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He that Leadeth into Captivity Shall Go into Captivity. Go Vegan! By Dr. Chapman Chen

Writer's picture: Chapman ChenChapman Chen


 

"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." (Revelation 13:10 KJV)

Though written in a historical and apocalyptic context, this verse can be meaningfully applied to animal rights and animal liberation in the following ways:



1. Justice for the Oppressed

 

According to Revelation 13:10, anyone who takes others into captivity will themselves be taken captive; and anyone who kills with the sword will be killed by the sword. This principle of divine justice can be extended to humanity's treatment of animals. Humans who oppress and exploit animals may ultimately face the consequences of their actions, whether through divine judgment, ecological collapse, or societal reckoning.

 

In the context of factory farming, hunting, and other forms of exploitation, the systematic harm inflicted on trillions of sentient beings could provoke a moral and spiritual response, mirroring the justice described in this verse.


2. A Call for Accountability

 

The verse emphasizes accountability for those who perpetrate harm, whether through captivity or killing. This aligns with the modern animal rights movement's call for humans to be held accountable for the suffering inflicted on animals through industrial farming, animal testing, and entertainment industries.

 

Applying this, the verse could inspire activists and advocates to pursue systemic change, ensuring that institutions and individuals responsible for harm face the consequences of their actions.


3. Endurance and Faith of the Saints

 

"Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

 

The latter part of the verse calls for patience and faith among those enduring oppression or fighting against evil. Animal liberationists often face opposition, ridicule, and resistance in their work, but this verse offers encouragement to persist with faith that justice will ultimately prevail.

 

In this application, animal rights activists might see themselves as "saints" striving for a world where innocent lives are no longer oppressed.


4. Liberation as a Reflection of Divine Justice

 

Revelation 13:10 suggests that those who perpetuate cycles of harm will ultimately be subject to the same harm. The exploitation of animals for food, clothing, experimentation, and entertainment mirrors the captivity and violence described in the verse. Liberation for animals can thus be seen as aligning with God's justice, breaking the cycle of oppression and harm.


5. Human Actions Have Consequences

 

The verse emphasizes that actions, whether they involve captivity or violence, have repercussions. Humanity’s treatment of animals—whether through deforestation, factory farming, or other practices—has significant ecological and spiritual consequences. These include climate change, zoonotic diseases, and moral degradation, which could be interpreted as modern manifestations of divine judgment.


6. Application to Modern Animal Liberation

 

Advocacy for Justice: The verse serves as a reminder that justice is universal, extending to the treatment of animals as God's beloved creatures.

 

Responsibility for Actions: By harming animals, humans risk spiritual and ecological consequences, underscoring the need for a shift in behavior.

 

Inspiration for Activists: The call for "patience and faith" encourages animal rights advocates to remain steadfast in their mission despite challenges.


7. Conclusion

 

Revelation 13:10, when applied to the animal rights movement, underscores the principles of justice, accountability, and perseverance. It warns of the moral and spiritual consequences of exploiting innocent beings while encouraging faith and endurance in the pursuit of liberation and compassion for all of God’s creatures.

 

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