EASTER is perhaps the most important day in the Christian calendar, the day when the faithful commemorate Christ’s victory over death and His gift of eternal life. It inspires hope, benevolence, and the desire to share the good news. Why, then, do so many of us celebrate Jesus’ conquest over death by being complicit in more? Why do we thank Him for the mercy He showed us but refuse to extend mercy to others?
The pigs, chickens, and other animals that many Christians thoughtlessly devour on Easter endure lives of extreme confinement, deprivation, and suffering before being violently slaughtered. Surely this cruelty grieves Christ, who commanded us to love others as ourselves.
Many Bible verses depict animals in Heaven (Isaiah 11:6–9, Revelation 5:13, Revelation 19:11), reveal that animals have souls (Ecclesiastes 3:18–21, Luke 3:6, Romans 8:19–21, Psalm 36:6), and tell us that God’s covenant is with all of creation (Genesis 9:12–17, Psalm 50:10–11, Hosea 2:18). Genesis 1:29–30 explains that Eden, the world as God intended it, was vegan. Death and killing only entered the world when sin did, and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross ended animal sacrifice.
A loving God would not want us to cause harm or kill when we have another choice. Anyone seeking to live as God designed and as Jesus commanded can easily choose compassionate vegan meals on Easter and every day of the year.
Sincerely,
Jana Sevilla
Senior campaigner for the Philippines
People for the Ethical Treatment of Asia (PETA Asia)
Unit 706, Fedman Building, 199 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
+63-2-8817-5292
