Is Keeping Pets Christian?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeff Brace on February 8, 2011 at 3:13pm

I think creation was meant for us to enjoy. I think anything that keeps you from having a meaningful relationship with our Creator would be bad. We raise and breed boxers and although they are an integral part of our life they don't come between us and the Lord.

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Mabry on February 8, 2011 at 5:04pm

Thanks, Jeff.  I agree totally.  It's like watching TV, or playing sports, or going hunting....whatever.  If it keeps you from time focused on God, it's idolatry and it's wrong.

Jeff Brace said:

I think creation was meant for us to enjoy. I think anything that keeps you from having a meaningful relationship with our Creator would be bad. We raise and breed boxers and although they are an integral part of our life they don't come between us and the Lord.

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Permalink Reply by Floyd on February 8, 2011 at 6:14pm

The bible does say quite a number of things concerning animals. For example:

 

God breathed life in both man and animals.

 

Genesis (1:29) “… everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.”

Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being

 

God commanded us to be caretakers of living things.

 

(Genesis 1:26) Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in 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.”

 

God created animals good (Genesis 1:21).

 

God also blessed them (Genesis 1:22)

 

We could talk to the animals before he fall

 

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

 

Language was understood by animals before the fall

 

Genesis 2:20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.

 

All living things eat plants before the fall

 

Genesis 1:30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.”

Not only Eve and Adam was disobedient, but also an animal in the form of a serpent.

14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,    “Cursed are you above all livestock   and all wild animals! …”

 

Although pets are kept as objects of affection, amusement and companionship, animals can't and should not act as a replacement for companionship between a man and woman.

 

18 And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them... 20 ... But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”

After the flood we are still caretakers, but the curse brought about the death, eating and sacrifice of animals, not the abuse or ill-treatment of them.

 

After the flood, God gave Noah and his sons permission to kill and eat animals:

"Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." (Genesis 9:3, NIV)

 

In Leviticus, God instructs Moses on animals that are suitable for sacrifice:

"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.'" (Leviticus 1:2, NIV)

 

God Made an eternal Covenant with the Different Species of Animals

 

Genesis 9:8-9. Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: "I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you - the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you - every living Creature on the earth."

Genesis 9:12-13. And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will he the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

 

We are not to abuse animals

Proverbs 12:10 tells us, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal …”

 

The Sabbath day itself was not only for humans to rest. God also commanded us to give our animals rest on the same day.

 

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.

 

We are not allowed to cause the extinction of animals

 

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. 7 You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.

 

We should learn from animals and they are intelligent

 

Proverbs 6:6-8: Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

 

Animals can praise God

 

Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Isaiah 43:20-21 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness

 

We should not worship animals

 

Exodus 32:7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’

 

Forbidden to have sex with animals

 

Leviticus 20:15- “And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast.”

 

Animals are not forgotten by God

 

(Luke 12:6; cf. Matthew 10:29) Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight.

 

Animals are/will be found in heaven

 

Rev 5:13. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever."

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Brace on February 8, 2011 at 7:04pm

Excellent post and information Floyd. Thanks :)

Floyd said:

The bible does say quite a number of things concerning animals. For example:

 

God breathed life in both man and animals.

 

Genesis (1:29) “… everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.”

Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being

 

God commanded us to be caretakers of living things.

 

(Genesis 1:26) Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in 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.”

 

God created animals good (Genesis 1:21).

 

God also blessed them (Genesis 1:22)

 

We could talk to the animals before he fall

 

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

 

Language was understood by animals before the fall

 

Genesis 2:20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.

 

All living things eat plants before the fall

 

Genesis 1:30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.”

Not only Eve and Adam was disobedient, but also an animal in the form of a serpent.

14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,    “Cursed are you above all livestock   and all wild animals! …”

 

Although pets are kept as objects of affection, amusement and companionship, animals can't and should not act as a replacement for companionship between a man and woman.

 

18 And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them... 20 ... But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”

After the flood we are still caretakers, but the curse brought about the death, eating and sacrifice of animals, not the abuse or ill-treatment of them.

 

After the flood, God gave Noah and his sons permission to kill and eat animals:

"Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." (Genesis 9:3, NIV)

 

In Leviticus, God instructs Moses on animals that are suitable for sacrifice:

"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.'" (Leviticus 1:2, NIV)

 

God Made an eternal Covenant with the Different Species of Animals

 

Genesis 9:8-9. Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: "I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you - the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you - every living Creature on the earth."

