"The Gospel and Animals"
-
Elizabeth
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 11796
- Location: East Coast Australia
-
EmmaLee
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 10890
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
This article (below) is linked to in my post above. This hunting preserve, with LDS missionaries "serving" there, was just getting started in 2000 (please keep in mind, the President of the Church signs ALL mission calls - or his office does, with that auto-pen thing - either way, buck stops at his desk - no pun intended). There was such a back-lash from people about all this (that the Church would have hunting preserves at all, that they would charge such an exorbitant fee that only the uber rich could afford, and that people working there were called as "missionaries"), that the Church became very quiet about the hunting preserves after this article (by the uber LDS Church-friendly Deseret News) - and if you call SLC to try and get any current info about this - you won't get any. Does that mean the Church closed the hunting preserves that were just getting started 15 years ago? I don't know - none of us do. Do all the "well-heeled" folk hunting at these preserves eat all the meat from the animals they kill or donate it to the poor? Don't know - none of us do. It's an interesting article - ya'll should read it. ;)
Tending the flock
By Carrie A. Moore
Deseret News religion editor
Published: Saturday, July 8 2000 12:00 a.m. MDT
Every morning before sunrise, Clair Huff slips into his blue jeans, pulls on his boots, grabs a baseball cap and heads out the door to work with his charges. As a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he's shed the traditional dark suit, white shirt and tie.
ELBERTA, Utah County — Every morning before sunrise, Clair Huff slips into his blue jeans, pulls on his boots, grabs a baseball cap and heads out the door to work with his charges. As a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he's shed the traditional dark suit, white shirt and tie.
His responsibilities don't include teaching people about church doctrine, improving their health or distributing food and clothing to disaster victims.
In fact, he doesn't deal with people much at all. His flock is literally that . . . a continually changing group of feathered friends: pheasants, geese, chukkars, doves and ducks. Instead of knocking on doors, he spends his time bush-whacking in the thick brush along the southwest shores of Utah Lake, looking for the perfect place to nurture his birds by planting numerous stands of corn, rye and other grains.
For more than two years, he and his wife, Beth, have been serving God in a most unusual way.
They operate a private hunting preserve owned by the LDS Church.
"I don't know of any other missionary doing what I'm doing," he says, pointing to a row of several hundred cedar trees he planted as a future wind break on the wind-swept acreage that stretches out in every direction. After spending an entire career as a wildlife biologist, including his latest stint as assistant director of operations for the state Division of Wildlife Resources, Elder Huff seems uniquely qualified for the volunteer job description he's taken on: turn this 11,000-acre piece of desert into a revenue-generating hunting preserve.
To do so, the Huffs left their new home in Draper more than 26 months ago to live full time in an isolated aluminum siding home miles from the nearest human inhabitant near the southwest shore of Utah Lake. Working 18 hour days, particularly during the hunting and planting seasons, is not uncommon for the couple, whose retired peers may have difficulty understanding the attraction of the unrelenting labor.
They've served longer than the traditional two-year missionary stint, but while the church looks for a suitable replacement biologist, the Huffs will stay — at least until November, when the majority of the hunting season is over.
In a way, he says, the two missionaries have become a part of the landscape itself. The only visible sign that sets Elder Huff apart from the few scattered ranchers in the area is the black missionary name tag he wears on the pocket of his plaid work shirt.
He admits he was reluctant to take on such a monumental task at first. "And it's been tough for (his wife), but we're making it work. We don't see many people out here, except during hunting season. Then we run the checking station," where hunters come to gain admittance to the private preserve, and where they must register the number of birds and other wildlife they take when they leave.
With thousands of birds flocking to the property in search of food, particularly during the fall hunting season, hunters stand a prime chance of "harvesting" their limit. But they pay dearly for the privilege.
Only a few pheasant and goose-hunting permits are sold each year, with hunting aficionados paying as much as $1,500 for the opportunity to hunt what is fast becoming an exclusive "club" for "members only." Once a hunter ponies up the cash to secure a permit, he's not only guaranteed a permit for the following year, but his chance to draw the prime target areas on the preserve improve along with his seniority in the exclusive group.
"All of our hunters are from Utah, many of them doctors, dentists and attorneys from Payson north to Ogden, including Park City," Elder Huff said.
The flatlands also provide an additional advantage for the well-heeled hunting crowd — a 2,600-foot landing strip where private aircraft can whisk hunters in and out of the remote preserve, saving them the long and lonely drive.
It is from the air that hunters can best see the vastness of the acreage they will explore, set amid additional thousands of acres of LDS Church farmland that stretches to the horizon on the south and west. Creating the type of habitat that will sustain a vibrant wildlife population alongside a huge agricultural operation would traditionally mean a clash between individual farmer and rancher. But because the church owns both operations, employees are working together to ensure that both the farms and the game preserve co-exist in a way that benefits everyone, Elder Huff said.
For example, runoff from the farm's irrigation operation is directed toward the game preserve, boosting the growth of both native plant life and more than 600 acres of dry-farm grain scattered throughout the property. Large holding tanks that are no longer used for farming now provide high-profile watering holes throughout the game preserve, attracting not only birds but rabbits, coyotes, deer and even antelope.
While the focus is on pheasant and other bird hunting, permit holders may also take limited amounts of other wildlife on the preserve during the appropriate season, Elder Huff said.
As noxious weeds and brush are controlled and scattered grains are introduced, the wildlife population on the preserve will continue to grow, boosting the number of hunting permits that can be issued to "harvest" the wildlife.
"Just like the farm derives revenue from harvesting crops, the preserve is designed to produce revenue when hunters harvest the wildlife here," Elder Huff said.
He realizes the concept isn't popular with everyone — particularly when the cost of hunting on the preserve is prohibitive for all but the most well-to-do.
"Hunting and guns are a big issue, and some people question whether hunting should even happen at all," Elder Huff acknowledged. "But the fact is, there are between 14 and 18 million hunters in America, and many more than that number that own guns. This is recreation for a lot of people. Some enjoy this as much as others enjoy camping in the mountains."
Consequently, there is a ready market "for the kind of hunting experience we provide here." Church land managers see it as a legitimate way to make thousands of acres of land productive that would otherwise lie fallow for lack of water, he said.
The preserve, known as Westlake Farm Commercial Hunting Area, is managed by the LDS Church's Farm Management Co., the same group that operates the adjacent farming operations and grain silos. The for-profit farming and ranching company is overseen by the church's Presiding Bishopric.
