Transcript God Knows…Animals Matter: A Christian View of God’s Creatures

“Then God said: Let us make man in our own
image, after our likeness. Let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the
air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals
and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.”
Genesis 1:26
‘dominion’ – ‘radah’ means to ‘rule over’ or ‘to
have stewardship of’
Our ‘ruling over’ of God’s creatures is to be
compassionate and kind as the Lord is
compassionate to all of His creatures as said in
Psalm 145:9.
“God also said: See, I give you every seedbearing plant all over the earth and every tree
that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your
food; and to all the animals of the land, all the
birds of the air, and all the living creatures that
crawl on the ground, I give all the green
plants for food. And so it happened. God
looked at everything he had made, and he
found it very good.” Genesis 1:29-31a
Souls of Animals
Solomon said: “For the lot of
man and of beast is one lot;
the one dies as well as the
other. Both have the same lifebreath, and man has no
advantage over the beast; but
all is vanity. Both go to the
same place; both were made
Animals and humans from the dust, and to the dust
were created with the they both return. Who knows
if the life-breath of the children
same soul (nefesh
of men goes upward and the
chayah- living soul)
life-breath of beasts goes
earthward?”
Ecclesiastes 3:19-21
This very inspiring
book is the product
of extensive research
of the lives and minds
of thousands of
Saints. The author
reports on 150
Saints who wanted to
live lives of peace and
compassion.
“For in him were created all things in heaven and on
earth ... all things were created through him and for
him…and in him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:16-17
“We know that we belong to God, and the whole world
is under the power of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19
“A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; ”
Jesus, John 10:10a
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on
earth and under the earth and in the sea,
everything in the universe cry out: “To the
one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be
blessing and honor, glory and might, forever
and ever.”
“God chose to reconcile the whole universe to
Himself…to reconcile all things, whether on earth
or in heaven, through Him alone.”
Colossians 1:15-23
After The Flood
“Dread fear of you shall come
upon all the animals of the
earth and all the birds of the
air, upon all the creatures that
move about on the ground and
all the fishes of the sea; into
your power they are delivered.”
Genesis 9:2
“If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey
wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If
you see the donkey of someone who hates you
fallen down under its load, do not leave it there;
be sure you help him with it.” Exodus 23:4-5
“But the seventh year you shall let the land
lie untilled and unharvested, that the poor
among you may eat of it and the beasts of the
field may eat what the poor leave.”
Exodus 23:11a
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do
not work, so that your ox and your donkey may
rest and the slave born in your household, and
the alien as well, may be refreshed.”
Exodus 23:12
“Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked
together.” Deuteronomy 22:10
“You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading
out grain.” Deuteronomy 25:4
Animals Teach Us
Job said: “But now ask the beasts
to teach you, and the birds of the
air to tell you; Or the reptiles on
earth to instruct you, and the fish
of the sea to inform you. Which
of all these does not know that
the hand of God has done this?
In his hand is the soul of every
living thing, and the life breath
of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10
Animals Teach Us
(continued)
“Go to the ant, O sluggard,
study her ways and learn
wisdom; For though she has
no chief, no commander or
ruler, She procures her food
in the summer, stores up her
provisions in the harvest.”
Proverbs 6:6 NAB
What About Hunting?
People in the Bible who
were kind to animals,
were considered righteous and
chosen by God.
The four hunters mentioned in
the Bible were Ishmael,
Nimrod, Esau and the Rider of
the White Horse (considered to
be a prototype of the AntiChrist Revelation 6:2).
What About Fishing?
“As he was walking by
the Sea of Galilee, he
saw two brothers,
Simon who is called
Peter, and his brother
Andrew, casting a net
into the sea; they were
fishermen. He said to
them, ‘Come after me,
and I will make you
fishers of men.’ At once
they left their nets and
followed him."
Matthew 4:18-20
Balaam and his donkey (who saved his
life) - Numbers 22
The man who had a pet lamb to show
David his sin - 2 Samuel 12
The dogs who licked the poor man’s
sores - Luke 16:21
The quail the Israelites were sent
with consequences - Numbers 11
We’re Responsible?
“No creature
(ktisis) is concealed
from Him, but
everything is naked
and exposed to the
eyes of Him to
whom we must
render an account.”
Hebrews 4:13
With the increasing outbreaks of e-coli and
salmonella in our fruits and vegetables from
the animal industry and mad cow disease,
which I believe causes misdiagnosed diseases
in humans (ie. CJD), are we being warned
about our desire for animal products?
Hunger kills approximate 24,000 people per day.
