Reviews
Replenish the Earth: A History of Organised Religion's Treatment of Animals and Nature
Lewis G. Regenstein (SCM Press, 1991)
I care not for a man's religion whose dog or cat are not the better
for it - Abraham Lincoln
The world's great religions have promulgated lofty principles on
man's relationship with animals, but, as Lewis Regenstein shows in this
fascinating book, fine words never yet helped a tortured animal.
Mr Regenstein is anxious to motivate the religious communities by
demonstrating that their holy books, leaders and saints have spoken
strongly about animals. But he is not afraid to contrast fine statements
with poor practice, for example: "In Judaism, one who does not treat
animals with compassion cannot be regarded as a righteous individual"
(Dr. R. Schwartz), and the appalling conditions in America's kosher
slaughterhouses; "He who does not willingly cause the pain of
confinement and death to living beings, but desires the good of all,
obtains endless bliss" (The Code of Manu, Hindu), and the pitiful
conditions endured by animals on India's streets and in her
slaughterhouses; "Life is as dear to a mute animal as it is to any human
being" (The Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist) and the painful lack of
concern for animal welfare displayed in Asian Buddhist countries; "He
who takes pity even on a sparrow and spares its life, God will be
merciful to him on the day of judgement" (The Qur'an, Muslim),
and the day to day brutality shown to horses in North Africa and the
Middle East.
Christianity receives the author's most profound criticism. The
kindlier practices of the early Christians contrast strangely with later
philosophers' claims that animals cannot feel pain, or it doesn't matter
if we cause pain to them, as they have no souls.
It is encouraging to note the many examples of radical re-thinking by
some (definitely not all) of the world's religious leaders. Perhaps we
shall see a reawakening of conscience and consciousness where animals
and the natural world are concerned. If it is not too late for Isaiah's
vision: "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie
down with the kid . . . they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy
mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord." (Isaiah
11: 6-9)
Reviewed by Joyce D'Silva
From The Vegan, Summer 1991 edition. Reproduced with
thanks to the Vegan Society
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