Pictured is a spiral-sliced, sugar-glazed ham from Bone's Smokehouse on East Brainerd Road, shot on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011.It's forcing the issue with a billboard located on Highway 58 near Wilcox Boulevard, which shows a bloody meat cleaver emblazoned with the words, "Thou shalt not kill," and the admonition, "Love animals - don't eat them."
The commandment not to kill, like those commandments dealing with stealing and honoring parents, has been traditionally understood to have been aimed at human beings.
But the group is playing on Chattanooga's reputation as the second-most Bible-minded city in the U.S. to bring the Bible's prohibition against killing to bear on animals, especially pigs. In a news release, the group describes swine as "inquisitive and pleasant-natured," noting that they can be "loyal, playful and protective companions."
"Easter is a time to celebrate Jesus' victory over death, so it's the perfect time for Christians to choose life over death by simply keeping animals off their plates-on Easter Sunday and every day," says Jesus People for Animals Director Sarah Withrow King.
According to Southern Living, the traditional Easter dinner consists of ham, lamb or chicken, ranging from more casual options like the Lexington-style grilled chicken to a dijon rack of lamb.
One of the top dishes promoted on Southern Living's Easter page is a sweet hot plum glazed him garnished with tropical fruits like kiwi and pineapple.
The PETA group wants to change that.
On its website, Jesus People for Animals displays dishes like vegan ham potato skin boats, vegan mac and cheese, and even a vegan ham omelette made with faux ham.
"Recipes for delicious, centerpiece-worthy vegan dishes are available on the Web at JesusPeopleForAnimals.com, and Easter is a great time to serve them up," King said.