Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Faith Requires Compassion Toward Animals


By Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.

Editor's note: This item was originally posted as a comment on the PETA article.

As author of "Judaism and Vegetarianism" and a longtime advocate of better treatment of animals, I agree that PETA’s methods are often insensitive and counterproductive.

However, while its methods sometimes deserve criticism, PETA does put a necessary spotlight on animal-based diets and the horrors of factory farming, and these are issues that religious communities should address. The widespread production and consumption of animal products contradict religious mandates to protect our health, treat animals compassionately, preserve the environment, conserve resources, and help feed the hungry.

Also, the raising of over 50 billion farmed animals annually worldwide on factory farms contributes significantly to global climate change, water shortages, and many environmental problems that threaten humanity. Hence, our diets and the ways we treat animals should be put squarely on religious agendas, not as a concession or favor to PETA, but because our religious teachings demand it and global sustainability requires it.

To visit read more about Dr. Schwartz, click below:
  • Jewishveg.com

  • To read the original PETA piece, click below:
  • PETA

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  • 1 comment:

    Anonymous said...

    Great information!