Animal Cruelty: A Sinful Act And Moral Dilemma

The Bible does not extensively discuss the treatment of animals, but it does establish the relationship between man and animal. God gives man authority over all creatures on earth, entrusting them to our care. This means that humans are to control and protect animals, using them to fulfil our needs. However, this does not equate to animal cruelty, as God also commands that we watch over animals and treat them responsibly. The Bible also notes that God hears the cries of animals and provides for them. Therefore, exploiting or abusing animals is considered a sin, as it shows a disrespect for God and his creations.

God hears animals' cries

The Bible makes it clear that God hears the cries of animals. In Genesis 1:26-29, God gives humans dominion over animals, but this is not a mandate for cruelty. Instead, Christians are expected to have a pure heart and respect animals, as God created them and provides for them.

Psalm 147:9-11 reinforces this, stating that God provides animals with their food and hears the cries of young ravens. Similarly, Job 38:39-41 asks: "Who gets the food ready for the raven, when its young cry to God and go about without food?"

In addition, Proverbs 12:10 states that "good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." This suggests that God expects humans to care for animals and that any harm inflicted upon them is a sin.

Furthermore, the Bible contains several verses about cries of distress to God, indicating that He hears and answers those who cry out to Him. For example, in Psalm 34:17, it is written, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." Similarly, in the Song of Ascents, we read, "I cried to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies."

Overall, the Bible makes it clear that God hears the cries of animals and expects humans to care for and respect them. Abusing and killing animals is a sin, as it goes against God's nature of love, kindness, and compassion.

Humans are to respect animals

However, this does not mean that animals are to be worshipped as deities. Animals are for human use, and man is permitted to kill animals for food, clothing, or in defence of himself or his property. God also permits the use of animals for medical purposes, so that humanity may benefit.

Humans are to treat animals responsibly, as part of our stewardship over God's creation. We are to control the numbers of animals so that disease and sickness do not kill them off, and to protect them from over-killing and abuse. We should also ensure that animals are not harmful to humans.

The Bible also provides examples of how God expects us to care for animals in practical ways. For instance, the Sabbath day was not only for humans to rest, but also for animals. God also commanded the Israelites to help their friends and enemies when their ox or donkey had fallen over or was carrying too heavy a burden.

The Bible makes it clear that animal cruelty is sinful. God loves animals, and we are to respect them. Abusing and killing animals goes against God's wishes, as it shows anger, wickedness, and evil, which are non-Christian traits.

God created animals for humans to love and learn from

God created animals, and they are not a product of happenstance or natural processes. Genesis 1:24-25 says that God created the animals, from the beasts of the earth to the creeping insects. The Bible also tells us that the breath of life resides within them.

When God created animals, he declared their creation to be "good" (Gen. 1:25). At the conclusion of the creation account in Genesis, God looked at "all he had made" and declared it "very good" (v. 31). This included all of creation, not just humans. While humans are the crowning achievement of God's creative activity, we should not let that truth diminish our responsibilities toward the rest of creation.

