Nearly half of the Christmas cards I received this year included pets in the family photo or had pets’ names listed alongside family members’ names. Statistics show that half of the dogs in America will receive Christmas presents. Yet how many people will pause to consider the life of the pig that becomes their Christmas ham?
What is the logic that allows us to embrace some animals as members of our family, then torture and abuse others?
(And just for the record: Pigs are easily as intelligent as dogs, with many studies indicating that they are not only smarter than dogs, but are as smart as primates. Pigs are social creatures that bond with each other and lead social lives of a complexity previously only observed in primates. And just like dogs, pigs learn their names and respond to them, they love to cuddle, and enjoy playing with toys and getting massages.)
During a holiday season that is about joy, peace, generosity, and good will, we should be working to embody these aspects of Christmas. As Christians, especially during the most joyous of Christian holidays, we should ask ourselves how we can become more Christlike. Where in our lives can we become more merciful, more compassionate?
Most Christians agree that harming a dog or cat is wrong, but think nothing of harming pigs, turkeys, cows, chickens, or fish. Why is it that when we sit down to eat, we selectively forget that all animals are creatures of God and that God created them with a capacity for pain and suffering?
God loves and cherishes each of His creations, as we are explicitly told in Matthew 10:29: “Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.” He delights in all that He has made and all creatures sing their Creator’s praises. Yet, we torture and kill millions of His creatures to celebrate His birthday. It just doesn’t seem right.
In the story of Christmas, baby Jesus is surrounded by not only Mary & Joseph, shepherds & wisemen, but also there, are the lowly cattle, lamb, and donkey. They watched the birth of the savior as if they had some stake in the events unfolding and provided “their breath to warm the infant.” But of course when all the excitement was over, they had to return to their pens, and life as livestock. Even witnessing the birth of Christ would not give them reprieve from serving man. But they were there, they are part of the story, and without them, something important and beautiful would be missing.
Recalling this familiar story, it reminds us of what a radical departure mankind’s outlook on animals has taken. While, yes it is true that God told man to “subdue the earth” and “rule the animals,” it is obvious that fallen man is abusing his powers. And, while it is also true that meat was eaten in the Bible, there certainly were no factory farms in first century Palestine, and historians and theologians agree that meat was eaten sparingly (according to this article, “maybe once a month”).
This year, on the day we celebrate the love and compassion of our savior, choose love and compassion. Luke 6:36 tells us: “Be ye merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” And remember that every creature is one of His creations.
“Go into the largest livestock operation, search out the darkest and tiniest stall or pen, single out the filthiest, most forlorn little lamb or pig or calf, and that is one of God’s creatures you’re looking at.”- Matthew Scully
As we say our grace to invoke the blessings of Jesus, let us resolve to emulate His compassion in our own lives. There’s no better place to begin than the dinner table. As we break bread, let’s break ties with some of the most violent and ungodly places on Earth: slaughterhouses and factory farms.
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Breakfast: Tofu & spinach Evol burrito
Lunch: Mongolian tofu from Bamboo Bistro
Dinner: Pasta with spinach, artichoke hearts, olive oil, and garlic
2 comments
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Molly says:
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 12:19 am (UTC -5)
Another good one, Angie. I’m not a Christian, though I was raised in the Lutheran church. One of the things I’ve always loved most about the Christmas story, from childhood till today – though I never consciously realized it until now, is that the animals were given equal footing to ‘worship’ the Christ child. In the manger, Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the animals were all equals. As a child, when I played with my mother’s nativity set, it was always the animals who were placed closest to the baby Jesus – not the Three Wise Men or the Angel. Guess I had my priorities straight as a 7 year-old! ;)
This essay from the Huffington post is the one I mentioned that I thought might change the mind of two of my family members:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-friedrich/an-advent-reflection-on-g_b_788795.html
Powered By Produce says:
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 10:00 am (UTC -5)
That’s a great article. He and I have read some of the same stuff :) I didn’t mention it in my post, but I’d also read some of the articles put out by The Vatican regarding treatment of farm animals – I’m glad this article mentioned the Pope’s stance on the issue.