Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Exciting news from Tribe of Heart's website:
Screening at Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union Opens Hearts and Minds
Amongst the many breakthroughs that have accompanied the release of Peaceable Kingdom, one of the most significant has been the stunning response to the film by clergyfolk and the members of their faith-based communities, many of whom have not been previously receptive to the idea that the treatment of animals is a legitimate moral and social justice issue. As the results below, from a groundbreaking seminary screening, conclusively demonstrate, there is a transformation of perspective in the works, and Peaceable Kingdom may be instrumental to its unfolding on the widest possible scale.
Seminary Students and Faculty Embrace Peaceable Kingdom
On November 12th, a screening of Peaceable Kingdom was held at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. The GTU is a consortium of nine schools of theology representing the Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions, centers of Jewish, Buddhist, and Orthodox studies, and five research centers and affiliates. The GTU works collaboratively with the University of California, Berkeley, and is the home of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, one of the most comprehensive theological libraries in the US.
The screening of Peaceable Kingdom was organized by Christine Gutleben, a student at the seminary who is interested in opening more dialogue in her school on animal issues, ethics, and spirituality. This event was also attended by TOH Board member JP Novic, who answered audience questions about specific animal advocacy issues. The tabulated results from a survey of 23 GTU students and faculty members hold out the promise of good things to come as the distribution of this film grows wider.
"Has this film changed your perception of farm animals and people who work for their protection?" 83% indicated YES
"Did this film resonate with any of the values of your spiritual/religious/philosophical tradition?" 91% indicated YES
"Would you recommend that other people in your spiritual/religious/philosophical tradition see this film?" 100% indicated YES
Comments from Surveys
"I was a bit skeptical of this, but I never really realized the look of pain and suffering on these animals' faces -- I knew the conditions were never ideal on farms -- but I never realized how barbaric they were. We have to take responsibility for the society around us." (Presbyterian, Age 25)
"It is easy to forget what is happening and that I contribute to it every time I have a burger, an egg, or drink milk. I believe in not only respect for life, but also I worry about what the activities of the people working on the factory farms are doing to them psychologically." (Christian, Age 41)
"I had no idea how animals were treated in food processing. This was not even on my radar screen. I believe that all life -- all of creation is of significance. I feel dedicated to raise other humans' awareness that other beings and creation are not here for our benefit. I think that people are ripe to hear and see this story." (Roman Catholic, Age 54)
"The degree of cruelty is far greater than I imagined. This is quite a contrast to the California Cheese Commercials in which 'happy cows' graze peacefully in green fields. I was struck by the total disregard for God’s living creatures." (Christian, Age 58)
"I would and will recommend this film to religious/spiritual groups, because there is a big disconnect for people of faith between religious beliefs and the care and treatment of farm animals." (Lutheran, Age 41)
"Actually seeing the animals and the conditions to which they are subjected is powerful -- something that statistics just can’t capture." (Catholic, Age 35)
"I see that chickens are treated like products -- the chick scene in particular was incredibly disturbing as was the tornado/factory farming scenes. Roman Catholic is a conflicted denomination regarding animals, but in general there is good social justice and compassion theology that could be raised out of it to reach Roman Catholics better. Christianity, in general, has great stories of animals as sentient, thinking beings. You can’t escape how animals are treated and how we are complicit in it if we eat meat." (Roman Catholic, Age 42)
"If we can have compassion for people, why not animals? I think this movie should be shown on prime-time television -- so that more people are aware of mass farming practices. Knowledge is a virtue, but ignorance should be no excuse." (Orthodox Christian, Age 32)
"Studying animal science at an agricultural university opened my eyes to this world a few years back. I can relate to the older man who studied at Montana State. You separate yourself from it when you’re in it, but seeing it once you are in a different state, or time in your life, changes everything and makes you reevaluate. Food is central to our being -- it brings health and happiness and mental, spiritual well-being. Why or how do you do this with food that comes from a negative start?" (Greek Orthodox, Age 25)
"It means a great deal to see those who are working towards change. I think for many the problem is overwhelming and there is a great need for a message of hope in these times." (Catholic, Age 26)
Action Opportunity: Reaching Out to Members of the Clergy
Consider sharing Peaceable Kingdom with a clergy person in your community, holding a screening at a local place of worship, or introducing the film to students and faculty at a local seminary or university theology program. Those whose responsibilities include teaching others about ethics and morality know that the treatment of animals is on the minds of a great many people in today's society, and are generally interested in learning more about animal issues. Everything they gain from viewing the film will be passed on to so many others during their teaching careers. If you have questions or know of an opportunity for outreach in a faith-based or philosophical context, contact [the email address on Tribe of Heart's site].