The church owns thousands of acres of farm and ranch land throughout the West, including the Deseret Land and Livestock Co., a private big-game hunting preserve scattered over 200,000 acres in northern Utah. Hunters from around the country vie for a limited number of elk and moose permits there that cost as much as $8,500 each.
Complete with a formal hunting lodge for housing and meals, the hunts are guided by a local outfitter. And while there's no guarantee that a hunter's bullet will find its mark, hunting on the preserve is so popular, there's a six-year waiting list to buy a permit.
Elder Huff is optimistic that the operation will turn a profit for the first time this year.
"This is a very viable habitat, and if they continue to invest the profits back in and find an innovative manager to run it, there's the potential to boost the number of permits we issue up to a maximum of about 250 someday."
And as the habitat, and consequently, the number and variety of wildlife improves, the price of the permits would logically go up as well, he said.
"Imagine if we got to the point that we could boost the price (of each permit) to $2,000 or $2,500. Times that by 250, and it doesn't take a lot to understand that this could be a very profitable operation."
Tending the flock
By Carrie A. Moore
Deseret News religion editor
Published: Saturday, July 8 2000 12:00 a.m. MDT
Every morning before sunrise, Clair Huff slips into his blue jeans, pulls on his boots, grabs a baseball cap and heads out the door to work with his charges. As a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he's shed the traditional dark suit, white shirt and tie.
ELBERTA, Utah County — Every morning before sunrise, Clair Huff slips into his blue jeans, pulls on his boots, grabs a baseball cap and heads out the door to work with his charges. As a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he's shed the traditional dark suit, white shirt and tie.
His responsibilities don't include teaching people about church doctrine, improving their health or distributing food and clothing to disaster victims.
In fact, he doesn't deal with people much at all. His flock is literally that . . . a continually changing group of feathered friends: pheasants, geese, chukkars, doves and ducks. Instead of knocking on doors, he spends his time bush-whacking in the thick brush along the southwest shores of Utah Lake, looking for the perfect place to nurture his birds by planting numerous stands of corn, rye and other grains.
For more than two years, he and his wife, Beth, have been serving God in a most unusual way.
They operate a private hunting preserve owned by the LDS Church.
"I don't know of any other missionary doing what I'm doing," he says, pointing to a row of several hundred cedar trees he planted as a future wind break on the wind-swept acreage that stretches out in every direction. After spending an entire career as a wildlife biologist, including his latest stint as assistant director of operations for the state Division of Wildlife Resources, Elder Huff seems uniquely qualified for the volunteer job description he's taken on: turn this 11,000-acre piece of desert into a revenue-generating hunting preserve.
To do so, the Huffs left their new home in Draper more than 26 months ago to live full time in an isolated aluminum siding home miles from the nearest human inhabitant near the southwest shore of Utah Lake. Working 18 hour days, particularly during the hunting and planting seasons, is not uncommon for the couple, whose retired peers may have difficulty understanding the attraction of the unrelenting labor.
They've served longer than the traditional two-year missionary stint, but while the church looks for a suitable replacement biologist, the Huffs will stay — at least until November, when the majority of the hunting season is over.
In a way, he says, the two missionaries have become a part of the landscape itself. The only visible sign that sets Elder Huff apart from the few scattered ranchers in the area is the black missionary name tag he wears on the pocket of his plaid work shirt.
He admits he was reluctant to take on such a monumental task at first. "And it's been tough for (his wife), but we're making it work. We don't see many people out here, except during hunting season. Then we run the checking station," where hunters come to gain admittance to the private preserve, and where they must register the number of birds and other wildlife they take when they leave.
With thousands of birds flocking to the property in search of food, particularly during the fall hunting season, hunters stand a prime chance of "harvesting" their limit. But they pay dearly for the privilege.
Only a few pheasant and goose-hunting permits are sold each year, with hunting aficionados paying as much as $1,500 for the opportunity to hunt what is fast becoming an exclusive "club" for "members only." Once a hunter ponies up the cash to secure a permit, he's not only guaranteed a permit for the following year, but his chance to draw the prime target areas on the preserve improve along with his seniority in the exclusive group.
"All of our hunters are from Utah, many of them doctors, dentists and attorneys from Payson north to Ogden, including Park City," Elder Huff said.
The flatlands also provide an additional advantage for the well-heeled hunting crowd — a 2,600-foot landing strip where private aircraft can whisk hunters in and out of the remote preserve, saving them the long and lonely drive.
It is from the air that hunters can best see the vastness of the acreage they will explore, set amid additional thousands of acres of LDS Church farmland that stretches to the horizon on the south and west. Creating the type of habitat that will sustain a vibrant wildlife population alongside a huge agricultural operation would traditionally mean a clash between individual farmer and rancher. But because the church owns both operations, employees are working together to ensure that both the farms and the game preserve co-exist in a way that benefits everyone, Elder Huff said.
For example, runoff from the farm's irrigation operation is directed toward the game preserve, boosting the growth of both native plant life and more than 600 acres of dry-farm grain scattered throughout the property. Large holding tanks that are no longer used for farming now provide high-profile watering holes throughout the game preserve, attracting not only birds but rabbits, coyotes, deer and even antelope.
While the focus is on pheasant and other bird hunting, permit holders may also take limited amounts of other wildlife on the preserve during the appropriate season, Elder Huff said.
As noxious weeds and brush are controlled and scattered grains are introduced, the wildlife population on the preserve will continue to grow, boosting the number of hunting permits that can be issued to "harvest" the wildlife.
"Just like the farm derives revenue from harvesting crops, the preserve is designed to produce revenue when hunters harvest the wildlife here," Elder Huff said.
He realizes the concept isn't popular with everyone — particularly when the cost of hunting on the preserve is prohibitive for all but the most well-to-do.
"Hunting and guns are a big issue, and some people question whether hunting should even happen at all," Elder Huff acknowledged. "But the fact is, there are between 14 and 18 million hunters in America, and many more than that number that own guns. This is recreation for a lot of people. Some enjoy this as much as others enjoy camping in the mountains."
Consequently, there is a ready market "for the kind of hunting experience we provide here." Church land managers see it as a legitimate way to make thousands of acres of land productive that would otherwise lie fallow for lack of water, he said.