Genesis 9:12-13. And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will he the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

 

We are not to abuse animals

Proverbs 12:10 tells us, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal …”

 

The Sabbath day itself was not only for humans to rest. God also commanded us to give our animals rest on the same day.

 

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.

 

We are not allowed to cause the extinction of animals

 

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. 7 You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.

 

We should learn from animals and they are intelligent

 

Proverbs 6:6-8: Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

 

Animals can praise God

 

Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Isaiah 43:20-21 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness

 

We should not worship animals

 

Exodus 32:7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’

 

Forbidden to have sex with animals

 

Leviticus 20:15- “And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast.”

 

Animals are not forgotten by God

 

(Luke 12:6; cf. Matthew 10:29) Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight.

 

Animals are/will be found in heaven

 

Rev 5:13. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever."

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Mabry on February 9, 2011 at 12:42pm

Floyd:  This is excellent research and information.  We can learn much from the Bible about animals, but we also need to remember to be careful to not presume or to add to what the Bible has to say.  There are many things about which the Bible is silent, so we must use our wisdom and ask for discernment regarding those things, and ask for the Spirit to guide us.     Thank you so much for your contribution.

 

Floyd said:

The bible does say quite a number of things concerning animals. For example:

 

God breathed life in both man and animals.

 

Genesis (1:29) “… everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.”

Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being

 

God commanded us to be caretakers of living things.

 

(Genesis 1:26) Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in 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.”

 

God created animals good (Genesis 1:21).

 

God also blessed them (Genesis 1:22)

 

We could talk to the animals before he fall

 

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

 

Language was understood by animals before the fall

 

Genesis 2:20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.

 

All living things eat plants before the fall

 

Genesis 1:30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.”

Not only Eve and Adam was disobedient, but also an animal in the form of a serpent.

14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,    “Cursed are you above all livestock   and all wild animals! …”

 

Although pets are kept as objects of affection, amusement and companionship, animals can't and should not act as a replacement for companionship between a man and woman.

 

18 And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them... 20 ... But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”

After the flood we are still caretakers, but the curse brought about the death, eating and sacrifice of animals, not the abuse or ill-treatment of them.

 

After the flood, God gave Noah and his sons permission to kill and eat animals:

"Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." (Genesis 9:3, NIV)

 

In Leviticus, God instructs Moses on animals that are suitable for sacrifice:

"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.'" (Leviticus 1:2, NIV)

 

God Made an eternal Covenant with the Different Species of Animals

 

Genesis 9:8-9. Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: "I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you - the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you - every living Creature on the earth."

Genesis 9:12-13. And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will he the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

 

We are not to abuse animals

Proverbs 12:10 tells us, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal …”

 

The Sabbath day itself was not only for humans to rest. God also commanded us to give our animals rest on the same day.

 

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.

 

We are not allowed to cause the extinction of animals

 

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. 7 You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.

 

We should learn from animals and they are intelligent

 

Proverbs 6:6-8: Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

 

Animals can praise God

 

Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Isaiah 43:20-21 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness

 

We should not worship animals

 

Exodus 32:7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’

 

Forbidden to have sex with animals

 

Leviticus 20:15- “And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast.”

 

Animals are not forgotten by God

 

(Luke 12:6; cf. Matthew 10:29) Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight.

 

Animals are/will be found in heaven

 

Rev 5:13. Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever."

 

 

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Permalink Reply by David Thomas Posey on February 9, 2011 at 5:22pm

This is an excellent topic to research.  As a farmer, I have paid attention to this sort of thing when I saw it in Scripture, and would like to add to the good words already posted here. 

 

Throughout Scripture we see folks with animals, whether it's camels, sheep, cattle, or so forth.  This is never condemned, but appears blessed by God in cases where He multiplies Jacob or Job or somebody's flocks and herds.  Balaam alsohad him a pretty good animal, which filled him in on some important things.  James 3:7 even mentioned non-livestock animals with no hint of condemnation. 

 

I have to go now, but this is an interesting conversation.

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Mabry on February 9, 2011 at 6:38pm

David:  Thank you for the contribution.  For other readers, the reference David mentioned, James 3:7, reads:  "For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind."  I hadn't incorporated this Scripture before, so thank you for mentioning it.

I often think of 2 Samuel 12:1-6, when Nathan is rebuking David of his sin with Bathsheba; he uses this parable:  1And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms,^a and it was like a daughter to him. 4Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

 

I have been told that I cannot take the parable out of context, but I think that it says several things to us.  First, I don't think it would have made a good illustration if it had been a sinful situation.  If it had been wrong for the man to keep and love a lamb, the illustration would not have worked.  Second, I believe Nathan used just such an illustration because he knew that David had been a shepherd and would understand his love for sheep.  Third, and this thought just occurred to me and I'm throwing it out there for comment...the whole idea of "sacrifice" includes "the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable."  Do any of you have comments on these ideas?

