Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - September 20, 2026
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

  1. Overcoming Fear - a Central Theme of Jesus' Ministry
  2. All-Creatures.Org Ministry
  3. Director of Development Position at Educated Choices Program (ECP)

1. Overcoming Fear - a Central Theme of Jesus' Ministry

The uncertainty and vulnerability inherent in life can lead to fear. Much evil is done to allay fear, which is an unpleasant psychological state. As I discussed previously, I think Adam and Eve could no longer experience Eden as paradise because, having eaten the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they recognized and feared the possibility of suffering and death. This fear would encourage them to hoard resources and to destroy individuals they deemed hazardous or threatening. There could no longer be peaceful coexistence among the human and nonhuman inhabitants of Eden, and Eden, as a place of peace and tranquility where nobody harmed anyone else, ceased to exist.

Jesus lived and taught in an era of violence and injustice. The Romans enforced their laws with horrific punishments, such as crucifixion, while tax collectors became wealthy at the expense of hard-working citizens. Just as threatening, some Roman emperors, such as Caligula, sought to be worshipped in the Temple. Worshipping idols was regarded by Jews as blasphemous, and a statue of Caligula in the Temple would desecrate the central location of their worship. Consequently, there were Jewish nationalists who called for violent resistance to Roman occupation. Yet, Jesus encouraged people to love one another, strangers, and even those from despised groups. Expressing love in a world filled with exploitation and hatred requires identifying the ways in which we contribute to violence and injustice and overcoming our fear of those who might respond to us with violence and injustice.

Jesus frequently told his followers not to be afraid (e.g., Matthew 10:28, 10:31; Mark 5:36; Luke 12:4, 12:7; John 14:27). He acknowledged that there were forces capable of taking their lives, but he also taught that no one could deprive them of their value in the eyes of God. How can we recognize our own unjust actions? How can we find the courage to resist the natural human tendency to respond to injustice against us with violence? I think living a Christ-like life requires faith, which I will discuss further.

Stephen R. Kaufman, MD

2. All-Creatures.Org Ministry

All-Creatures.Org Sept. 9 Newsletter - check out the newsletter. Contents include:

3. Director of Development Position at Educated Choices Program (ECP)

ECP is seeking qualified candidates for its new Director of Development position, which will involve individual and major giving. The salary will be $100,000-120,000 plus health and other benefits.

Stephen R Kaufman, MD
Chair, Educated Choices Program

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