From all-creatures.org
and The Mary T. and
Frank L. Hoffman
Family Foundation

Letter From Kelly about God and Animal Cruelty - 10 Jul 2011

Dear Pastor,

As a person who has always believed in Jesus, I have recently had my faith shaken to the core. I hold consistent life beliefs and therefore believe that our killing for convenience is abominable.

When I learned about what animals have been suffering in our labs and in our factory farms, I found it so despicable that I gave a guest sermon in my visiting church about the topic, and informed the congregation about Leaping Bunny and their guide to avoiding animal tested products. I myself turned away from buying tested products because I was so horrified by what I learned in college.

However, I was appalled at how many people who complimented me on my sermon showed no intentions to change their buying habits. In fact, one or two people who had previously been friendly with me seemed to go out of their way to avoid me. I have since learned more about the medical testing of animals, and how many people are involved with it directly and/or indirectly.

How can a Christian be a Christian if he or she does not repent of the sin of animal cruelty? Why are we shocked to find that so many don't "show respect for life" when we learn first to be cruel to animals? And more importantly, how does a Christian who wants to repent truly turn away from it? What can we do to stop it? Are their congregations such ethically-minded people can join? What would be your advice to someone who cannot understand a God who does not have followers that are against cruelty to all creatures?

I don't expect to find all the answers through my inquiry, but I would appreciate any advice you may have to offer. I have been so discouraged lately by humans who don't care and a God that seems to allow meaningless suffering.

Thank you for your assistance,

Reply from Frank and Mary Hoffman

Dear Kelly:

Thank you very much for writing and telling us about your experiences with hard of heart "Christians".

We agree that people cannot be true Christians when they have deliberately hardened their hearts toward the suffering of animals, for we are to love God and the whole of His creation.

Furthermore, we also believe that Jesus is very upset about the ways these people distorted His message of love and compassion.

Your message obviously stuck into their hearts and souls like a spiritual sword. They are not really turning away from you; they are turning away from the truth you presented. Just keep doing everything you can to keep the message before the people. We need to shock their emotions with the truth until they change or there is no longer any hope, which most likely only the Lord knows. So, we just have to continue doing every peaceable thing we can.

Most of all, remember that the hardness you encountered is not from God, but from the devil.

We hope this helps.

Would you like to be on our veg-Christian email discussion list, where you can discuss these things with like-minded people, who well understand the problems in the churches?

In the Love of the Lord,

Frank and Mary

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