The QUESTION.

In earlier times, people understood their connection with animals to be a spiritual principle. The original stories about the sacredness of all life can be found on walls of caves and temples and the first ancient writings. This original knowledge still exists in the basic writings of world religions and philosophies. Yet, virtually no Western religion today teaches its adherents how to practice compassion toward all species and how to protect the natural world.

What happened?

Could misinterpretation of the religions’ texts, and an incomplete understanding of the meaning of spirituality be why the human species continues to cause pain and anxiety upon the other animal world -- as shown by unnecessary animal experimentation, inhumane slaughtering methods, using animals in “sport” and entertainment, and the wanton destruction of animals who live in the wild.

What happened?

When and why did the other animals become invisible in our spiritual adventure? Why did we place ourselves over and above all other animals in some sort of hierarchal system? Did the separation come about simply because of our material wants and needs? Or, are there reasons that we have yet to imagine -- beyond religion, science, and history?

What happened?

Sunday, June 26, 2011

WHAT ARE THE PREMISES OF THE QUESTION?


•  “Religion” and “Spirituality” are not interchangeable concepts.  
            Spirituality is the actualization of one’s innermost, self-secret beliefs as shown by his and her attitudes and behavior toward people, and also the other animals.  In this context, all interactions with others is spiritual action.  
            Religion is a set of doctrines and laws adhered to by followers to be the appropriate way to worship God; and usually is founded by a set of ideas expounded by a great teacher who taught what is or isn’t a perfect human being.  One can follow a religion and be spiritual.  Conversely, one who doesn’t follow a religion is always spiritual.

•   There is a disturbing vacuum in Humanity’s spiritual beliefs that denies the other animals a place in our lives.  The void appears to be impenetrable.   Animals are rarely mentioned in our laws, sciences, histories, the religious texts -- other than using them as sacrifice or healing tools.

•   It is time for an universal shift in human consciousness, which reconnects humankind’s partnership with all other animals -- not only for the Earth's sake, but also for the evolution of the human soul. 



WHAT IS THE INTENTION OF THE BOOK?

            Whether we are interested in the other animals or not, we share our lives with them.  They are everywhere -- flying overhead, meowing a greeting, buzzing at our window, swimming in our lakes and in the glass bowl on the kitchen counter.  Animals share the earth we walk on, the air we breathe, and the food we consume.  They are the food we consume.  Whether we notice them or not, they are there.  Always there.  They live among and with us.
        
         The intention of THE QUESTION is to inspire a shift in beliefs and attitudes toward all animals that is unswervingly compassionate.  The book might be interpreted as a challenge to established religions, especially among their conservative adherents.  It is not an evangelistic treatise “pro” one point of view and “con” another.  Far from it.  This is why the action takes place somewhere across time and space in an imaginary realm, Sanctuary, where every point of view is accepted as an aspect of the same truth.  The other animals accompany a group of amazing people as they are taken to their self-secret innermost core and out to the edge of their imaginations where they are able to discover the answer to the question as well as find their own true selves.
            The readers are asked to check their beliefs about the other animals at the door, and sit back and participate in the action as if they were seated at a play.  From their seats, the reading audience will witness Universal Images -- people from out of past history and living today -- enacting their innermost beliefs as they seek the answer to the animals’ question.  Maybe some in the reading audience will leave the theater of their minds changed.  Perhaps be inspired to tell others what happened there.  That would be the greater intention.
             
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About the Author

After spending several years in Public Relations initiating and organizing award-winning multi-state community relations projects on behalf of a global telecommunications company, Judith Hensel has written her first fictional book, THE QUESTION. “What Happened to the Animal-Human Spiritual Connection?” The book is a fantasy about characters created out of real life people who join the animals in an imaginary setting to find the answer to their question. Among articles published about the book’s premises, one article “Evolving in a Conscious Universe,” was published in QUEST, international Theosophical Journal in 2003; and inspired the magazine’s content theme. As former Associate Professor of Art and Humanities, St. Xavier University, Chicago, she received numerous awards as an artist and teacher including special recognition by the Associated Press and the Governor of Illinois. She wrote and directed two critically acclaimed rock operas, “Hosanna!” and “Taproot” performed by student talent as well as talent from across the Chicago region to sell-out audiences. Her artwork is in several private collections in Australia, the Netherlands, New York, Illinois, California, Colorado and Wisconsin; and for several years was available at the Art Institute of Chicago rental gallery. She holds the MSA in Painting and Graphics, University of Wisconsin; and the MA in Communications/Television Production, University of Illinois-Chicago Campus.


Paintings by the author.