SABBATICAL

SABBATICAL

Monday, April 30, 2012

WHICH LAW


          There is a great irony in the world.  Science has nearly convinced mankind that we are all just animals.  Our anatomy and physiology is alike, and we appear to have the same needs for survival.  The conclusion many modern thinkers draw from this analogy is that should not, cannot be any moral laws such as taught by the religions of man.  Many people have accepted these conclusions and live their life without moral restrictions.  Of course there are many who believe this but who also practice moral principles and hold themselves to a set of standards based upon their own reasoning. 

          The irony, of course, is that those who believe we are just another species of animal often want to be free of any of nature’s natural restrictions.  They may want to eat without killing. Others may want to kill without eating.  Some wish to have sex without responsibility and others wish to have responsibility but limit reproduction.  Many wish to be left free to believe and preach whatever they want, but do not want to hear any opposition and would restrict the freedom of others to oppose. 

          Animals and plants are not free.  Each has its own nature and limitations.  Many can only reproduce at certain times of the year or at discreet intervals.  None can engage in sexual relations without some cost and responsibility.  Even the consumers must be responsible when they overgraze and area and their offspring suffer.  Something must die if others are to live. 

          Only humans think they are free of these requirements.  Mostly however, it is humans in industrial nations who behave this way.  Americans are especially subject to this irony.  I believe this is because we are now two or more generations removed from the land and nature.  MY grandfathers were all involved with the land in some way.  The law of the harvest, “Reap what you sow”, was engrained in them.  But my parents were only slightly involved in agriculture and that more than most of their generation.  I was raised and lived even more marginalized, except that I chose to study biology for a career. 

          I do not want to live like a caveman.  I don’t even want to live the demanding life of my grandparents.  However, I believe it is essential that Americans somehow get back in touch with nature.  If we intend to be “just an animal” we need to obey nature’s laws.  If we are something different than an animal we need to be living by a higher law. 

1 comment:

  1. John Bytheway's new talk CD Farm Wisdom for City Folk talks about this concept too! :-) I agree!

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