The preserve, known as Westlake Farm Commercial Hunting Area, is managed by the LDS Church's Farm Management Co., the same group that operates the adjacent farming operations and grain silos. The for-profit farming and ranching company is overseen by the church's Presiding Bishopric.
The church owns thousands of acres of farm and ranch land throughout the West, including the Deseret Land and Livestock Co., a private big-game hunting preserve scattered over 200,000 acres in northern Utah. Hunters from around the country vie for a limited number of elk and moose permits there that cost as much as $8,500 each.
Complete with a formal hunting lodge for housing and meals, the hunts are guided by a local outfitter. And while there's no guarantee that a hunter's bullet will find its mark, hunting on the preserve is so popular, there's a six-year waiting list to buy a permit.
Elder Huff is optimistic that the operation will turn a profit for the first time this year.
"This is a very viable habitat, and if they continue to invest the profits back in and find an innovative manager to run it, there's the potential to boost the number of permits we issue up to a maximum of about 250 someday."
And as the habitat, and consequently, the number and variety of wildlife improves, the price of the permits would logically go up as well, he said.
"Imagine if we got to the point that we could boost the price (of each permit) to $2,000 or $2,500. Times that by 250, and it doesn't take a lot to understand that this could be a very profitable operation."
-
Elizabeth
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 11796
- Location: East Coast Australia
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
Well, it does seem the ideal safe place for when such is needed. I always thought of Manti as being the refuge, but maybe Church headquarters will move here instead. Any fault lines?
-
passionflower
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 1026
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
I can see why Elizabeth is confused.
If I can track this guy down, I'll show this to him, and see what he says. Might be interesting.
I am so glad I don't have a husband who does this. Someone else in the family does taxidermy. He doesn't hunt either, and he says if you know these hunters he does work for, you can see what an addiction it is. In his opinion, it's like these guys put hunting ahead of everything else and don't care what it costs them ( which is like an addiction ). The thrill of the hunt isn't just a hobby, but something they can't live without doing. He has felt sorry for the wives of these guys who go without so they can buy hunting stuff.
I lived in the Uintah Basin for a while, 10 minutes from the High Uintah wilderness trails, and hunting is huge there. If you told these guys up there they couldn't go hunting, they would leave the church, I'm serious! Which shows, TR, at least to me, that something about this isn't a normal. I knew a doctor up there who lived, and I do mean LIVED, to hunt. He would go all over the world, to do it, and had trophies and bear skin rugs all over his house. His wife didn't like it, but he was inordinately attached to this. He bought an airplane and built a hangar on his property, just to go hunting in Alaska.
I would say that something here was consuming too much of his life, wouldn't you?
Alma was right when he said to "Bridle all your passions". When a huge group of men go out of control at a Priesthood meeting on this subject, ( and I was there to see it ) I would say a passion was out of control.
And you gotta know, TR, that hunting has always been a sport for the upper class down through history. I was just reading where in England during the MIddle Ages, a hungry peasant caught killing a deer for food could get the death penalty ( because he was interfering with the King's sport ). Crazy, isn't it?
Now if a woman had a hobby like this, that consumed as much money and time as hunting does, we'd all be hearing about it, wouldn't we?
I'm all for men learning how to hunt. Hunting and fishing skills can be a life saving part of self reliance ( like that guy from Ohio said ).
It wasn't my intention to bring up information that would cause critical feelings towards the church. Just for information and discussion purposes, not to bring out a huge reaction.
IMO animal husbandry is more noble. How many Priesthood holding farmers would go crazy if the church told them to stop raising animals, theoretically speaking? ,
If I can track this guy down, I'll show this to him, and see what he says. Might be interesting.
I am so glad I don't have a husband who does this. Someone else in the family does taxidermy. He doesn't hunt either, and he says if you know these hunters he does work for, you can see what an addiction it is. In his opinion, it's like these guys put hunting ahead of everything else and don't care what it costs them ( which is like an addiction ). The thrill of the hunt isn't just a hobby, but something they can't live without doing. He has felt sorry for the wives of these guys who go without so they can buy hunting stuff.
I lived in the Uintah Basin for a while, 10 minutes from the High Uintah wilderness trails, and hunting is huge there. If you told these guys up there they couldn't go hunting, they would leave the church, I'm serious! Which shows, TR, at least to me, that something about this isn't a normal. I knew a doctor up there who lived, and I do mean LIVED, to hunt. He would go all over the world, to do it, and had trophies and bear skin rugs all over his house. His wife didn't like it, but he was inordinately attached to this. He bought an airplane and built a hangar on his property, just to go hunting in Alaska.
I would say that something here was consuming too much of his life, wouldn't you?
Alma was right when he said to "Bridle all your passions". When a huge group of men go out of control at a Priesthood meeting on this subject, ( and I was there to see it ) I would say a passion was out of control.
And you gotta know, TR, that hunting has always been a sport for the upper class down through history. I was just reading where in England during the MIddle Ages, a hungry peasant caught killing a deer for food could get the death penalty ( because he was interfering with the King's sport ). Crazy, isn't it?
Now if a woman had a hobby like this, that consumed as much money and time as hunting does, we'd all be hearing about it, wouldn't we?
I'm all for men learning how to hunt. Hunting and fishing skills can be a life saving part of self reliance ( like that guy from Ohio said ).
It wasn't my intention to bring up information that would cause critical feelings towards the church. Just for information and discussion purposes, not to bring out a huge reaction.
IMO animal husbandry is more noble. How many Priesthood holding farmers would go crazy if the church told them to stop raising animals, theoretically speaking? ,
-
EmmaLee
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 10890
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
passionflower wrote:I lived in the Uintah Basin for a while, 10 minutes from the High Uintah wilderness trails, and hunting is huge there. If you told these guys up there they couldn't go hunting, they would leave the church, I'm serious! Which shows, TR, at least to me, that something about this isn't a normal. I knew a doctor up there who lived, and I do mean LIVED, to hunt. He would go all over the world, to do it, and had trophies and bear skin rugs all over his house. His wife didn't like it, but he was inordinately attached to this. He bought an airplane and built a hangar on his property, just to go hunting in Alaska.
I would say that something here was consuming too much of his life, wouldn't you? Yes, very sad, in so many respects.
And you gotta know, TR, that hunting has always been a sport for the upper class down through history. I was just reading where in England during the MIddle Ages, a hungry peasant caught killing a deer for food could get the death penalty ( because he was interfering with the King's sport ). Crazy, isn't it? Yep, very true, and crazy, indeed.