Again, I want to stress that our care for our animals must not come before the things of God.  But, in moderation, pets are fine; just as the many other things that we have in our lives that give us pleasure and enjoyment.

 

David Thomas Posey said:

This is an excellent topic to research.  As a farmer, I have paid attention to this sort of thing when I saw it in Scripture, and would like to add to the good words already posted here. 

 

Throughout Scripture we see folks with animals, whether it's camels, sheep, cattle, or so forth.  This is never condemned, but appears blessed by God in cases where He multiplies Jacob or Job or somebody's flocks and herds.  Balaam alsohad him a pretty good animal, which filled him in on some important things.  James 3:7 even mentioned non-livestock animals with no hint of condemnation. 

 

I have to go now, but this is an interesting conversation.

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Permalink Reply by David Thomas Posey on February 10, 2011 at 11:23am

I like this use of Nathan's parable. 

Victoria Mabry said:

David:  Thank you for the contribution.  For other readers, the reference David mentioned, James 3:7, reads:  "For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind."  I hadn't incorporated this Scripture before, so thank you for mentioning it.

I often think of 2 Samuel 12:1-6, when Nathan is rebuking David of his sin with Bathsheba; he uses this parable:  1And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms,^a and it was like a daughter to him. 4Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

 

I have been told that I cannot take the parable out of context, but I think that it says several things to us.  First, I don't think it would have made a good illustration if it had been a sinful situation.  If it had been wrong for the man to keep and love a lamb, the illustration would not have worked.  Second, I believe Nathan used just such an illustration because he knew that David had been a shepherd and would understand his love for sheep.  Third, and this thought just occurred to me and I'm throwing it out there for comment...the whole idea of "sacrifice" includes "the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable."  Do any of you have comments on these ideas?

Again, I want to stress that our care for our animals must not come before the things of God.  But, in moderation, pets are fine; just as the many other things that we have in our lives that give us pleasure and enjoyment.

 

David Thomas Posey said:

This is an excellent topic to research.  As a farmer, I have paid attention to this sort of thing when I saw it in Scripture, and would like to add to the good words already posted here. 

 

Throughout Scripture we see folks with animals, whether it's camels, sheep, cattle, or so forth.  This is never condemned, but appears blessed by God in cases where He multiplies Jacob or Job or somebody's flocks and herds.  Balaam alsohad him a pretty good animal, which filled him in on some important things.  James 3:7 even mentioned non-livestock animals with no hint of condemnation. 

 

I have to go now, but this is an interesting conversation.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jim Brenneman on June 22, 2011 at 12:54pm

Someone said that if TV or Sports or anything (including Pets) takes us away from contemplation of God it is sin and idolatry.

I have two cats. These two cats have often caused me to be in awe of God. This is along the lines of Paul's comments on how the creation is here to declare God's eternal power and glory (Rom. 1).

God also calls us to learn from animals - Conies, Spiders, Ants, Locusts, Eagles, etc. (Pr. 30:24-31). Included in this list is apparently a dog. By the way one of the two trusted spies of Moses was named DOG (Caleb which means Faithful, as derived from Ca -according to + Lev -heart). Dogs were common in households both in the times of the Old Testament and in the time of Christ. Jesus was quite impressed by a woman's faith who had compared herself to a household dog.

I am amazed by my cats: their lithe athleticism and their retractable claws, and their sleek fur and beautiful coloration. Their reactions to their environment amaze me too. If I drop a piece of cereal on the floor my younger cat will come immediately from another room to investigate. The older cat doesn't hear well, but when I move she detects it, even if she is not facing my direction. I think she must actually sense or feel the movement of air being displaced when I stand or walk, or sometimes she may feel the shaking of the floor. AMAZING.

They know me and understand my plans for them. I put them down in the lower level at night. They know exactly when it is time to go downstairs. Sometimes I just say "Pssst," and they come running to the door to head downstairs. Usually though, as soon as I turn off my TV or Computer, or start to brush my teeth for bed, they go to the downstairs door and wait for me to close it behind them. They know me. Do we know our God that well?

Then two cats show me about my dependence on God.

God speaks much of His care for animals

as an illustration of His care for us.

And if God takes care of animals

will He not also take care of us?

