“See these Christians, how they love one another!”
Such was the commendation given to the early followers of Jesus
during the first century AD. Well, what a contrast to both those
within the churches who claim to speak up for Jesus, as well as
others, often outside of it, who claim to be a mouthpiece for His
larger flock: the animal kingdom! The contrast is truly amazing
because today, not only do professing Christians frequently sleight
each other, but so equally, do those in the animal activist and
welfare movements of our nation! In the article to follow I’ll
touch upon both in turn: But first of all – after eighty two years of
experience of human nature; plus much ‘in depth’ study of the New
Testament scriptures – the photo below surely, contrastingly reveals a
group of true disciples radiating love in their hearts. Yes, and as if
to confirm it from above, notice how light happens to radiate from my
plain and simple cross which is void of any central jewel!
Supporting Judi Hewitt & Others Of ‘Wales Against Animal Cruelty
Yes, the true Jesus we read of in the four gospels was the ‘Son of
God’ who went in to a vast Jewish temple and liberated the sheep, the
oxen and the doves that were there to be used for ritual slaughter.
Indeed, He overturned the tables of those who amassed a fortune from
such cruelty, while at the same time He drove out the poor animals –
liberating them in the process! Yes, and ultimately Jesus Of Nazareth
paid the ultimate price for such righteous militance: through being
crucified by the religious hypocrites; the epitomes of a distorted
religion; one which magnified as evils minor points of practice, while
they completely ‘swept under the carpet’ the major evils of their day.
In contrast to folk such as those on the photo above – some of whom
no longer wish to be branded as Christian! - I’m often inclined to
think that the most vocal ‘so called’ followers of Jesus within the
churches today, no longer as much as love one another but frequently,
at the most, merely tolerate each other; and this is nothing new!
For example: while Catholicism thrived then so did the Inquisition so
as to silence those whose interpretations of the good book happened to
be in conflict with that of Holy Mother church. And then, similarly -
following the period of the so-called Enlightenment - the Established
state church of these isles gladly hounded those whose interpretation
of Scripture was not akin to the 39 Articles Of faith of the Church Of
England. Indeed, Dissenters were horribly discriminated against, and
only when these became predominant as ‘The Church of the Commonwealth’
period under Cromwell, was tolerance largely given towards others
whose views of New Testament doctrine might not fully gel with what
was then known as Congregationalism. Indeed, the two extremes of
Romanism and Quakerism were then the only expressions of Christian
faith outside of the general pail of tolerance.
Indeed, today
– as well as during past recent centuries – things have moved little
in the pursuit for further tolerance; and as for so called
Ecumenicalism, it not only excludes Christian Spiritualism with a
concept of a hereafter for animals, outside; but is no more than a
coming together of sickly and largely dying partners who are hardly
ever likely to create a healthy betrothal. Indeed, seeking to
momentarily uphold one another because of increasing threats such as
secularism and Islam, when otherwise they would be at loggerheads, is
hardly commendable. Yes - and very sadly! - this case of a weak unholy
rivalry is no less in vogue amongst some Bible bashing evangelical
Christians than it is amongst less vociferous and more tolerant
brands.
Indeed, those that claim to be the most Bible cantered
are often the most bigoted and intolerant. Groups of self-styled
believers – whose life style claims to be focussed on obeying the
Scriptures – are often the worst culprits in anathematising other
congregations of a not dissimilar orientation! Indeed, it is
quite laughable that having got folk to make a so called – and often
very genuine, desire to serve Jesus – that they then consider their
own brand of a personal relationship with Jesus as being the only
authentic one! Indeed, as for seeking to live a life in line
with the teachings of Christ’s ‘Sermon On The Mount’, it would appear
to have little part to play; their emphasis being on personal faith
rather than practical works of all embracing love.
The need to
follow the example of Jesus as both Good Shepherd and Leader hardly
comes in to the mind of those whose sole emphasis is on Jesus as
having died for them so as to assure them that no matter how vile and
corrupt they have been or may become, Jesus has paid the price of all
their misdeeds and, they - the elect! – are destined for a future
Paradise of kindred spirits! Well, I ask, could you have a more
self-cantered ideology and interpretation of the gospels than that?
No wonder they are, mostly, so heavenly minded as to be of little
earthly good!
Yes, as you will have discerned, I have little tolerance with those
brands of Christianity in which I was, in early years, most deeply
nurtured. If there are two things that can come with age – and with
much blessing! - it is the gift of a compassionate tolerance as well
as a ‘heaven sent’ wisdom. Yes, two things that are not only abysmally
lacking in modern society as a whole, but in so many church circles as
well. Yes, and - dare I say it? – in the circles of Animal Rights and
Welfare:
“See these animal activists, how they adore each other?”
