Christspiracy says all signs point to yes.

Kip Anderson is back at it again but this time he’s asking the question, “Is there a spiritual way to kill an animal?”. 

Christspiracy is a disturbing but captivating documentary that takes audiences on a global exploration into the spiritual dimensions of animal slaughter. Filmmakers Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters embark on a five-year journey, seven if you count making the film, traveling from Rome to Jerusalem, Oxford to India, to unravel a narrative that’s been kept secret for more than 2,000 years. It will challenge our fundamental beliefs about our relationship with animals.

So back to our initial question, “Is there a spiritual way to kill an animal?” Through interviews with a diverse array of experts, Christspiracy reveals a shocking cover-up that will forever alter our understanding of history. 

A standout moment in the film comes from Prof. Andrew Linzey, who states, “Disrespecting the creature is disrespecting the creator.” This sentiment transcends throughout the documentary, challenging viewers to confront the harsh realities of factory farming and the moral implications of our dietary choices. I too, feel bad for eating meat after seeing this. 

One scene is Christspiracy delves into the emotional journey of a young man in a hunting Christian group, who kills his first deer, accepted by the grown men in the hunting tribe. The blood of the dear is marked on his face and he is now a “man”.  He should be happy at this moment, but the sadness on his face is loud. This narrative arc challenges traditional notions of hunting as a masculine rite of passage.

The film shines a light on broader themes of masculinity, violence, and the commodification of animals. It explores how patriarchal values are deeply intertwined with meat consumption, often leading to the justification of violence for pleasure. Through juxtapositions of imagery and thought-provoking interviews, Christspiracy prompts viewers to reexamine their attitudes toward animals and the natural world.

Additionally, Christspiracy bravely confronts viewers with graphic and unsettling footage, including scenes from The Gadhimai Festival, the largest animal sacrifice in the world. These stark images force us to confront the harsh realities of animal cruelty and question our cultural norms and values. No killings, sacrifices, or slaughter is shown in the film. 

In one particularly impactful scene, a festival participant defends the sacrifice by comparing it to the 46 million turkeys killed annually for Thanksgiving in the United States. You want to be mad at this moment but he does kinda have a point. In America, we also kill around 26 million pigs for Christmas. The Gadhimai Festival only takes place every 5 years and ends up sacrificing around 250,000 animals. Do we really have the right to be upset? 

In conclusion, Christspiracy is a thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary that challenges us to reconsider our beliefs and behaviors. It serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness with all living beings and urges us to reflect on our responsibilities toward the planet and its inhabitants.