What is religion’s attitude to animals?
Christianity believes God created animals, so they are special. God gave humans the responsibility to look after them and the world (stewardship). “I put you in charge” Doing so is an act of worship. “A good man is kind to animals” “God notices the passing of a sparrow” All of Gods creatures are important and God notices the passing of even the smallest ones. Buddhists do not eat meat because of their belief in reincarnation. The soul needs to be allowed to continue its journey. Quakers do not eat meat because animals are part of Gods creations. Muslims believe that animals should be killed “humanely”. This meat is called “halal”. They sacrifice animals on pilgrimage.
What does the attitude make them say about the issue?
So, by making animals extinct, we destroy God’s creation. This is not what stewardship means, and is disrespectful to God. A Christian could: give up meat (vegetarianism), give up meat on a Friday, contribute towards animal sanctuaries, Only buy organic/free range produce to improve animal rights and also contribute to helping the environment (ranching) However, Catholics would support genetic engineering because it helps humans: Jesus was a healer of the sick Animals do not have a soul “I put you in charge” – We are more important than the animals. Other Christians are uncomfortable with vivisection (animal experimentation). So are other religions. All religions oppose blood sports because it is cruel and unnecessary. Factory Farming is opposed to by all religions because it treats Gods creations like numbers and not living beings. It is cruel. So, some religions could do much more to protect animal rights because large numbers are killed for festivals and killed for experimentation.