Christianity and animal rights

Depictions of Jesus have often shown him in terms of animal-related imagery such as that of the 'good shepherd', an example being this 16th-century work by Philippe de Champagne.

The relationship between Christianity and animal rights is complex, with different Christian communities coming to different conclusions about the status of animals. The topic is closely related to, but broader than, the practices of Christian vegetarians and the various Christian environmentalist movements.

Many Christian philosophers and socio-political figures have stated that Christians should follow the example of Jesus and treat animals in a way that expresses compassion and demonstrates the respectful stewardship of humanity over the environment. William Wilberforce, a co-founder of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is an example. Large organizations in which a variety of different groups work together, such as the Humane Society of the United States, have undertaken religious outreach using such arguments.[1]

Andrew Linzey has pointed out it would be wrong to see Christianity as an inherent enemy of animal rights since Christian theology, like all other religious traditions, has some unique insights into viewing animal life as having fundamental value.[2]

Throughout history, there have been Christian thinkers who have raised ethical questions about the moral status of animals.[3] Francis of Assisi is perhaps the most well-known example.

Various church founders have recommended vegetarianism for ethical reasons, such as William Cowherd from the Bible Christian Church,[4] Ellen G. White from the Seventh-day Adventists[5] and John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.[6] Cowherd helped to establish the world's first Vegetarian Society in 1847.[7] Wesley's vegetarian views inspired a later generation to establish the American Vegetarian Society in 1850.[6] Christian denominations like Seventh Day Adventists have central vegetarian doctrines incorporated.[8]

Although animal sacrifice is a theme in the Old Testament, the rise of Christianity brought an end to animal sacrifice in communities where it took hold.[9] The concept of the Peaceable Kingdom found in the Hebrew Bible, describes peaceful coexistence of animals such as wolves and lambs.[10]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Scholars was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Satya was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Linzey, Andrew (2009). Creatures of the Same God. Lantern Books. pp. 21–22.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference desc was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Karen Iacobbo; Michael Iacobbo (2004). Vegetarian America: A History. p. 97.
  6. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Veg hand was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ "History of Vegetarianism - Early Ideas". The Vegetarian Society. Archived from the original on 2012-07-16. Retrieved 2008-07-08.; Gregory, James (2007) Of Victorians and Vegetarians. London: I. B. Tauris pp. 30–35.
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference advent was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference DeMello2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Zavada, Jack. "Do Animals Have Souls?". About.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.