A shift towards a plant-based diet (God’s intended
diet), in the United States and other developed
countries would free enough land, water and fuel
to feed everyone.
More than 80 percent of U.S. agricultural land
grows animal feed. A plant-based diet uses only
16 percent to 20 percent of the resources needed
to maintain the standard American diet.
For more information about helping people see
www.thehungersite.org
“While people suffer and die of starvation in
Central and South America, these regions ship
their grain to the U.S. to feed our cows, pigs, and
chickens so that we can satisfy our desire for
animal flesh, milk, and eggs.”
Fr. John Dear, S.J.
“29 November 2006, Rome -…According to a new report
published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization, the livestock sector generates more
greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent –
18 percent – than transport. It is also a major source of land
and water degradation.
Says Henning Steinfeld, Chief of FAO’s Livestock Information
and Policy Branch and senior author of the report: “Livestock
are one of the most significant contributors to today’s most
serious environmental problems. Urgent action is required to
remedy the situation….”
by Christopher Matthews FAO Newsroom
Based on the latest satellite data in a Dec. ‘07
article, NASA climate scientist Dr. Zwally predicts
that nearly all the ice could be gone from the
Arctic Ocean by the end of Summer 2012.
God’s Creatures Ministry (GCM) began in 2001
in response to God’s calling for Christians to
fulfill their responsibility towards animals who
have been neglected for centuries.
GCM has a Veterinary Charity Fund to help people
with veterinary bills.
GCM educates and encourages all Churches to
care about God’s animals.
For more information, please visit
www.Godscreaturesministry.org.
The Mission of the Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare is
to create an inclusive and mutually-supportive venue for
Episcopal animal advocates with a variety of interests and
gifts; and to offer our presence, passion, enthusiasm and
resources to help equip the churches to give meaningful
voice to every creature under Heaven, especially where
neglect, cruelty, degradation and commercial exploitation
are concerned.
They are affiliated with the Anglican Society for the Welfare
of Animals based in the UK.
CCA began in London, England, in 1929.
From small beginnings, it has now spread
to 52 countries are regularly consulted by
government the media and the Church in matters of
theology and opinion concerning animals.
In 2005, CCA began a branch in the USA. We have a
growing membership of Catholics and non-Catholics.
CCA has a Veterinary Charity Fund to help people.
Schools and churches can raise funds with the ‘Walk
a Mile’ program! It’s easy and fun!
Catholic Concern For
Animals’ Journal
This wonderful
international journal is
published three times a
year (in English). It is a
great way to stay
connected and to learn
what is happening
around the world.
It is also a great
resource to discuss in
Churches.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
2416 states: “Animals are
God’s creatures. He
surrounds them with his
providential care. By their
mere existence they bless
him and give him glory. Thus
men owe them kindness.
We should recall the
gentleness with which saints
like St. Francis of Assisi or St.
Philip Neri treated animals. .
. . It is contrary to human
dignity to cause animals to
suffer or die needlessly.”
Free Will
“Man makes moral
choices through free
will. Animals are
innocent, or amoral.
As moral agents and
endowed with reason,
we have
responsibilities
towards the whole of
creation including
those weaker and
more vulnerable than
we are.”
Catholic Concern for
Animals (CCA)
Animals do not need to be
experimented on. For
more information, please
visit the Physicians
Committee for Responsible
Medicine and Medical
Research Modernization
Committee.
Abusing Animals For Food
“…we can see that they (animals) are
given into our care, that we cannot just
do whatever we want with them. Animals,
too, are God's creatures... Certainly, a sort
of industrial use of creatures, so that
geese are fed in such a way as to produce
as large a liver as possible, or hens live so
packed together that they become just
caricatures of birds, this degrading of
living creatures to a commodity seems to
me in fact to contradict the relationship
of mutuality that comes
across in the Bible.“
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 2002
(Pope Benedict XVI)
“As made in the
image of God, we
ought to act in a
Christ-like way--loving,
compassionate,
humble, selfsacrificing, etc.” CCA
“The anthropocentric
(putting antropos =
man, in the center)
view of the world
needs to be
increasingly
challenged.” CCA
Blood Sports Condemned
“We forbid soldiers and all
other persons, whether on
foot or horseback, to dare
to contend with bulls or
other beasts in the aforementioned exhibitions;
and if any one of them meets
his death there he shall be
deprived of Christian burial…
We likewise forbid the Clergy…to be present at such
exhibitions under the penalty of excommunication.”
