What a Crazy, Mixed-Up World!

By Ronald Bartanen

 

   The longer I live (over 79 years already!) the more crazy and mixed up the world becomes.  It seems day by day new craziness emerges.  Not too long ago I would never have imagined that courts would be considering placing animals on a par with man.  A report I read less than two weeks ago spoke of a lawsuit that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has filed in a San Diego court in behalf of Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka and Ulises, 5 whales they claim are employed at Sea World in violation of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits slavery.  Their concern for constitutional rights is amazing, as we realize these are a part of the same crowd that gives no right even to life for unborn babies, would see a right to homosexual marriage in the 14th Amendment, and not see a right to arms for self defense in the 2nd Amendment.  PETA’s general counsel said, “Slavery does not depend on the species of the slave any more than it depends on race, gender or ethnicity.  Coercion, degradation and subjugation characterize slavery, and those orcas (whales) have endured all three.” In other words, all species are equal to man.

   I’m wondering.  If they’re entitled to the same rights as humans, should they not also be bound by the same laws? Should carnivores, for instance, be prosecuted for murder and cannibalism? And since man is classed among the carnivores, will we be charged with murder if we include meat on our diet? It reminds me of one of the “doctrines of demons” spoken of by Paul: “commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth” (1 Timothy 4:1, 3).

   Don’t get me wrong.  Animals should not be abused.  From a biblical standpoint, man is to be a steward of all of God’s creatures (Gen. 1:26). However, PETA is not coming from a biblical view when they would make an animal’s life of equal value to a human’s.  Such is the result of their not wanting to retain God in their knowledge (Rom. 1:28).  They have sought to make themselves their own god, and evolution the heart of their worldview and creed. 

    Indeed—what a crazy, mixed up world we live in!
- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com