Letters to the Editor

Zoos Aren’t Circuses

While I was especially pleased to see an issue devoted to Christian philosophy and historical evangelism against animal cruelty, I feel compelled to take issue with a very small part of “All God’s Creatures” (by Karen Swallow Prior, July 2016). Prior, like many others, conflates zoos and circuses as one in treatment of their animals. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has strict guidelines to protect their charges, and most large zoos are in fact run by extremely successful conservation organizations. At the Bronx Zoo, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, we consider our animals as ambassadors for their wild brethren whose habitat and existence are threatened. Its function is to educate, genetically preserve, and protect (through field research) God’s creation. Its exhibits are designed to keep its occupants healthy and happy.

Candace Breen
Bronx, New York

What about Plants?

In response to July’s cover articles (“All God’s Creatures” and “Beyond Meat” by Charles Camosy), I would say that as long as bioethicists ignore unrestrained growth of the human population, concern for other animals’ well-being is academic nonsense, especially when ignoring plants and other species. Unless humans develop the ability to photosynthesize, our energy needs for survival are going to lead to the destruction of most other species. The book of Genesis was written for a world human population of less than 100 million, not for 7 billion and climbing! We Christians must attend to the energy needs of all species.

Herb Edwards
Macomb, Illinois

Non-Holy Roller

Thanks for the piece in the June 2016 issue titled “Holy Rollers,” by Steve Holt. I appreciated the profile of Rev. Laura Everett and the focus on transport as a means of living our faith. That being said, I’m concerned that Holt may be over-spiritualizing what is fundamentally a pragmatic choice for me and many others. I don’t bike because it is good for the planet or my neighborhood, or because it reminds me of death. I bike because it’s cheap, quick, and fun. To say otherwise gives me unnecessary credit. I’m not sacrificing for God or my neighborhood when I bike; in fact, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Greg Williams
Washington, D.C.

‘Enough’ Means Enough

I found Rev. Rob Schenck’s article “Should Christians Own Guns?” (May 2016) upsetting, particularly his misinterpretation of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. When Jesus responds “Enough!” to the disciple who says they have two swords, he is most certainly not implying that two swords would be “enough to do the job,” but that his followers have said enough in their temptations to use force. It is impossible to come to Schenck’s conclusion, since a short time earlier Jesus says to a follower who has drawn a sword, “Put up your sword. All who take up the sword die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus never condoned violence against another human being.

Carol Nesbit
Port Washington, New York