De Salute Gregis, Pope St. Pius V, Nov. 1567
The Power of Humankind
“Cruelty to animals is
as if man did not love
God…There is
something so
dreadful, so Satanic,
in tormenting those
who have never
harmed us, and who
cannot defend
themselves, who are
utterly in our power.”
Cardinal John Henry
Newman
Human Abuse of Dominion Over Animals
“…cruelty is not only a
denial of the animal’s
nature, but a betrayal
of our own. If we are
defined by reason and
morality, then reason
and morality must
define our choices,
even where animals are
concerned.”
Dominion: The Power
of Man, the Suffering of
Animals, and the Call to
Mercy, by Matthew
Scully
“Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on
their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and
calves from the stall!” Amos 6:4
“I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can
and will lead us beyond an exclusive concern for
the well-being of other human beings to a broader
concern for the well-being of the birds in our
backyards, the fish in our rivers, and every living
creature on the face of the earth.” Rev. John
Wesley, Founder of Methodism
“For creation awaits with eager expectation the
revelation of the children of God; for creation was
made subject to futility, not of its own accord but
because of the one who subjected it, in hope that
creation itself would be set free from slavery to
corruption and share in the glorious freedom of
the children of God. We know that all creation is
groaning in labor pains even until now…”
Romans 8:19-22
The New Earth
“The wolf will live with
the lamb, the leopard
will lie down with the
goat, the calf and the
lion and the yearling
together; and a little
child will lead them.”
Isaiah 11:6
“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
Have we been deceived by the lies we’ve been given
concerning God’s creatures?
Are we truly living in God’s Kingdom?
Christian Concern For All
God’s Creatures
This video is based on
Scripture and the reality
of what God’s animals
endure for us.
It is an excellent
educational documentary
for Universities,
Seminaries and
Churches. It includes
resources and questions
for discussion. It can be
also be seen online
without the questions
and resources.
We’re Responsible?
“Nothing in all creation is
hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and
laid bare before the eyes of
him to whom we must give
account.” Hebrews 4:13
Teach and preach by word and example:
1) Compassion for all of God’s creatures
2) Our responsibility and relationship to God’s
animals
3) Biblical truths concerning animals.
Have a Veterinary Charity Fund
Allow individuals/the local shelter and/or rescue
group to put pictures of adoptable animals on
bulletin boards to find good homes.
Honor volunteers in your community who help animals
Have a pet-sitter list to help people with their pets.
Read (and sign if you wish) the Religious Proclamation
for Animal Compassion written by religious leaders,
hosted by Best Friends Animal Society
(www.bestfriends.org/signproc)
View HSUS’ campaign “Creatures Great and Small” (and
sign if you wish) http://allcreatures.hsus.org
Do not purchase puppies from pet stores
Learn about food and our health, and animal
research at www.PCRM.org
Limit meat and dairy products.
Avoid circuses, rodeos, dog racing, etc.
Avoid buying fur.
Furry Friend Fundraiser Walk
Every year GCM has
a Furry Friend
Fundraiser Walk to
raise money for the
Vet Charity Fund.
Ask about our
‘Walk a Mile’ to raise
money in your area.
Contact [email protected] for
more information. It’s very easy to
do!
“Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Gospel to
all creation.” Mark 16:15
A Sacred Duty DVD – video from a Jewish
perspective
Animals, Ethics & Christianity, book by Matthew
Priebe
Best Friends Animals and Religion
Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation
The Physicians Committee for Responsible
Medicine
The Humane Society of the United States Animals
and Religion
A Sacred Duty DVD – video from a Jewish perspective
Animals, Ethics & Christianity, book by Matthew Priebe
Best Friends Animals and Religion
Catholic Concern for Animals
Christian Vegetarian Association (video and pamphlets
available)
Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare
God’s Creatures Ministry
Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation
The Humane Society of the United States Animals and
Religion
“Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6

Someday we
will live in
harmony
once again in
God’s
Kingdom.
Acknowledgements
Pictures
Christopher Wood, Graphic Artist
Farm Sanctuary
People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals
The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman
Family Foundation
Scripture: New American Bible
God Knows…Animals Matter
by Janice A. Fredericks, LPC, MA
[email protected]
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy
and good fruits, without inconstancy or
insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown
in peace for those who cultivate peace.”
James 3:17-18
“As for you, the anointing that you received from him
remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to
teach you. But his anointing teaches you about
everything and is true and not false; just as it taught
you, remain in him. And now, children, remain in him,
so that when he appears we may have confidence and
not be put to shame by him at his coming. If you
consider that he is righteous, you also know that
everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by
him.” 1 John 2:27-29