse – John 15:18-19

5. “Conscientious Carnivores” Not Really Conscious

6. This Week’s Video – Why Humans Shouldn’t Eat Meat


1. Five Facts About The Animal Agriculture Industry

5@5, a daily food-related list from chefs, writers, political pundits, musicians, actors, and any opinionated people from around the globe, had Bruce Friedrich, senior director for strategic initiatives at Farm Sanctuary, share some insight about the animal agriculture industry that might be hidden from most people. Friedrich shares for example that although most people perceive the veal industry being more abusive than the egg industry, the opposite is true. To learn more please visit 5@5 - How Animals Are Raised for Food: http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/07/08/55-how-animals-are-raised-for-food/

More often and in more ways than ever the victimization of God’s farmed animals is exposed, thus encouraging people to hopefully reconsider their food choices taking into account the deep effect these choices have on animals, our health and the environment. Spiritually speaking, the unnecessary abuse and killing of God’s creatures is of grave consequences as it leads us to go against the core of our Faith: Jesus’ teachings on compassion, mercy and love.


2. This Week’s Famous Quote

"O, heavenly Father, protect and bless all things that have breath; guard them from all evil, and let them sleep in peace."

~ Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), German Alsatian theologian, musician, philosopher, physician and Nobel Peace Prize winner.


3. Book Recommendation

Norm Phelps, ethical vegetarian, former spiritual outreach director of The Fund for Animals and founding member of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV), wrote one of the best books on the subject of the history of animal exploitation and animal liberation. "The Longest Struggle: Animal Advocacy from Pythagoras to PETA" provides the reader a comprehensive history of the animal-rights movement. In his book, Phelps refers to Jesus as the first animal liberator. To learn more please visit The Longest Struggle: Animal Advocacy from Pythagoras to PETA <http://www.amazon.com/Longest-Struggle-Animal-Advocacy-Pythagoras/dp/1590561066>


4. This Week’s Bible Verse

(RSV) John 15:18-19

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

I think it helps to keep in mind that prophets throughout history have been target of abuse, alienation, discrimination, insults and even death. As advocates of God's Creation we should realize that our journey is not free of pain; however, we can rest assured that our amazing role takes us into a fulfilling journey that helps bring healing and reconciliation into this world.


5. “Conscientious Carnivores” Not Really Conscious

James McWilliams, an Associate Professor of history at Texas State University and author of "Just Food: Where Locavores Get It Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly," brilliantly addresses the main problems with "conscientious carnivorism," term that refers to people who consume animals and their by-products from small family farms rationalizing in this way that these animals were humanely raised and killed. While small family farms tend to be less-abusive on animals than factory farms McWilliams points out that animals are still killed, mutilated and exploited unnecessarily, which from a moral and ethical perspective is wrong. To read the article please visit How 'Conscientious Carnivores' Ignore Meat's True Origins: http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/07/how-conscientious-carnivores-ignore-meats-true-origins/241828/

Christians are called to follow and practice Jesus’ teachings of compassion, mercy, love and justice. Shouldn’t it seem appalling to us that less-abusive practices are look at with acceptance? Wouldn’t it enrage and sadden us if, instead of being farmed animals in this case, it would be a child? Every creature, human or not, is a creation of God. What right do we have to draw a line and decide who deserves more love or compassion? There will be no peace on Earth until we extend our circle of compassion to all of God’s creatures.

6. This Week’s Video – Why Humans Shouldn’t Eat Meat

Humorous and educative, Dan Piraro’s short video on why humans are better off without animal products, is sure to get people thinking. Please visit Why Humans Shouldn't Eat Meat (MEAT-FREE ENGLAND BY 2060) and share with friends and family: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYlzHvn4Oe8&feature=share


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