Religion

cbayer

(146,218 posts) Wed Mar 6, 2013, 02:42 PM Mar 2013

A Common Thread: Religion, Elephants & Killing the Ivory Trade

http://blog.chron.com/sacredduty/2013/03/a-common-thread-religion-elephants-killing-the-ivory-trade/

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Religious use of ivory is a prime driver of deadly ivory trade worldwide, this goes against most religions' injunctions to care for creation. (Photo: AP)

There are 7 billion people in the world and counting and every one of them has a worldview, a lens through which the purpose and meaning of life is derived. These individuals gather together with others who have similar beliefs, establishing the more than 730 religions in the world and 3,200 different sects. But with such diversity, is there anything that we have in common other than being human?

I would like to purpose, yes: The entreaty to care for creation. Humanity is inexorably linked to the world. Albert Einstein once said that if bees were to go extinct, humans would have four years to survive before extinction ourselves. So we care about ensuring the survival of the world, because we care about ensuring the survival of our species.

I do not claim to know everything there is about social studies, anthropology or religion. But a few weeks ago I started to see this common thread linking together people who may otherwise have nothing in common.

The first thread came in the form of a tweet from scientist and outspoken atheist Richard Dawkins, “Ivory from Thailand is legal, so African ivory is easily traded. Sign petition to have ALL ivory banned in Thailand.”

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6 replies

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Highlight:

A Common Thread: Religion, Elephants & Killing the Ivory Trade (Original Post) cbayer Mar 2013 OP

Jimmy Thudpucker of Doonsbury fame rrneck Mar 2013 #1

I loved that documentary. May be time to watch it once again. cbayer Mar 2013 #2

The biggest problem is, no one wants to address the central issue. trotsky Mar 2013 #3

God, you atheists are really reaching Fortinbras Armstrong Mar 2013 #4

I'm not sure who you are directing this at, but the author is the founder of cbayer Mar 2013 #5

You might be interested in these previous threads. cbayer Mar 2013 #6

rrneck

(17,671 posts)

1. Jimmy Thudpucker of Doonsbury fame

Reply to cbayer (Original post)

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 03:12 PM

Mar 2013

was a studio musician. In one strip a lyricist spent about two panels rhapsodizing about the deep, soulful kind of score he wanted for his lyrics. In response Thudpucker says, "Oh, like a B flat." Picasso used common house paint for a number of his works. Andy Goldsworthy doesn't use art materials at all.

We don't need priceless materials to inspire others. We need only to appreciate the priceless nature of those whom we wish to inspire.

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

2. I loved that documentary. May be time to watch it once again.

Reply to rrneck (Reply #1)

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 03:15 PM

Mar 2013

trotsky

(49,533 posts)

3. The biggest problem is, no one wants to address the central issue.

Reply to cbayer (Original post)

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 03:37 PM

Mar 2013

The author writes, "Conversing with, and educating, the religious about the destruction of the ivory trade is key."

But as we have seen liberal believers on DU argue, religious beliefs are special. It has been said people who criticize them are bigoted and/or intolerant. Religion is a "different way of knowing" and reason/science/evidence are not superior to it.

So where does that leave us w.r.t. "conversing with, and educating, the religious"?

I don't suspect you have an answer.

Fortinbras Armstrong

(4,473 posts)

4. God, you atheists are really reaching

Reply to cbayer (Original post)

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 06:22 PM

Mar 2013

Anything, no matter how far-fetched, no matter how unconnected with religion, is grist for your mill.

You should really be going after piano manufacturers if you are concerned about the use of ivory. But no, pianos have nothing to do with religion, so you won't bother.

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

5. I'm not sure who you are directing this at, but the author is the founder of

Reply to Fortinbras Armstrong (Reply #4)

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 06:28 PM

Mar 2013

"Elaphantobia" and appears to be anything but an atheist, per the article.

http://elephantopia.org

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

6. You might be interested in these previous threads.

Reply to Fortinbras Armstrong (Reply #4)

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 06:42 PM

Mar 2013

Can religion save Africa's elephants and rhinos?http://www.democraticunderground.com/121847232

Religious Ivory Demand Killing Elephants by Thousands, Report Says
http://www.democraticunderground.com/121845953

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