Now if a woman had a hobby like this, that consumed as much money and time as hunting does, we'd all be hearing about it, wouldn't we? I have a few women friends who would fit all these categories with shopping. Seems like a sickness - almost like they're possessed.
I'm all for men learning how to hunt. Hunting and fishing skills can be a life saving part of self reliance ( like that guy from Ohio said ). Agreed!
It wasn't my intention to bring up information that would cause critical feelings towards the church. Just for information and discussion purposes, not to bring out a huge reaction. Truth is always good - the Lord isn't afraid of truth. We all have need to repent and apply the Savior's atonement.
IMO animal husbandry is more noble. How many Priesthood holding farmers would go crazy if the church told them to stop raising animals, theoretically speaking? Agree again. True conservationism, animal husbandry, Christ-like stewardship over the earth and the creatures on it - good stuff.
-
David13
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 7081
- Location: Utah
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
There was a recent law issue (trying to pass a new law) in the state of California, which some of you may know as a wacky, far out, hippie and la la land place.
The issue concerned hunting.
And the ultra liberal, hippie, guru, meditating governor, Jerry Brown made the comment, paraphrasing "in this debate, the question was raised, are hunters conservationists? Let me tell you, hunters are conservationists. In fact, they are the original conservationists and have done more for conservation than any other group."
You see things are not always black and white.
The wow is not a commandment.
And hunting has long been based on a balance of interests, and a need, what becomes a demand to manage the game (animals).
Above, I mentioned the problem that deer are causing throughout the USA. Not all of you are aware of it, but there are quite a few homeowners and car drivers, motorcycle riders and truckers that have been impacted by a total lack of proper deer management.
Car drivers, motorcyclists, and truckers have been killed and seriously injured.
As the population grows, and spreads into former forest and other animal habitat areas, conflict begins to arise such as having your baby in your yard, and having coyotes, bears, miscellaneous giant cats, and other animals out there as well.
The general idea is that the people come first; you all have children. It isn't as tho' any of you think the population should not be growing.
Well, those people need places to live. And that means the wild game has to move out.
If anything, we need more hunting, not less.
dc
The issue concerned hunting.
And the ultra liberal, hippie, guru, meditating governor, Jerry Brown made the comment, paraphrasing "in this debate, the question was raised, are hunters conservationists? Let me tell you, hunters are conservationists. In fact, they are the original conservationists and have done more for conservation than any other group."
You see things are not always black and white.
The wow is not a commandment.
And hunting has long been based on a balance of interests, and a need, what becomes a demand to manage the game (animals).
Above, I mentioned the problem that deer are causing throughout the USA. Not all of you are aware of it, but there are quite a few homeowners and car drivers, motorcycle riders and truckers that have been impacted by a total lack of proper deer management.
Car drivers, motorcyclists, and truckers have been killed and seriously injured.
As the population grows, and spreads into former forest and other animal habitat areas, conflict begins to arise such as having your baby in your yard, and having coyotes, bears, miscellaneous giant cats, and other animals out there as well.
The general idea is that the people come first; you all have children. It isn't as tho' any of you think the population should not be growing.
Well, those people need places to live. And that means the wild game has to move out.
If anything, we need more hunting, not less.
dc
-
Matchmaker
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 2266
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
I don't like to see animals suffer, and I don't think I could ever personally kill one, but sometimes a clean shot by a hunter to a mature deer is more humane than letting the deer population explode and watch them die a slow death from starvation or torn apart by a pack of coyotes or wild dogs.
-
Nebguy
- captain of 50
- Posts: 88
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
I don't know what my dogs think. I have two cattle dogs that are probably smarter than I am and one American Bulldog who'll probably forget to breath one day.
-
deep water
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 2056
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
I do not think it is much of a sin to kill and eat animals. But I do believe eating animals will darken the mind. We live in a darkened mind assembly, much unlike the near future millennium. The book of Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
3 Nephi 28:22
22 And twice were they cast into a den of wild beasts; and behold they did play with the beasts as a child with a suckling lamb, and received no harm.
Danial ate pulse for the the very reason that he did not want his mind darkened.
Up until Christ came there was animal sacrifice, and the meat of the sacrificed animal was eaten. However in Christ that law was fulfilled. We could look at the eating of meat as a type and shadow for our spiritual accent.
Isaiah 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.
Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
The fact that at every ward dinner, or priesthood supper, meat is generally the enticing treat offered to entice people to come, must be looked upon with udder disgust, by the Lord. We think and believe we are the Lords Church. We believe we make up his holy Mountain. We believe we are the light that shines upon the mountain top. But in truth we flaunt our sin in his face in everything we do. Christ rejected us in 1832 and we have never turned around (repented) and sought him. This is collectively not individually. Just as under the Law of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Jonah, Amos, Lehi, ect, ect rose up, so will Prophets raise up from under this condemnation pronounced upon this assembly of people called the LDS Church. It will be good to keep an eye open for them.
3 Nephi 28:22
22 And twice were they cast into a den of wild beasts; and behold they did play with the beasts as a child with a suckling lamb, and received no harm.
Danial ate pulse for the the very reason that he did not want his mind darkened.
Up until Christ came there was animal sacrifice, and the meat of the sacrificed animal was eaten. However in Christ that law was fulfilled. We could look at the eating of meat as a type and shadow for our spiritual accent.
Isaiah 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.
Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
The fact that at every ward dinner, or priesthood supper, meat is generally the enticing treat offered to entice people to come, must be looked upon with udder disgust, by the Lord. We think and believe we are the Lords Church. We believe we make up his holy Mountain. We believe we are the light that shines upon the mountain top. But in truth we flaunt our sin in his face in everything we do. Christ rejected us in 1832 and we have never turned around (repented) and sought him. This is collectively not individually. Just as under the Law of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Jonah, Amos, Lehi, ect, ect rose up, so will Prophets raise up from under this condemnation pronounced upon this assembly of people called the LDS Church. It will be good to keep an eye open for them.
-
BTH&T
- captain of 100
- Posts: 906
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
A lot of memories here, The talk was Oct1998 Listen for yourself
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ ... e?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The talk was not about the Word of Wisdom, it was about killing animals that we were not eating, killing for sport!
This cut me to the core because the previous Saturday I went rabbit hunting with friends For Sport, we killed many and just left them there.
The following Saturday I reported to the Mission Home to serve, I had much repenting then, even talked to a GA about it.
