Demeter's Garden

I’ve often wondered about the possibility of a sort of reverse mission trip. Instead of going to save the souls of the third world, what if we did something to help them keep their traditions alive? It’s a strange idea, and in most cases the best way to help would be to stay out of the way. I came across this story about an Austrian woman who became interested in the old traditions of the Yoruba in Africa. She eventually moved to Nigeria and helped preserve the old ways in the face of Christian and Muslim missionaries, who have been calling the old ways evil for many years. Now her adopted son, who never went to school because it was run by Christians, wants to open a school where children can get an education without being converted. I think that was my favorite part of the story actually. Much too often, I think that the old religions are associated with being primitive, whereas the “major” religions are a sign of being civilized. I think we’ve gotten to a point where people can have a modern lifestyle and traditional beliefs at the same time. Check out Wikipedia for more info about the Yoruba religion.

I like stoats.  Maybe it’s because I have a soft spot in my heart for all things small and furry. Maybe it’s the voting song from Cute Overload. Whatever it is, I was NOT pleased to read that the pope has brought back the traditional ermine-trimmed papal attire. Ermine is the winter coat of stoats who live in colder climates; their coats turn white in the colder months. I know the current pope is a pretty traditional fellow, but fur? Really? Does anyone actually wear fur anymore? I also realize that the stoat is not endangered or even threatened; but there are animals in the world who have been hunted to near extinction for their fur. If the pope, as a moral leader to millions of people, wears fur, it says to those people that using animals for their fur is okay. The world is a very different place than it was when kings and popes of the renaissance sported their ermine trimmed capes. Fur is also no longer a necessity, since there are so many other options. I would love to see a religious leader make a more humane choice and be a good example to his followers.