The Christ Who Names Us

We’re not making this up. It’s the udder truth: Cows give more milk when their handlers call them by name and treat them nicely.

If you call a cow by name, she’ll give you more milk. Show a little kindness and a personal touch, and she’ll be more productive.

Perhaps the same is true for us.

A new study out of England, reported in USA Today, reveals that affectionate treatment of cattle — including the giving of names to cows — can increase the amount of milk they give. The average cow produces about 2,000 gallons of milk a year, but if you know her by name, she’ll give you an extra 68 gallons.

There’s a message here for the church today. So let’s milk this study for all it’s worth. Trust us: This is “moos” you can use.

Researcher Catherine Douglas of Newcastle University says farmers have always believed that naming cows has a positive effect. But until now, there has never been any scientific evidence. Her study shows that if a cow isn’t given individual attention, then it’s likely to be uncomfortable around humans and become stressed. A stressed cow releases a hormone called cortisol, which inhibits milk...