Hunting is not evil, killing needlessly IS!
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ ... e?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The talk was not about the Word of Wisdom, it was about killing animals that we were not eating, killing for sport!
This cut me to the core because the previous Saturday I went rabbit hunting with friends For Sport, we killed many and just left them there.
The following Saturday I reported to the Mission Home to serve, I had much repenting then, even talked to a GA about it.
Hunting is not evil, killing needlessly IS!
passionflower wrote:A while back someone asked proof that a modern Prophet ever spoke about meat consumption. No one came forward, they just kept quoting D&C 89 over and over again.
Well, a modern prophet DID expound on meat eating mentioned in this section. That prophet being President Spencer W. Kimball in about 1976(?), wherein he spoke to a general Priesthood Meeting at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Previously he had done one for the youth of the church. I think a women's meeting was held a few years later.
I have tried to find a transcript of this priesthood meeting online, but I could not find it.
Now, I wasn't in this meeting, so I can't say I'm not an "ear" witness, But with the way those men were acting, this HAD to be what Pres Kimball said! My own son in law is from a family of five boys, with a real hunting traditions, and he didn't believe this story. He was so mad about it, he went to look it up online(to prove me wrong). Now he won't go hunting with them anymore.
Raising meat and eggs to consume or sell ( or make clothing, etc ) from the flocks and herds you yourself are working with it not against the WOW. Neither is anything from the grocery store. But going out into the wild and hunting for sport IS, most emphatically. And I have since come to observe it being about as addicting as smoking or coffee drinking, costs too much money, and often is done over Sunday.
You see, raising your own flocks and herds is hard work and requires constant attention and even devotion. It's a big character building responsibility.
But hunting is fun and thrilling. How many men would rather go on a hunting trip than stay home feeding the pigs day after day? Fathers and sons can learn a lot of life lessons from raising their own animals to consume or sell.
Last edited by BTH&T on August 7th, 2015, 2:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
freedomforall
- Gnolaum ∞
- Posts: 16479
- Location: WEST OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
Why not merely gather them up from along side a highway if having been struck by a car and take them to a local Roadkill Grill? Isn't this a win-win situation?Matchmaker wrote:I don't like to see animals suffer, and I don't think I could ever personally kill one, but sometimes a clean shot by a hunter to a mature deer is more humane than letting the deer population explode and watch them die a slow death from starvation or torn apart by a pack of coyotes or wild dogs.
-
brlenox
- A sheep in wolf in sheep's clothing
- Posts: 2615
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
If you can find a source for this it would be appreciated.Matchmaker wrote:Animals have souls. I can't quote the exact words but Brigham Young said animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.) lost their voices during the fall and will regain their voices when resurrected as they will eventually testify for and against man. By the time the millenium comes no one will need to eat any more meat.
-
freedomforall
- Gnolaum ∞
- Posts: 16479
- Location: WEST OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
An article from Aug, 1972 Ensign: https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/08/the- ... s?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Gospel and Animals
By Gerald E. Jones
Current ecological concern has raised the question of the status of animal life in the universe. The treatment of animals by man has ranged from worship to cruelty. What is the will of our Heavenly Father in regard to animals? The prophets, past and present, have said much that is relevant on this subject.
When animals were placed upon the earth, our Heavenly Father said that it was good. (See Gen. 1:25.) Since the creation of the earth, man has been given dominion over the animals. The seriousness of this charge is indicated in Joseph Smith’s inspired revision of Genesis:
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. … And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST, Gen. 9:9–11.)
That animals are to be treated with kindness is indicated in the law of Moses. The Lord enjoined the Israelites to show kindness to the ox by not muzzling it when it was treading the corn during the harvest threshing. (Deut. 25:4.) Undue strain on unequally yoked animals was forbidden as well. (Deut. 22:10.) The ancient Israelites were also to avoid destroying birds’ nests while working in their fields. (Deut. 22:6–7.)
The Lord instructed the Hebrews to help the overburdened animal, even if it belonged to an enemy. (Ex. 23:4–5.) Even animals were to be spared labor on the Sabbath. (Ex. 20:10.) A proverb observed that “a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Prov. 12:10.)
The prophet Isaiah revealed that during the millennial reign, cruelty to all living creatures would be abolished:
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
“And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
“And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.
“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:6–9.)
The Lord further explained to Hosea concerning the millennial state of animals: “And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.” (Hosea 2:18.)
Again the Lord’s concern for animal life is revealed in Luke 12:6, where he states that of the sparrows that are sold, “not one of them is forgotten before God.” The first reference to animal life in latter-day scripture is in the Doctrine and Covenants. In March 1831, it was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that though vegetarianism was not to be enforced as a doctrine for mankind, men were still responsible for their killing of animals.
“And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God;
“For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.
“And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.” (D&C 49:18–19, 21.)
While revising the Bible, the Prophet desired further understanding concerning the four beasts mentioned in Revelation 4:6 [Rev. 4:6]. Section 77 of the Doctrine and Covenants contained the response from the Lord. The answer revealed that “heaven, the paradise of God,” contained beasts, creeping things, and fowls of the air, and “every other creature which God has created.” (D&C 77:2.)
The exact status of animals in the resurrected state is unknown except as revealed in verse four, where they are credited with being “full of knowledge” and having “power to move, to act, etc.” [D&C 77:4]
During the Zion’s Camp expedition in the summer of 1834, an incident occurred that allowed a practical application of concern for animal life. As related by the Prophet Joseph Smith in his history:
“In pitching my tent we found three massasaugas or prairie rattlesnakes, which the brethren were about to kill, but I said, ‘Let them alone—don’t hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it? Men must become harmless, before the brute creation; and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety.’ The brethren took the serpents carefully on sticks and carried them across the creek. I exhorted the brethren not to kill a serpent, bird, or an animal of any kind during our journey unless it became necessary in order to preserve ourselves from hunger.” (Documentary History of the Church, vol. 2, pp. 71–72.)
That the brethren implemented the Prophet’s teachings is indicated in two events that occurred about a month later on the trip: “As Hyrum Stratton and his companion were taking up their blankets this morning, they discovered two prairie rattlesnakes quietly sleeping under them, which they carefully carried out of the camp.”
