The Writings of
Vasu Murti

THEY SHALL NOT HURT OR DESTROY

Animal Rights and Vegetarianism
in the Western Religious Traditions

Copyright 1995, 1999

Foreword

When I first began to read They Shall not Hurt or Destroy, I kept thinking that Vasu Murti could not maintain the quality�or the quantity�of the materials that his research had produced. But he does. From the first chapter to the last, his overview of the ongoing effort to stop the barbarous and ungodly treatment of animals is an unparalleled compilation of the writings of philosophers, saints, theologians, and sacred texts.

In this book, Pythagoras and Plutarch have made common cause with St. Basil and St. Francis of Assisi. John Wesley and Martin Luther have also raised their voices in defense of animals, as have a variety of other religious leaders whose writings the author has researched.

The book also covers the pertinent biblical scholarship of both Jews and Christians, while separate chapters review the statements of Protestant, Islamic, Jewish and Christian spokespersons who, from medieval times to the present, have raised their voices in protest against the victimization of animals. And the author includes the observations of secular spokespersons; of writers, poets, and activists who have called for the compassionate and just treatment of all the creatures with whom we share the earth.

Although Vasu Murti�s research is exhaustive, his book is reader-friendly. There is no hint of the ponderous prose that so often obscures, rather than elucidates, the content of a scholarly work. This is a book to be read, and reread. It is a definitive work and destined to become a classic reference for those who understand that the continuing, spiritual development of the human race necessitates the development of a moral and ethical code which recognizes that animals are sentient beings like ourselves; that they too, experience the fear and pain, the joy and happiness that life offers. And that they were given life by the same God who created them for their own sakes�not as commodities to satisfy the whims and the will of human beings.

Reverend J. R. Hyland, IMF
Author of God�s Covenant with Animals: A Biblical Basis for the Humane Treatment of All Creatures. (Formerly titled: The Slaughter of Terrified Beasts)

Go on to Chapter 1 - "They Shall not Hurt or Destroy"
Return to Table of Contents

THEY SHALL NOT HURT OR DESTROY is available in print copy from Vegetarian Advocates Press, PO Box 201791, Cleveland, OH 44120, at a cost of $15.00 US per book including shipping and handling.

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