Christian View - Use & Abuse of Animals

• Some Christians would say that passages like Genesis 1:28 say that God has given humans the right to do what they want with animals - Dominion

  • "Rule over the fish in these ea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground"
• Others say some passages show animals belong to God and should be cared for - Stewardship

  • "For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills"
  • "The righteous care for the needs of their animals"
• Catholic teaching says that animal testing is acceptable but only if it helps to care for or save human life
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that if we make animals suffer or die without good reason, this goes against human dignity - the Catholic idea that humans are worthy of respect
• Other Christian groups like the Quakers are against all animal testing, even if it helps scientific knowledge
• In Genesis 1:29-30, God only gives plants, seeds, and fruit to humans and animals for food, but in Genesis 9:3 he then gives animals as food for us
• There are no specific food laws in Christian tradition, but some Christians will be vegetarians or vegans out of personal choice - maybe because they believe animals are God's creatures
• Christians who argue that we can do what we want with animals might emphasise the idea of dominion
• Christians who say we are responsible for caring for animals might emphasise the idea of stewardship