And again, “While the brethren were making their beds in Captain Brigham Young’s tent, one of them discovered a very musical rattlesnake which they were about to kill. Captain Young told them not to hurt him but carry him out of the tent, whereupon Brother Carpenter took him in his hands, carried him beyond all danger, and left him to enjoy his liberty, telling him not to return.” (DHC, vol. 2, pp. 101–102.)
Further explaining John’s vision in the book of Revelation and the place of animals in the afterlife, the Prophet Joseph explained that John probably saw beings in heaven of a “thousand forms” that were “strange beasts of which we have no conception,” and that all animals “might be seen in heaven.” He also stated: “John learned that God glorified Himself by saving all that His hands had made, whether beasts, fowls, fishes, or men. …” (DHC, vol. 5, p. 343.)
He further taught the resurrection of animals:
“Says one, ‘I cannot believe in the salvation of beasts.’ Any man who would tell you this could not be, would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beast giving glory to God, and understood them. God who made the beasts could understand every language spoken by them. The beasts were four of the most noble animals that filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect. They were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from, and I do not know; but they were seen and heard by John praising and glorifying God.” (DHC, vol. 5, pp. 343–44.)
Brigham Young also showed concern for animals. For example, in a sermon preached in Salt Lake’s old Tabernacle, he said, “Let the people be holy, and the earth under their feet will be holy. Let the people be holy, and filled with the Spirit of God, and every animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace. … The more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute creation will vanish away.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 203.)
President Young also warned that the Latter-day Saints would “never inherit the Celestial Kingdom” until they learned to take proper care of the things on this earth entrusted to them by the Lord. Specifically referring to livestock, he said the people should “take care of their cattle and horses” and the man who did not do it would “lay himself liable to censure in the eyes of justice.” (JD, vol. 11, p. 141.)
George Q. Cannon, a counselor in the First Presidency under Brigham Young, probably wrote more concerning the humane treatment of animals than any other Latter-day Saint. As editor of the Juvenile Instructor, he began in 1868 writing editorials advocating kindness to animals. In 1897 he announced the inauguration of the Sunday School-sponsored Humane Day, to be commemorated during the month of February. This program continued in the Church for the next twenty years.
President Lorenzo Snow related in his journal the change of heart he had concerning hunting shortly after his baptism: “While moving slowly forward in pursuit of something to kill, my mind was arrested with the reflection on the nature of my pursuit—that of amusing myself by giving pain and death to harmless, innocent creatures that perhaps had as much right to life and enjoyment as myself. I realized that such indulgence was without any justification, and feeling condemned, I laid my gun on my shoulder, returned home, and from that time to this have felt no inclination for that murderous amusement.”
President Joseph F. Smith, who succeeded George Q. Cannon as editor of the Juvenile Instructor, expanded the emphasis on Humane Day. In February 1912 in a two-page editorial entitled “Kindness to Animals,” he wrote:
“Kindness to the whole animal creation and especially to all domestic animals is not only a virtue that should be developed, but is the absolute duty of mankind. … It is an unrighteous thing to treat any creature cruelly. … It will be a blessed day when mankind shall accept and abide by the Christ-like sentiment expressed by one of the poets in the following words: ‘Take not away the life you cannot give, For all things have an equal right to live.’”
An editorial published in the Juvenile Instructor in April 1918 was considered of such significance that it was repeated in April 1927. It stated:
“What is it to be humane to the beasts of the fields and birds of the air? It is more than to be considerate of the animal life entrusted to our care. It is a grateful appreciation of God’s creations. It is the lesson of divine love. To Him all life is a sacred creation for the use of His children. Do we stand beside Him in our tender regard for life?
“Our sense of appreciation should be quickened by a desire to understand divine purposes, and to keep the balance of animal life adjusted to the needs of creation. Man in his wanton disregard of a sacred duty has been reckless of life. He has destroyed it with an indifference to the evil results it would entail upon the earth. Birds have been uselessly slaughtered, and pests have sprung up as a consequence to plague the people of the world. Animals in the providence of the creation have been intended as a prey upon one another. They preserve a safe balance for the benefit of man.
“… The unnecessary destruction of life is a distinct spiritual loss to the human family. Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.
“The wanton destruction of life reacts upon the human family. There is something in the law of compensation which makes criminals injure and destroy life. Men who are unsympathetic toward the life of domestic animals entrusted to them usually receive the reward of their cruelty by the dumb animals which they maltreat. Love begets love in all creation, and nature responds bounteously to the tender treatment of man.
“… Nature helps us to see and understand God. To all His creations we owe an allegiance of service and a profound admiration. Man should be kind to the animals which serve him both directly and indirectly. An angry word or a brutal blow wounds the heart from which it comes. Love of nature is akin to the love of God; the two are inseparable.”
As President of the Church, David O. McKay spoke several times in general conferences of kindness to animals. In October 1951 he commented that “a true Latter-day Saint is kind to animals, is kind to every created thing, for God created all.”
The tenth President of the Church, Joseph Fielding Smith, has also expressed concern for animal welfare. In 1928, as an apostle, he stated in a general conference of the Church: “So we see that the Lord intends to save, not only the earth and the heavens, not only man who dwells upon the earth, but all things which he has created. The animals, the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, as well as man, are to be recreated, or renewed, through the resurrection, for they too are living souls.” (Conference Report, October 1928, p. 100.)
The prophets have been consistent in reminding men of their duty to the animal world. As the Lord told Noah, “… the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST, Gen. 9:11.) It is our sacred stewardship to care for the earth and all the creatures on it.
Dr. Jones is director of the institute of religion at Berkeley, California, and has taught seminary for fifteen years. He teaches Sunday School in Pleasant Hill Ward, Walnut Creek (California) Stake.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/08/the- ... s?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Gospel and Animals
By Gerald E. Jones
Current ecological concern has raised the question of the status of animal life in the universe. The treatment of animals by man has ranged from worship to cruelty. What is the will of our Heavenly Father in regard to animals? The prophets, past and present, have said much that is relevant on this subject.
When animals were placed upon the earth, our Heavenly Father said that it was good. (See Gen. 1:25.) Since the creation of the earth, man has been given dominion over the animals. The seriousness of this charge is indicated in Joseph Smith’s inspired revision of Genesis:
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. … And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST, Gen. 9:9–11.)
That animals are to be treated with kindness is indicated in the law of Moses. The Lord enjoined the Israelites to show kindness to the ox by not muzzling it when it was treading the corn during the harvest threshing. (Deut. 25:4.) Undue strain on unequally yoked animals was forbidden as well. (Deut. 22:10.) The ancient Israelites were also to avoid destroying birds’ nests while working in their fields. (Deut. 22:6–7.)