• God communicates with animals: In Genesis, God told Noah to build an ark to save himself, his family, and the land-dwelling creatures from the flood. God told Noah to bring the animals into the ark, and they came to him (Gen. 6:19, 7:9). This suggests that God communicated with the animals directly, and they responded. Another example is when God commanded ravens to bring food to the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:4-6).
• God cares about the well-being of animals: In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus emphasized God's concern for humans by comparing it to His care for a common bird. Jesus wanted to convey that God is emotionally invested in animals as well as humans. In the story of Jonah, God reminded Jonah that not only were people spared, but "many animals" as well (Jonah 4:11).
• God enjoys animals: Psalm 104:31 declares, "Let the Lord be glad in his works." This statement is preceded by a description of God's interaction with various animals. It is understandable that God, as the creator of all things, would enjoy and take joy in them.
• Animals reveal God's sovereignty: In the book of Job, God pointed to creation to help Job understand His sovereignty. God reminded Job that He provides for and appointed a place in creation for the animals (Job 38:39-41, 39:6).
• Animals bring glory and praise to God: In Psalm 148, the psalmist calls on all creation, including sea monsters, beasts, cattle, creeping things, and birds, to praise the Lord (vv. 7, 10). Even without words, animals bring glory and praise to God by their very existence, pointing to Him as the Creator, Designer, and Artist.
• Animals are reasoning creatures: While some deny that animals are capable of reasoning, there is evidence that they possess intelligence and the ability to communicate. In the Bible, Balaam's donkey saw the Angel of the Lord and moved aside, saving Balaam's life (Num. 22:21-33). This incident also suggests that animals may have a more acute awareness of spiritual reality than humans realize.
• Animals teach us about justice: Robert Bolt's play, "A Man for All Seasons," observes that God created animals "for their innocence." This innocence and vulnerability are what repulse us when we witness cruelty toward animals. It is this sense of justice that forms the basis of our criminal justice system.
• Animals belong to God: Psalm 24:1 states, "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains." While God gave humans authority over animals, we are still responsible for caring for and respecting them as God's creation.

In conclusion, God created animals for humans to love and learn from. We are called to respect and care for them, just as God does. Animals play an important role in God's creation and bring Him joy and praise. They reveal God's sovereignty, intelligence, and creativity. As humans, we have a responsibility to treat animals with dignity and respect, recognizing that they, too, are a part of God's beloved creation.

Humans are to be caretakers of the earth

The Bible suggests that humans are meant to be caretakers of the Earth and its creatures. In Genesis 1:26, God created the Earth and all the creatures on it to be under the authority of humanity. He entrusted these elements of His creation to our care. In Genesis 1:28, God gives to man "dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." This means that man is to assume the control and protection of all that God created.

However, the Bible also states that animals are for human use. In Genesis 9:3, it is written that man is permitted to kill animals for food. In Genesis 3:21, it is written that man may kill animals for clothing. In 1 Samuel 17:34-37, it is written that man may kill animals in defense of himself or his property.

The Bible also provides guidance on how humans should care for animals. In Exodus 23:5 and Deuteronomy 22:4, it is written that humans should help their friends and enemies when their ox or donkey has fallen over or is carrying a burden too heavy for it to bear. In Deuteronomy 25:4, it is written that livestock should be allowed to eat as they work. In Exodus 20:10, it is written that beasts of burden should be granted rest on the Sabbath. In Proverbs 27:23, it is written that man should "be sure you know the condition of your flocks, [and] give careful attention to your herds."

While humans have dominion over animals, animal cruelty is considered a sin. In Proverbs 12:10, it is written that "a righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." This suggests that humans have a responsibility to care for and protect animals, as part of their stewardship over God's creation.

Animals are for human use

The Bible makes it clear that animals are for human use. In Genesis 1, God gives man "dominion" over all creatures on Earth, entrusting them to our care. This is further reinforced in Genesis 9:3, where it is stated that humans are permitted to kill animals for food, and in Genesis 3:21, where it is said that animals can be used for clothing.

Additionally, in 1 Samuel 17:34-37, the Bible states that animals can be killed in defense of one's person or property. These passages indicate that humans have a certain level of authority over animals and can use them to fulfill their needs.

It is worth noting that while humans have dominion over animals, this does not mean that animal cruelty is acceptable. Humans are instructed to be responsible stewards of God's creation and to treat animals with respect and care. Proverbs 12:10 sums this up: "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."

Furthermore, God shows concern for animals throughout the Bible. For example, in the story of Noah's Ark, God commands Noah to build an ark big enough to hold two of every kind of animal (Genesis 6:19-20). In the Law of the Israelites, the Sabbath day was designated as a day of rest not just for humans but also for animals (Exodus 20:10). Additionally, the Israelites were instructed to help both friends and enemies when their ox or donkey was overburdened (Exodus 23:5). These examples demonstrate that while animals are for human use, they are also valued by God and should be treated with compassion and respect.

Frequently asked questions