Well, who is one kidding? “See these animal activists how they
loath their fellow rivals!” would be far nearer to the truth. Talk
about unholy rivalry within and between the churches? Believe me, I’ve
sampled it just as much within rallies one has attended. One of the
first of these was when I’d been singled out to become patron of a top
respectable group. However, word got around that I’d shared the same
platform with an Animal Liberationist – not that I’d necessarily
agreed with all the latter had stood for! – but I soon new what it was
to be ostracised because of it! Indeed, on another occasion -
having compiled near the back page of an animal hymnal a list of
societies one might wish to pray for in a weekly rota – I was urgently
asked to have their society’s name removed as it did not wish to be
remembered in prayer alongside more dubious ones
Yes, and as
for meat eating – unless it’s for their pet Fido; or for purchasing
milk and fish – unless its for their own pet pussy - then woe betide
any fellow activist found procuring any of these tainted evils for his
or her self! They’ll then have committed the cardinal sin of a vast
movement that so often sees no harm in wrecking premises, antagonising
police; and thriving on the utterance or display of four letter words!
Yes, while at the same time wanting to get across the message that
they are the selfless epitomes of gentleness, compassion and care.
Yes, the protectors of timid birds and bunnies. Well, I can only
add that it is a real blessing for them that the Good book affirms:
‘Do not judge by the outer appearance for God looks on the heart!’
I fully agree that behind certain anarchist type activists there
can be - at times - a heart of true compassion. There are always
exceptions! However, the wisdom of the years equally tells me that
activists refined and void of four word vocabularies; and without
weird tattoos and studs in their noses; would then do an infinitely
better job for the Animal Rights Movement as a whole, than do those
who appear as scruffy yobs, or as ruthless as past SS guards of both
sexes!. Indeed, I am reminded of a saying once expressed,
relating to a windbag of a hot gospel preacher, but equally relevant
to a certain brand of animal activist: “What you are comes across so
clearly that I have true difficulty in hearing your message!” But then
it’s not confined to militant gospelites and animal rights advocates:
we see it in opposing political parties where words carry no more
conviction than would a campaign to spearhead the virtues of humility,
if given by a Tory Kenneth Clarke; or a Labourite Lord Healey.
‘Give a dog a bad name and it sticks with it!’
‘Well in all fairness, should it?’ As just touched upon, the term
Animal Activist has hardly created a refined and respectable image in
the national media. Indeed, it is therefore, very understandable that
so many prefer these days to term themselves by the less forceful term
of an Animal Welfarist. For myself, I prefer the former name any
day, as the latter conveys to me the image of a watered down
compromiser! So are the pictures we create in folks minds – through
words and actions – going to be reflective of course bullyboys and
butches, or of saintly and sensitive saints instead?.
Sadly,
the term relating to a dogs name sticking with it, is one exceedingly
hard to play down, and there are times when it really should be played
down: especially when true reforms are in evidence. In my mind,
one of these relates to the term ‘McDonalds!’ How many of us as animal
caring Christians, have a goodly image conjured up when such a name is
given? Is it still comparable to a Boots or to a John Lewis’s?
Well, things do occasionally change; and so has McDonald’s.
CIWF as well as the RSPCA have commended them in recent years; and so
do I! The fact is that not only are their chips and one’s vegetarian
choice of a meal fried in vegetable oil, but their milk coffee choices
are all organic, as are the portions of milk served with tea.
Admittedly, most folks ask for carnivorous choices and what the
customer asks for, the outlets provide for. But then all this applies
to the vast percentage of all cafes, restaurants, shops and
supermarkets throughout the UK. However, thanks to such an outlet as a
local McDonalds, several animal sanctuaries have benefited; and as for
receiving help to further our cause, a brilliant opportunity to give a
lecture on my work for the animals came via one of their dedicated
staff!
Yes, strange indeed, when on the same day, in seeking vegetarian
garlic capsules from 'well respected' Holland & Barretts, one
discovered that it was impossible to purchase purely vegetarian ones
from them. Yes, as all such capsules were covered by beef gelatine!
Thankfully, however, I was able to later get such capsules -
at a much-reduced price, from Guernsey - which were one hundred
percent vegetarian. Consequently, I commended Healthspan for such
reasonably priced ‘all vegetarian’ ranges of health foods they were
selling. Indeed, I assured them of future custom. Yes - until this
week! - when, in sending to me a free health magazine, I found on one
of its pages how they were so proud to infer that a generous
percentage of their profits were now earmarked to further ‘Cancer
Research UK!’
Indeed I tell you Dear Reader: those at the top of so many of our
health food outlets may be quite academic in their own sphere, but as
for having wisdom – the gift of the years! – the little tabby cat that
frequents our garden is infinitely wiser.
Go on to The Animals War
Memorial, Near Hyde Park, Sunday The 11th Of November
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