The Lord instructed the Hebrews to help the overburdened animal, even if it belonged to an enemy. (Ex. 23:4–5.) Even animals were to be spared labor on the Sabbath. (Ex. 20:10.) A proverb observed that “a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Prov. 12:10.)
The prophet Isaiah revealed that during the millennial reign, cruelty to all living creatures would be abolished:
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
“And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
“And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.
“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:6–9.)
The Lord further explained to Hosea concerning the millennial state of animals: “And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.” (Hosea 2:18.)
Again the Lord’s concern for animal life is revealed in Luke 12:6, where he states that of the sparrows that are sold, “not one of them is forgotten before God.” The first reference to animal life in latter-day scripture is in the Doctrine and Covenants. In March 1831, it was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that though vegetarianism was not to be enforced as a doctrine for mankind, men were still responsible for their killing of animals.
“And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God;
“For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.
“And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.” (D&C 49:18–19, 21.)
While revising the Bible, the Prophet desired further understanding concerning the four beasts mentioned in Revelation 4:6 [Rev. 4:6]. Section 77 of the Doctrine and Covenants contained the response from the Lord. The answer revealed that “heaven, the paradise of God,” contained beasts, creeping things, and fowls of the air, and “every other creature which God has created.” (D&C 77:2.)
The exact status of animals in the resurrected state is unknown except as revealed in verse four, where they are credited with being “full of knowledge” and having “power to move, to act, etc.” [D&C 77:4]
During the Zion’s Camp expedition in the summer of 1834, an incident occurred that allowed a practical application of concern for animal life. As related by the Prophet Joseph Smith in his history:
“In pitching my tent we found three massasaugas or prairie rattlesnakes, which the brethren were about to kill, but I said, ‘Let them alone—don’t hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it? Men must become harmless, before the brute creation; and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety.’ The brethren took the serpents carefully on sticks and carried them across the creek. I exhorted the brethren not to kill a serpent, bird, or an animal of any kind during our journey unless it became necessary in order to preserve ourselves from hunger.” (Documentary History of the Church, vol. 2, pp. 71–72.)
That the brethren implemented the Prophet’s teachings is indicated in two events that occurred about a month later on the trip: “As Hyrum Stratton and his companion were taking up their blankets this morning, they discovered two prairie rattlesnakes quietly sleeping under them, which they carefully carried out of the camp.”
And again, “While the brethren were making their beds in Captain Brigham Young’s tent, one of them discovered a very musical rattlesnake which they were about to kill. Captain Young told them not to hurt him but carry him out of the tent, whereupon Brother Carpenter took him in his hands, carried him beyond all danger, and left him to enjoy his liberty, telling him not to return.” (DHC, vol. 2, pp. 101–102.)
Further explaining John’s vision in the book of Revelation and the place of animals in the afterlife, the Prophet Joseph explained that John probably saw beings in heaven of a “thousand forms” that were “strange beasts of which we have no conception,” and that all animals “might be seen in heaven.” He also stated: “John learned that God glorified Himself by saving all that His hands had made, whether beasts, fowls, fishes, or men. …” (DHC, vol. 5, p. 343.)
He further taught the resurrection of animals:
“Says one, ‘I cannot believe in the salvation of beasts.’ Any man who would tell you this could not be, would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beast giving glory to God, and understood them. God who made the beasts could understand every language spoken by them. The beasts were four of the most noble animals that filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect. They were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from, and I do not know; but they were seen and heard by John praising and glorifying God.” (DHC, vol. 5, pp. 343–44.)
Brigham Young also showed concern for animals. For example, in a sermon preached in Salt Lake’s old Tabernacle, he said, “Let the people be holy, and the earth under their feet will be holy. Let the people be holy, and filled with the Spirit of God, and every animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace. … The more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute creation will vanish away.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 203.)
President Young also warned that the Latter-day Saints would “never inherit the Celestial Kingdom” until they learned to take proper care of the things on this earth entrusted to them by the Lord. Specifically referring to livestock, he said the people should “take care of their cattle and horses” and the man who did not do it would “lay himself liable to censure in the eyes of justice.” (JD, vol. 11, p. 141.)
George Q. Cannon, a counselor in the First Presidency under Brigham Young, probably wrote more concerning the humane treatment of animals than any other Latter-day Saint. As editor of the Juvenile Instructor, he began in 1868 writing editorials advocating kindness to animals. In 1897 he announced the inauguration of the Sunday School-sponsored Humane Day, to be commemorated during the month of February. This program continued in the Church for the next twenty years.
President Lorenzo Snow related in his journal the change of heart he had concerning hunting shortly after his baptism: “While moving slowly forward in pursuit of something to kill, my mind was arrested with the reflection on the nature of my pursuit—that of amusing myself by giving pain and death to harmless, innocent creatures that perhaps had as much right to life and enjoyment as myself. I realized that such indulgence was without any justification, and feeling condemned, I laid my gun on my shoulder, returned home, and from that time to this have felt no inclination for that murderous amusement.”
President Joseph F. Smith, who succeeded George Q. Cannon as editor of the Juvenile Instructor, expanded the emphasis on Humane Day. In February 1912 in a two-page editorial entitled “Kindness to Animals,” he wrote:
“Kindness to the whole animal creation and especially to all domestic animals is not only a virtue that should be developed, but is the absolute duty of mankind. … It is an unrighteous thing to treat any creature cruelly. … It will be a blessed day when mankind shall accept and abide by the Christ-like sentiment expressed by one of the poets in the following words: ‘Take not away the life you cannot give, For all things have an equal right to live.’”
An editorial published in the Juvenile Instructor in April 1918 was considered of such significance that it was repeated in April 1927. It stated:
“What is it to be humane to the beasts of the fields and birds of the air? It is more than to be considerate of the animal life entrusted to our care. It is a grateful appreciation of God’s creations. It is the lesson of divine love. To Him all life is a sacred creation for the use of His children. Do we stand beside Him in our tender regard for life?
“Our sense of appreciation should be quickened by a desire to understand divine purposes, and to keep the balance of animal life adjusted to the needs of creation. Man in his wanton disregard of a sacred duty has been reckless of life. He has destroyed it with an indifference to the evil results it would entail upon the earth. Birds have been uselessly slaughtered, and pests have sprung up as a consequence to plague the people of the world. Animals in the providence of the creation have been intended as a prey upon one another. They preserve a safe balance for the benefit of man.
