THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT

ANIMALS 

In one way or another, nearly every one's life is affected by animals. Are we accountable for the way we treat them?

How should humans treat animals? 

WHAT PEOPLE SAY. Some people believe that animals may be used in any way that humans see fit. Others feel that animals should be treated in m much the same way as humans are.

* One prominent animal-rights activist argued that animals should enjoy the "basic right not to be treated exclusively as resources or economic commodities."  He adds:  "We should stop treating nonhuman animals as our property." 

* In what many view as an extreme case, billionaire Leona Helmsley left a $12-million trust fund to her dog and willed that the dog's remains be placed next to hers after its death.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS. The Creator of life, Jehovah God, told humans to "have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth." (Genesis 1:28) It is reasonable to conclude, then, that God views humans as superior to animals.  

The conclusion is reinforced by a significant statement made just before the scripture quoted earlier. The Bible says that "God went on to create the man in his image, in God image he created him; male and female he created them."  -Genesis 1:27. 

Because humans were created "in God's image," we are unique in how we display godly qualities, such as wisdom, justice, and love. Humans also have an innate capacity for morality and spirituality.  Animals lack such human abilities because they were not created in God's image."  They are inferior and not intended to be treated in the same way as humans are.

Does this mean that humans have the right to mistreat animals? No. 

* In his Law to the Israelites, God ensured that animals would be given rest, food, help when distressed, and protection from injury. -Exodus 23:4, 5; Deuteronomy 22:10; 25:4. 

"Six days you are to do your work; but on the seventh day, you are to cease from your labor, in order that your bull and your donkey may rest." -Exodus 23:12.

Next time: Conclusion of THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/ANIMALS - Is it wrong to kill animals? 

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015