Quincentenary: history

Vasudev Murthy (murthy@ssdss3)
Wed, 10 Jul 1991 18:08:50 CDT


On Jul 4, 8:09am, NativeNet@gnosys.svle.ma.us wrote:
} Subject: Quincenteniary: history
} Columbus was the first to enslave Native Americans. Early
} European attitudes were reflected by Pope Innocent III: in 1536
} he issued an edict that said while it was possible Indians had
} souls, Indians who did not accept Catholicism did not have souls.
} The military was therefore free to do with them as they wished,
} with God's blessing.

While the article was very moving and disturbing, I
would like to comment that, interestingly, this was an
argument put forward recently by an earnest young
self-appointed missionary hell bent on converting me.
During the course of a discussion, he explained to me
that animals did not have souls and that was why it was
perfectly acceptable to kill them. (He also wanted me
to quit this vegetarian nonsense).

Perhaps in time, our sense of compassion will extend
out to those who are weak and defenseless and with whom
we cannot communicate.

Comments?

Vasudev Murthy
murthy@ssd.dl.nec.com