“… The unnecessary destruction of life is a distinct spiritual loss to the human family. Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.
“The wanton destruction of life reacts upon the human family. There is something in the law of compensation which makes criminals injure and destroy life. Men who are unsympathetic toward the life of domestic animals entrusted to them usually receive the reward of their cruelty by the dumb animals which they maltreat. Love begets love in all creation, and nature responds bounteously to the tender treatment of man.
“… Nature helps us to see and understand God. To all His creations we owe an allegiance of service and a profound admiration. Man should be kind to the animals which serve him both directly and indirectly. An angry word or a brutal blow wounds the heart from which it comes. Love of nature is akin to the love of God; the two are inseparable.”
As President of the Church, David O. McKay spoke several times in general conferences of kindness to animals. In October 1951 he commented that “a true Latter-day Saint is kind to animals, is kind to every created thing, for God created all.”
The tenth President of the Church, Joseph Fielding Smith, has also expressed concern for animal welfare. In 1928, as an apostle, he stated in a general conference of the Church: “So we see that the Lord intends to save, not only the earth and the heavens, not only man who dwells upon the earth, but all things which he has created. The animals, the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, as well as man, are to be recreated, or renewed, through the resurrection, for they too are living souls.” (Conference Report, October 1928, p. 100.)
The prophets have been consistent in reminding men of their duty to the animal world. As the Lord told Noah, “… the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST, Gen. 9:11.) It is our sacred stewardship to care for the earth and all the creatures on it.
Dr. Jones is director of the institute of religion at Berkeley, California, and has taught seminary for fifteen years. He teaches Sunday School in Pleasant Hill Ward, Walnut Creek (California) Stake.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/08/the- ... s?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
-
Protector
- captain of 50
- Posts: 79
-
freedomforall
- Gnolaum ∞
- Posts: 16479
- Location: WEST OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
I was thinking that I want a Tyrannosaurus Rex for a pet in heaven. 
- Tyrannosaurus Rex1.jpg (42.96 KiB) Viewed 1601 times
-
Protector
- captain of 50
- Posts: 79
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
Yeah I always wondered where all the dinosaurs will be in the next life.
-
captainfearnot
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 1975
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
(This is not based on any gospel principles as I understand them, just my observation of culture and society and how they evolve and progress.)
It fascinates me how generations come to develop different moral standards.
To describe it in simplistic terms, my grandparents were racists. But somehow my parents figured out that they were wrong, and are not racists themselves.
However, my parents are homophobic. But somehow my siblings and I figured out that they are wrong, and we are not homophobic ourselves.
I've often wondered what bigotry I myself am guilty of, that my children will figure out I am wrong about? What evil, unjust practice seems completely normal and acceptable to my generation, that will be abhorred by future generations?
I think it might have something to do with animals.
It fascinates me how generations come to develop different moral standards.
To describe it in simplistic terms, my grandparents were racists. But somehow my parents figured out that they were wrong, and are not racists themselves.
However, my parents are homophobic. But somehow my siblings and I figured out that they are wrong, and we are not homophobic ourselves.
I've often wondered what bigotry I myself am guilty of, that my children will figure out I am wrong about? What evil, unjust practice seems completely normal and acceptable to my generation, that will be abhorred by future generations?
I think it might have something to do with animals.
-
BTH&T
- captain of 100
- Posts: 906
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
Out of curiosity define "racist", "homophobic".captainfearnot wrote:(This is not based on any gospel principles as I understand them, just my observation of culture and society and how they evolve and progress.)
It fascinates me how generations come to develop different moral standards.
To describe it in simplistic terms, my grandparents were racists. But somehow my parents figured out that they were wrong, and are not racists themselves.
However, my parents are homophobic. But somehow my siblings and I figured out that they are wrong, and we are not homophobic ourselves.
I've often wondered what bigotry I myself am guilty of, that my children will figure out I am wrong about? What evil, unjust practice seems completely normal and acceptable to my generation, that will be abhorred by future generations?
I think it might have something to do with animals.
The reason I ask is because the "world" definitions are not always Gods definitions. Most worldly "Labeling" is created to make some feel bad/wrong for not following "current" ways.
-
EmmaLee
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 10890
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
Butchering living, human babies and selling their body parts for profit? Most people today seem to think this evil, unjust practice is normal and acceptable (our taxes even pay for the murders/murderers). Most likely, future generations living in the Millennium will abhor such things though.What evil, unjust practice seems completely normal and acceptable to my generation, that will be abhorred by future generations?
-
BTH&T
- captain of 100
- Posts: 906
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
SO TRUE!!!!!Tabula Rasa wrote:Butchering living, human babies and selling their body parts for profit? Most people today seem to think this evil, unjust practice is normal and acceptable (our taxes even pay for the murders/murderers). Most likely, future generations living in the Millennium will abhor such things though.What evil, unjust practice seems completely normal and acceptable to my generation, that will be abhorred by future generations?
People of God abhor it now.
-
skmo
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 4495
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
I don't care as much about the jerked chicken as I do bacon. If there's no bacon, it isn't heaven. If heaven doesn't have bacon, they might as well play Justin Bieber all day and night, and have Rosie O'Donnell as the door greeter.Sirocco wrote:What do I eat, I mean it's heaven there'll be jerk chicken in heaven right?
All things with gratitude. I'm not above the concept that my perspectives may change with more of an eternal slant thrown on them, but for today, don't rob me of my bacon. I've already had too much taken away.
-
SmallFarm
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 4643
- Location: Holbrook, Az
- Contact:
Re: "The Gospel and Animals"
We'll go to our reward where we're happiest. ;)skmo wrote:I don't care as much about the jerked chicken as I do bacon. If there's no bacon, it isn't heaven. If heaven doesn't have bacon, they might as well play Justin Bieber all day and night, and have Rosie O'Donnell as the door greeter.Sirocco wrote:What do I eat, I mean it's heaven there'll be jerk chicken in heaven right?
All things with gratitude. I'm not above the concept that my perspectives may change with more of an eternal slant thrown on them, but for today, don't rob me of my bacon. I've already had too much taken away.
-
Elizabeth
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 11796
- Location: East Coast Australia
-
SmallFarm
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 4643
- Location: Holbrook, Az
- Contact:
