There are two proven ways of evading responsibility. One is to get so
enthralled in a novel as to substitute a life of fiction for one of
reality. The other is to become so philosophical as to realise that
whatever conclusion one arrives at, a contrary opinion needs to be
sought out and analysed. Consequently no action is ever taken. Yes, I am
aware of many who are so absorbed in the, so-called, academic sphere
that one never sees them taking a moral stand practically. Very sadly
this is frequently the case within the world of those who prefer to call
themselves animal welfare rather than rights.
Subtle ways of being side tracked are only too common. Hence it is
little wonder that great moral change has seldom come from the bookworm
mentality. Rather it is to humble, practical folk such as Francis Of
Assisi, Abraham Lincoln, William Wilberforce, William Booth, William
Carey, Gladys Ayleward, Mother Theresa – and countless others – that we
owe it for past moral impetus. This, of course, is not to minimise
intellectuals such as a past Schweitzer, a C.S. Lewis or an up to date
Andrew Linzey - whose theological books on animal rights are – slow but
sure – finding a place in most theological foundations. However, such
pioneers as these have surely been the notable exceptions?
The fact is that while so many academics waffle and live in their
worlds of fantasy the vulnerable occupants of this world – animal as
well as human – are being appallingly abused. Yes, because few, in deed
there are, who are prepared to get their own hands dirty by saying
‘enough is enough!’ My own Mum – now many years in Paradise – used to
say to me what I’ve repeated time and time again: “Don’t just dream
about good deeds; go out and start doing them for a change!” Yes, and
how right she was! We can’t waste any more time shedding tears over the
character of some work of fiction – a sloppy magazine or a top Booker
prize. Neither should we philosophise in circles so as to evade
confrontation by subtly rationalising for both the hare as well as the
hounds. The Bible passage says: ‘choose you this day whom you will
serve!” Bunyan’s ‘Mr facing two ways’ is harmful to both our psyche as
well as the development of character. From now on, when approached by
evil, we must cease from ‘making waffles’. We need to step in to the
breach and emulate a Martin Luther or a Luther King.
Go on to We Need To Identify Ourselves
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