PeaceBang
The manic mind of the minister -- Auntie Mame Meets Cotton Mather. Blogging about Unitarian Universalism, UU Christian spiritual practice, occasional cultural and political ravings, and the inner life of ministry. PeaceBang is the alter ego of a small town pastor serving an historic New England Unitarian Universalist congregation.
Don’t Read This If You’re A Jainist
September 25, 2005 on 2:13 am | In Uncategorized |A terrible thing happened this morning. I was making an omelette and turned on the burner on the stove, not realizing that a Daddy Long Legs was hanging out right in that burner.
I singed two of his legs before I realized he was there. I turned off the flame as fast as I could but the shock and pain killed him.
I know you’ll think it silly but my God, what a terrible death.
Do spiders have nervous systems?
Did he feel anything?
I’m still a little bit sick about it. All the Daddy Long Legs and I have an arrangement: you can’t stay in the house but I will politely escort you outside.
I’m sorry, little spider.
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Uh oh, this is big. This is pivotal. In a week or two she’s going to run out and preach the sequel to “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, I just know it.
Comment by fausto — September 25, 2005 #
I worry about this… what if in her next life she comes back as a member of your Fellowship and wreaks havoc on your life?
You can’t be too careful with spiders.
Comment by Denise — September 25, 2005 #
Fausto, you’re just mad because you wanted to EAT my crispy little spider.
Comment by PeaceBang — September 25, 2005 #
“I know you’ll think it silly but my God, what a terrible death.”
Not silly, but compassionate. We need more of that. As I’ve returned to vegetarianism, I’ve become more aware of how I could stand to up my compassion.
“Do spiders have nervous systems?”
Yep.
”Did he feel anything?”
Probably. But you had no mal intent towards him, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, that’s how the universe works. If I were a deity, I’d give you big points for your concern however. Oh hell, I’ll give you big points anyway.
Comment by Oversoul — September 26, 2005 #
You may find it very interesting to read Temple Grandin’s book “Animals in Translation.” It is written by a woman with a lot of knowledge about animals and an incredibly unique perspective. I found it fascinating and recommend it highly. She works in the meat industry (and cows are her favorite animals– her work is all about minimizing their suffering). She believes that animals suffer much more from fear than from pain, and she makes her case convincingly, citing much research about various animal nervous systems. I’ll have to check and see if there’s anything in there about arachnids…
Comment by greenseagirl — September 26, 2005 #
Greensea, thank you for reminding me how much I want to read Temple Grandin’s work! I heard her interviewed years ago on NPR and have always meant to get one of her books. If I remember correctly, she has a form of autism that leaves her very unresponsive to relationships with other people, but very connected to 4-leggeds.
Comment by PeaceBang — September 26, 2005 #