VeganVanguard.com - Q & A for Atheists ________________________________________________________

Q & A for Vegans who are Atheists

: 1. How can you claim Christians are wrong and conversely say that animal rights is correct?; 2. Does religion matter in animal rights?; 3. Should atheists entertain religious fancies to debate the position animal rights?

1. How can you reject claims from Christians that they are right but then claim veganism or animal rights is a correct position, isn’t this hypocritical?

It is not hypocritical because the reasons given for each are markedly different. For the practitioner of Christianity the proof of belief is derived from their faith in the existence of a god. There is no tangible proof that such a metaphysical entity exists as much as they may want to claim otherwise. Such a belief is unfounded, which is not to make an assertion about its validity, but to say that science and logic cannot bear the assertion of a god to the conclusion Christianity does. For most atheists faith is not a reasonable determiner of reality. Because faith allows any number of conclusions to be perceived as true, none of which may be, atheists assert that Christianity cannot be proven on faith and faith alone.

On the obverse, animals have been scientifically proven time and again to be able to recognize pain and be cognizant that the pain they perceive is happening to them. Because we respect these perceptions in humans certain interests are accorded us. The most fundamental of these interests is the interest to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. If humans have an interest in avoiding pain and suffering because they can sense and perceive harm then it follows that animals have this interest as well.

None of the reasoning for the fundamental concept of animal interests is based on faith as it is in Christianity’s belief of a god. Rather it is based on scientific rulings followed by the application of logic. Therefore, someone espousing the animal rights position can claim legitimacy, and simultaneously reject the notion for a belief in the metaphysical.

2. Does religion matter in animal rights?

Overall, much to the chagrin of theists, I would have to say no. Historically Christianity has mirrored humanity rather than shaped it. This retroactive ideology can be seen in a variety of social changes that have occurred throughout history. Women’s rights, civil rights, and contraception are but a few examples of social ethics provoking a change in the tenants of Christianity. When slavery was abolished it wasn’t because of Christianity’s influence. In fact many ministers preached on how slavery was akin to God’s will. When the southern states declared a succession and established a confederacy the two sides went to war. Part of the victor’s terms was to outlaw slavery, a type of economic sanction for the south, thus ensuring that it would not be financially able to succeed from the nation once more. Eventually, as the nation lived without slavery the whole of the population started to view slavery as unethical and cruel. Now, the teachers of Christianity regard slavery in that same light. Once, references of slavery in the Bible were used as a justification for the practices of that era. Now gone are those times and with it the Bible’s justification for such practices. The intent here is not to point out what the Bible says about slavery, but to emphasize that as social ethic changes so do the principles of Christianity’s teachings. This trend can be witnessed in action today in a myriad of areas, not the least of which would be the topic of homosexuality. As we can see today through the onslaught of criticism from Christians, homosexuality has yet to be accepted by Christianity as a whole. Still, there is an undercurrent at play. As society gradually accepts homosexuality, more churches have started to open their doors to people professing this sexual preference.

Animal rights will go very much the same way, only slower, as animals are not able demand change as can humans. Most Christians feel the Bible permits them to perform the kind of treatment towards animals that is rampant in this society. Yet slowly, almost unnoticeably, the concept of animal rights as part of biblical teaching is growing.

Because of the retroactive nature of Christianity’s ideas I feel that religion as it pertains to animal rights is inconsequential. If we change the minds of enough people, then so too will we have changed how animals are regarded within their society and by consequence Christianity as well.

3. Should atheists entertain religious fancies to debate the position animal rights?

This is a good question and I don’t think there can be any unequivocal answer either way. It is important to note that this question also pertains to the adherent of one type of a religion, such as Christianity, that comes across a person of different belief such as a Muslim. For the theist you are approaching it may well be that any reason not involving their own religion may be rejected.

If you choose to try and educate them about animal rights via their belief system make sure you are extremely well versed in their dogma. Otherwise, it is a recipe for failure. Given that there are a vast array of religious systems one may encounter the next suggestion may be of more help.

Usually, I feel it is significant to mention that while their religion may condone such treatment towards animals it does not say that you must act this way towards them. If religion is truly about ending suffering then imagine how much closer one would be to this goal if they ceased partaking in a system that exploits, abuses, and kills other sentient creatures. This approach adds plausibility to your argument without having to delve in to the intricacies of a particular religion.

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Posted/Updated: 7/27/03