As published in The Advertiser (Adelaide, South Australia)
October 20, 2014
Respect all life
We have just marked the week of prayer for world peace and although it was
founded with humans in mind, I’d say the animals need it more.
Just a fortnight ago 100 million sheep, goats, cattle and camels were
terrifyingly and brutally “sacrificed” during the Islamic Festival of
Sacrifice.
Around the same time thousand of chickens were ritually slaughtered as part
of the annual Jewish Kapparot ritual.
In a few weeks 250,000 water buffaloes, pigs, goats, chicken and pigeons
will be
sacrificed to please a Hindu goddess. Christians are not guilt-free either.
Soon our
slaughterhouses will be redder than Santa’s coat as millions of turkeys and
piglets are transformed into “Christmas roasts” to celebrate that time of
peace and goodwill on Earth.
The great Albert Schweitzer wisely said, “Any religion or philosophy which
is not based on a respect for life is not a true religion or philosophy”.
He also observed, “Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all
living things, man will not himself find peace”.
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