The intent of this book and video review guide is to help us to live according to Kingdom standards which bring Heaven to earth.
Judy Carman’s book Veggie Soup for the Chicken’s Soul encourages us to look
positively through prayer and meditation toward a future time when there
will no longer be any pain, suffering, or death. The author's approach is to
counter feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that compassionate people
feel when they see and read about the suffering of animals – particularly
animals used for food.
Veggie Soup for the Chicken’s Soul is an upbeat collection of inspirational
writings which are a powerful antidote to the widespread animal suffering
sensitive people must face just by living in this world. These heart-warming
messages from many of the world’s religions and schools of thought display a
commonality in their ideals of love and compassion for all of creation.
On a personal note, we found all of Veggie Soup for the Chicken’s Soul very
comforting and know that we will refer to it often. One passage in
particular stood out and has been highlighted in our copy of the book as a
favorite:
"When we think of ahimsa as universal love, we understand it as a universal
ethic not confined to any one religion or philosophy. Most mystics who have
experienced ecstatic union with God and with all life are also not confined
to any one religion or philosophy. Though some, like Saint Francis of Assisi
may remain true to their religious roots in some ways, in other ways they
are thorns in the sides of the church because of their insistence on the
simplicity of Truth. Dogma, religious politics, hierarchical systems, and
complicated rituals are superfluous to them. The Truth is so simple. Love
one another. That’s it. Ahimsa is simply the experience and the action that
comes forth from living the 'Love one another' ethic. [emphasis added]
The wisdom of ahimsa and harmlessness embraces all of creation in that
ethic. This is what we are being called on to do now as a people. Whenever
we hear discussions or prayers or admonitions to 'love one another' or to
'pray for peace for all humanity,' let us be the ones to remember and remind
others that our love and our peace must encircle all life, not just human
life." [emphasis added]
To some, Judy Carman’s thoughts may seem somewhat fanciful and imbued with
wishful thinking, but only if the reader does nothing in response. We do not
believe that this book is meant as an end in itself; rather, it is a
comforting tool for compassionate people who are actively seeking to make
the world a better place for all its inhabitants. This volume can serve as
an oasis of rest for the recharging of spirit and mind between and during
periods of work to relieve the pain and suffering of all of God’s creatures.
Judy Carman is an author and activist for animal rights, environmental protection, and world peace. Over the years she has helped establish justice groups and has also co-founded Animal Outreach of Kansas and the Worldwide Prayer Circle for Animals.
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