Maybe my standards are too low, but in my book, relaxing in a field, being fed and drinking fresh water doesn’t qualify as much of a performance or even a stunt for that matter.

You are completely entitled to your opinions. Although I agree that we are to love and care for God’s creatures, I don’t agree with the way organizations, like PETA, have put animals on the same level as humans. I have a heart for animals, especially since they can do little to defend themselves in most cases. I think every Christian/person should be that sensitive.

However, in Genesis 1&2, humans are the apex of God’s creation, not animals. In addition, God was the first to kill an animal for a specific purpose (to clothe Adam and Eve after their sin in Genesis 3). In addition, the Jewish sacrifical system required blood to be shed to cover the sins of the people. All this to say that using “God is not happy with this” angle may be misleading at best.

Again, I will continue to protect animals from needless pain and suffering, and I hope everyone will do the same. But having a domesticated elephant hanging out on the church property is far from painful.

As a man of the Jewish faith I won’t pretend to know much about Easter, but what I do know is that the teachings of Jesus are based on love, respect, and caring for all G-d’s creatures. I don’t believe that forcing an animal- especially one as intelligent, sentient, and beautiful as an elephant- to perform (which nearly always involves abuse on a horrific scale) for people’s pleasure or to prove a pint falls under that umbrella of love, respect, and care. If I were a member of this church I would be very upset, and question the pastor’s decision.

Jesus loved and respected all creatures, no?