Literature
Short Extracts
From the Introduction to Kingdom of Neighbours by Canon H.J.
Hammerton (Crusade Against All Cruelty to Animals Limited, 1970)
"This is a book about the relationship between men and animals. Its
aim is to provide this subject with some biblical basis. It is well
known that in discussing man's treatment of animals people find it more
than usually difficult to maintain a sense of proportion. Perhaps that
is the reason that many Christian writers and speakers avoid the subject
altogether; they may be afraid, too, of the company they will find
themselves in if they declare themselves. But judgement cannot remain in
a permanent state of suspension. Modern developments in the use of drugs
which require animal experimentation, as well as the increasing extent
of intensive farming, are making such heavy demands on the animal world
that the Christian conscience must be severely challenged. It cannot
pretend the problem is not there, for, as Burke once said, "all that is
necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
"Some time ago, I included a lecture on modern treatment of animals
in a course entitled 'Matters of Life and Death,' and I was impressed by
the way that interested people seized on this and used it to the best
advantage, inviting me to do the same. It appeared it was something of a
novelty for a churchman to champion the cause of animals. This keenness
of theirs moved me to think that I ought to be prepared, as they are, to
use every opportunity to further the cause of animal welfare and not
just to talk about it. I did two things: I became associated with the
Crusade Against All Cruelty to Animals, and I explored the Scriptures to
see what guidance they offered in our dealings with animals. The result
of the second is this little book."
