Last night I discovered the Episcopal Cafe, a site filled with illuminating commentary. There is now a link to it on the right side of this page.
One moving essay by Christopher Evans (here) discusses the death of a squirrel, the care that other squirrels pour upon it, and a funeral rite. The essay proceeds to discuss resolutions passed by the General Conference 2009 (I am ignorant enough not to know if it is the Episcopal Conference or the Anglican Conference). The resolutions speak of our responsibilities toward farm animals, endangered species, and domestic animals. I do not know of similar statements from leaders of the Roman Catholic church (though they may exist) or other Christian denominations (they may exist). In the Christian world, my impression is that most are blase about eating the products of factory farms, let alone concerned about consuming creatures who are more intelligent and caring than ordinarily believed.
To be sure, the Episcopal resolutions stop short of recommending vegetarianism or veganism. And I am not yet either a vegetarian or a vegan, though I have not heard convincing arguments supporting the consumption of animals, particularly those from factory farms whose disgusting practices are probably inherent in mass production. Weak of will, I try to cut back - a day at a time.
Benjamin Franklin says that "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise". So, develop a good habit, then execute it.
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Posted by: Pet Network | 06/01/2010 at 10:58 PM
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Posted by: soft cialis | 04/13/2010 at 07:20 AM
The link did not go through above
http://ecusa.anglican.org/gc2009.htm
Posted by: Ann | 02/15/2010 at 10:18 AM
It is the General Convention of The Episcopal Church - more here
Posted by: Ann | 02/15/2010 at 10:18 AM
Steve,
Re: "In the Christian world, my impression is that most are blase about eating the products of factory farms, let alone concerned about consuming creatures who are more intelligent and caring than ordinarily believed."
I think you're right, although among the more notable exceptions, at least in the academic world, I'd cite first, the (conservative) philosopher Roger Scruton, who does not argue for vegetarianism, let alone veganism, but at least has attempted to treat these issues in a thoughtful manner, given the metaphysical premises of his worldview. Scruton opposes factory farming (and 'factory' fishing), for example, but has defended hunting.
Second, and more to my own liking, is the work of Professor Andrew Linzey, Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. His latest book, which I've yet to read, is Why Animal Suffering Matters: Philosophy, Theology, and Practical Ethics (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009). Here's the link to the Centre: http://www.oxfordanimalethics.com/home/
Scruton reviewed Linzey's book for the Times Literary Supplement: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article6977689.ece
Linzey replies here: http://www.oxfordanimalethics.com/what-we-do/commentary/debating-with-scruton-in-the-tls/
Another Christian philosopher, Daniel Dombrowski, has long been concerned with animal ethics, having penned, for instance, The Philosophy of Vegetarianism (1984). His academic webpage is here: http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/philosophy/Default.aspx?id=1200
Finally, Stephen R.L. Clark's work is important: http://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/~srlclark/srlc.htm
The relevant writings (up to 2008) of these and others on animal ethics, rights, and law are found here: http://www.jurisdynamics.net/files/documents/animals.doc
Best wishes,
Patrick
Posted by: Patrick S. O'Donnell | 02/15/2010 at 07:43 AM