by Christyl Rivers

Created on: July 31, 2010

Should you wear fur?  This question, and the morality of it, could be explored in volumes of books.  In fact, it would be wise to read a lot about both sides.  More often than not, the question comes down to whether people are worth “more” than animals.  Strictly, from a Vulcan perspective: Clearly there are far too many people.  Also, many animals with fur, as well as their vanishing habitats, are extremely endangered, so it is logical that we should wear people, not animal skins. 

Yet, that is not going to be taken lightly by the people involved!  Logic, then, and morality, are not concepts that will yield a satisfactory answer. 

 Morally, what is right or wrong depends upon whether you believe God wants us to love one another meaning keeping your family warm in fur, or whether to “love one another” means to love and respect all of life and creation.  Or maybe there is no God. There would still be morality.  So, yes, you should wear fur;  if from a moral standpoint, no one else, including the original wearer, objects.

 A huge number of articles on this topic, on both sides begin with “I am a great animal lover.” After those words, or very similar ones, the arguments go way off in divergent directions.  It would seem that the crux of the conflict is not whether killing is wrong, but how much killing, and for what purpose, and for what gain, is it wrong?  A very similar question concerns what animals we should eat.  In some places eating dogs and cats (and wearing them and/or turning them into pet (!) toys) is normal.  In other places eating cows and horses is considered an abomination. 

 Looking at history, or any scripture, is no help either.  Many arguments talk of how we have worn furs and eaten meat for more than a million years.  Yes, but fabulous things like cell phones, and this Helium site, are not traditional, so should we abandon these?  And horrible things, such as slavery, crucifixion, and child rape were very traditional. Should we reinstate them for the sake of getting back to our traditional roots and values?

Still, there is a way to decide this argument.  Look at what you value in life.  What gave you life?  What sustains you?  What do you need to connect to your family and loved ones?  Do you find importance in status, wealth, luxury?  Or do you value clean air, water,

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