BOOK REVIEW: Compilation sheds light on LDS doctrine
Book Review: “Kindness to Animals”
Grade: A-
For any writer, the work of compilation is often undertaken with the belief that it will be nothing but a tedious, arduous and thankless job, the only perks of which might be their own personal edification.
The systematic, logical, and representative collection of Richard Stratton’s “Kindness to Animals and Caring for the Earth,” a book centering on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ oft-neglected doctrine concerning nature, is so complete as to deserve recognition (at the least) in the pages of this August newspaper.
The compilation is a valuable resource to both Latter-day Saints and those who come in contact with them (and let’s face it, in Utah, who doesn’t?). By no means deep or dodgy doctrine, Latter-day Saints will find the quotations quite eye-opening, while all those natural resource majors out there will have more ammunition in their struggle to protect natural resources and animals.
The central concept of the organization of the book centers on the belief, as stated by sixth church president Joseph F. Smith, that “men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon His creations.”
Containing more than 200 carefully selected quotes from notable church leaders, past and present, as well as illustrative stories from church publications and members, the text lends itself to deep, personal study as well as a more casual cover to cover perusing. The quotes can be enjoyed most age groups, with or without knowledge of other church doctrine.
The book is divided into well-developed chapters that focus on topics like the purposes of nature, the unnecessary taking of animal life, and the place of animals and plants in relation to the overarching plan of God members of the church believe was instituted for the growth and happiness of the human race.
Some sample quotes are included below:
“Cruelty to animals is always the sign of a weak and little mind, whereas we invariably find really great men distinguished by their humanity.” – George Q. Cannon
“The Lord has made nothing to be destroyed. He has not [built] to tear down, but what is done is done with the idea of permanency.” – Joseph Fielding Smith
“We do not kill. We are careful about killing animals, unless we need them for food.” – Spencer W. Kimball
These are just a sample of the very specific and succinct quotes from leaders of the church that are sure to educate properly.
Stratton, himself a forestry graduate from Utah State University, currently lives with his wife and two children in Missoula, Mont. where he works as a fire modeling analyst with Systems for Environmental Management.
Though the book carries a price tag of $16.95, it is deeply satisfying to know that the proceeds from the sale of the book with be donated to the Perpetual Education Fund of the church and The Humane Society.
As if the work of compilation weren’t thankless enough.
Copies of the book can be purchased at most LDS bookstores or ordered online at www.kindnesstoanimals.org.
Matt Wright is a critic and assistant features editor for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to him at mattgo@cc.usu.edu.