Animal Cruelty: Biblical Sin And Morality

The Bible does not extensively discuss animal treatment, but it does outline the relationship between man and animal. Genesis 1:26-29 grants man authority over all creatures, with a duty to care for and protect them. This is further supported by Proverbs 12:10, which states that good people care for their animals. However, animal cruelty is considered sinful, as God created and loves all creatures, and provides for them.

God gives man authority over animals

The Bible states that God gives man authority over animals. In Genesis 1:26, God says:

> "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

The phrase "Let us" indicates a divine council or plurality within the Godhead, possibly alluding to the Trinity. The use of the word "image" conveys the idea of representation and resemblance, suggesting that humans are created to reflect God's character and attributes such as rationality, morality, and the ability to form relationships.

The mandate to "rule over" the animals gives humanity stewardship over creation, reflecting God's sovereign rule. This implies responsibility and care, not exploitation, aligning with the biblical principle of stewardship. The word "dominion" in this context means "rule or power over," and it is given to mankind by God, who has sovereign power over all creation.

David reinforces this truth in Psalm 8:6:

> "You made [mankind] rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet."

Humanity was created to "subdue" the earth and hold a position of command over it and its flora and fauna. This does not imply violence or mistreatment but can be understood as "to bring under cultivation." As stewards of the earth, humans are to bring the material world and its elements into the service of God and the good of mankind.

With the authority to rule comes the responsibility to rule well. This includes treating animals humanely and managing them as the resource God has ordained them to be. While humans have been given dominion over animals, it does not give them the right to mistreat or misuse them.

Ultimately, mankind was created in God's image and is to represent God in this world as caretakers and rulers. This entails acting with the same wisdom and compassion that God demonstrates in managing His creation.

Man's sin leads to death for animals

The Bible does not extensively discuss the treatment of animals. However, it does establish the relationship between man and animal, and how the latter should be treated. In Genesis 1, God gives man authority over all things created on Earth, and the responsibility to take care of and use the Earth and its creations.

Genesis 3 details the first sin committed by man, and it is here that an animal dies for the first time. This is significant because it shows that due to man's sin, death has entered the world. This is the first instance of "man's sin leading to death for animals".

In Genesis 9, there is a shift in man's relationship with animals. God now includes certain animals in the diet of mankind and puts the fear of man into animals. Despite this change, God reiterates that man must watch over and care for animals. This balance is crucial: controlling animal numbers to prevent disease and sickness, using animals to fulfil our needs, ensuring they are not harmful to humans, and protecting them from over-killing and abuse.

Proverbs 12:10 highlights this balance: "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." This verse underscores the importance of understanding our role as caretakers of the Earth and its creatures. Failing to do so can lead to animal cruelty and suffering.

Additionally, Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 emphasises the equality of humans and animals in death: "Humans and animals have the same destiny. One dies just like the other. All of them have the same breath of life. Humans have no advantage over animals." This passage reminds us that both humans and animals share a common fate, and that life is fleeting for all creatures.

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly mention animal cruelty, it establishes man's role as caretaker and the consequences of sin, which can lead to death for animals. It is our responsibility to understand and maintain the delicate balance between utilising and protecting God's creations.

Animals are to be used for food

The Bible does not extensively discuss the treatment of animals, but it does outline the relationship between man and animal. In Genesis 1, God grants man authority over all creatures on Earth, charging him with the responsibility to care for and utilise the planet. This implies that humans are to assume control and protection of all God's creations.

Genesis 3 provides insight into the implications of man's sin, as God prepares a covering of skin, marking the first instance of animal death. This event underscores the idea that due to man's sin, death has entered the world.

Genesis 9 marks a shift in man's relationship with animals, as God now includes certain animals in the human diet. This is a significant change, as up until this point, animals were not consumed as food. God also instils fear of man into the animals, further emphasising man's dominion over them.

Despite this dominion, God reiterates the command for humans to be caretakers of the Earth and its creatures. This entails controlling animal populations to prevent disease and sickness, utilising animals to meet human needs, ensuring they are not harmful to people, and protecting them from over-killing and abuse.

Proverbs 12:10 underscores this balance, stating, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." This verse highlights the importance of humans caring for their animals and respecting the delicate balance between utilisation and cruelty.

In summary, while animals are to be used for food and humans have dominion over them, it is crucial to understand the responsibility to care for and protect them. Abusing and killing animals is sinful, as God hears their cries and provides for them.

God puts the fear of man into animals

The Bible makes it clear that God loves animals and that we should respect them. Abusing and killing animals is a sin.

In Genesis 9:2, God says:

> The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands.

This passage indicates that God placed the fear of man into animals after the flood. This fear ensured a balance in creation, allowing humans to fulfil their role as stewards of the Earth. The relationship between man and animals became mostly adversarial, a result of man's sinfulness.

Prior to the flood, it is suggested that animals did not fear man. Adam had been given dominion over the animals, but after he sinned, he lost his power over them. They rebelled against him, but after the flood, God placed the fear of man into animals, allowing man to triumph over the animal kingdom.

This fear of man is instinctive in animals, and it allows humans to tame and subdue them. This fear also serves as protection for humans, as it prevents animals from attacking them.

In summary, God put the fear of man into animals to establish a balance in creation and to protect humans. This fear allows humans to fulfil their role as stewards of the Earth and to tame and subdue animals.

Man is to be a caretaker of animals

The Bible does not extensively discuss the treatment of animals, but it does provide insight into the relationship between man and animal, and how we must treat them. In Genesis 1, God gives man "dominion" over all creatures on Earth, with the responsibility to care for and use the Earth and its resources. This implies that man is to be a caretaker of animals, ensuring their protection and control.

Genesis 3 further emphasises this caretaker role, as it describes God preparing a covering of skin for mankind after their first sin, marking the first instance of an animal dying. This act by God sets a precedent for man's treatment of animals. While animals are to be used for our needs, as seen in Genesis 9 where God includes certain animals in mankind's diet, it is important to remember that God also commands man to watch over and care for these creatures.

Proverbs 12:10 sums up this idea, stating, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." This highlights that not only is animal cruelty a sin, but that man has a duty to ensure the well-being of animals, providing for their needs and treating them with kindness.

The Bible also provides specific examples of how man should care for animals. For instance, in Deuteronomy 22:6-7, it is advised that if one comes across a bird's nest with young ones or eggs, one should not take the mother along with the young. Instead, one should let the mother go and only take the young for oneself. This demonstrates a thoughtful and considerate approach to animal welfare, ensuring that the mother bird can continue to care for her future offspring.

Additionally, in Exodus 23:5, the Bible instructs that if one sees an enemy's donkey has fallen due to an excessive load, one should help the enemy get the donkey back on its feet. This shows that compassion for animals should transcend even interpersonal conflicts, further emphasising the importance of man's role as caretaker.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly discuss animal cruelty, it establishes man as a caretaker of animals, with a responsibility to control, protect, and provide for them. Man's relationship with animals is meant to be one of stewardship, where we use the resources provided by God with wisdom and compassion, avoiding cruelty and understanding the balance between our needs and the well-being of all creatures.

Frequently asked questions