Christianity and the Treatment of Animals: A Biblical Perspective

Does Christianity Allow Us to Abuse Animals?

No, Christianity is unequivocally centered on love and goodness. It doesn’t permit the abuse of anyone or anything, teaching that God has instructed us to love everyone, even our enemies.

Unreasonably abusing any part of Godrsquo;s creation is an offense against Him. Christians are called to be good stewards of God’s creation. The selfish desire to ruin the world and oneself is one of the reasons some people abandon their faith.

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 12:10 (KJV)

Believers often hold that harming animals is inherently wrong. However, a minority may not care, much like any other person you might encounter. Everybody has the potential to abuse things they consider inferior; it’s not exclusive to Christians.

Three Principles for Christians Against Animal Abuse

There are three core principles that guide Christians in their treatment of animals:

God Made Creation: The belief in a Creator God emphasizes the intrinsic value of all beings, including animals. Stewardship: With power comes responsibility. Good stewards care for and protect creation. Kindness: Treat animals with the same kindness we would show to people.

Some might even extend the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) to animal abuse, though it is not necessarily for that purpose.

Biblical Principles vs. Animal Abuse

In contrast to religions that teach the cycle of reincarnation, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, Christians have a different perspective on human-animal relationships. The concept of reincarnation does not apply, making vegetarianism less common among believers.

The Judeo-Christian tradition views animals as subordinate to humans. In the Bible, humans are given dominion over animals. Genesis 1:26 states, "Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

However, while animals are often treated as resources in the Bible, actual abuse is inconsistent with its principles. The Great Flood narrative shows God’s care for animals, as Noah saved them. The metaphor of a shepherd caring for his sheep, used to describe the relationship between God and humanity, further emphasizes this.

"The righteous regard the life of their animals: the mercy of the wicked is cruel."

Proverbs 12:10 (KJV)

Another example from the Mosaic law, Deuteronomy 25:4, reads, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." This law shows respect for animals, as the oxen could eat a portion of the grain while working, a practice that reflects a deep level of stewardship.

In conclusion, while there is a historical sense of dominion over animals, the biblical principles stresses the moral imperative to treat all of God’s creation, including animals, with kindness and respect. This belief in the sanctity of all life guides Christian practices in interaction with animals.