If God takes care of animals that exist in nature,

never even being seen by man,

is this not simply for His pleasure?

If God can take care of animals for His pleasure

how can it be wrong for the pinnacle of His creation (mankind)

to care for animals and plants that He has created?

My pets look to me for the supply of their needs, to provide them with food and water and a clean litter pan. When I am slow in providing these things they ask me for them. They come to me daily and ask me to supply their needs.

Then they come to me for fellowship and affection. Even if I do not fill their feed bowl at the moment they ask they will still come to me for fellowship and connection.

I also notice how they relate to each other. It makes me pretty sure that God notices how His children relate to each other, and even how they relate to animals. He wants us to care for His creation, and He wants us to care for one another, for our fellow-man, and for our fellow-saints.

Then it is also interesting to notice the differences in how they each approach me, how they each have their own unique character and relationship to me. I think God appreciates the differences in all of us too. He had Peter, and James, and John, and Enoch and Moses and David and Hannah and Mary - all unique individuals who had exactly as much of the presence and communion of God as they desired.

Then too I notice the differences between the animals' capability for fellowship with me, and the capabilities of fellow humans: an acquaintance, a brother, a brother in the Lord, a sister, a parent, a son, or a godly mate. An animal would not suffice as a "help-meet" (`ezer kenegdo) for Adam. And an animal does not suffice as a suitable candidate for fellowship as desired by God. God wants those who are in His image and likeness to connect with Him for love and fellowship.

Need I say more? Having pets is certainly a great edifying practice that brings glory to God and enhances our relationship to the Lord.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Robert Byers on June 28, 2011 at 11:39pm

i've thought about this over the years.

I don't agree that any animals we now have looked like they did before the fall. 

The animal before the fall must of been for special reasons and couldn't just be the dumb brutes we see now.

I think the clue is where we were to have dominion.

We don't today. We only do things that never would of happened before the fall. Eating, or zooing them.

I believe that dominion means we could use the innate ability of creatures to change their bodies and make the creatures to our own desires and whims with only the boundary of being within kind stopping change.

I do believe we were meant to colonize the universe and so we would take creatures and make our own planets to our own design and so the creatures upon them.

Animals must be for mans enjoyment and use. Otherwise why spend eternity with them as was our original estate.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Barbara Coaker on June 29, 2011 at 4:34am

I think this has been excellently written.i could'nt agree more. Regards barbra

Jim Brenneman said:

Someone said that if TV or Sports or anything (including Pets) takes us away from contemplation of God it is sin and idolatry.

I have two cats. These two cats have often caused me to be in awe of God. This is along the lines of Paul's comments on how the creation is here to declare God's eternal power and glory (Rom. 1).

God also calls us to learn from animals - Conies, Spiders, Ants, Locusts, Eagles, etc. (Pr. 30:24-31). Included in this list is apparently a dog. By the way one of the two trusted spies of Moses was named DOG (Caleb which means Faithful, as derived from Ca -according to + Lev -heart). Dogs were common in households both in the times of the Old Testament and in the time of Christ. Jesus was quite impressed by a woman's faith who had compared herself to a household dog.

I am amazed by my cats: their lithe athleticism and their retractable claws, and their sleek fur and beautiful coloration. Their reactions to their environment amaze me too. If I drop a piece of cereal on the floor my younger cat will come immediately from another room to investigate. The older cat doesn't hear well, but when I move she detects it, even if she is not facing my direction. I think she must actually sense or feel the movement of air being displaced when I stand or walk, or sometimes she may feel the shaking of the floor. AMAZING.

They know me and understand my plans for them. I put them down in the lower level at night. They know exactly when it is time to go downstairs. Sometimes I just say "Pssst," and they come running to the door to head downstairs. Usually though, as soon as I turn off my TV or Computer, or start to brush my teeth for bed, they go to the downstairs door and wait for me to close it behind them. They know me. Do we know our God that well?

Then two cats show me about my dependence on God.

God speaks much of His care for animals

as an illustration of His care for us.

And if God takes care of animals

will He not also take care of us?

If God takes care of animals that exist in nature,

never even being seen by man,

is this not simply for His pleasure?

If God can take care of animals for His pleasure

how can it be wrong for the pinnacle of His creation (mankind)

to care for animals and plants that He has created?

My pets look to me for the supply of their needs, to provide them with food and water and a clean litter pan. When I am slow in providing these things they ask me for them. They come to me daily and ask me to supply their needs.

Then they come to me for fellowship and affection. Even if I do not fill their feed bowl at the moment they ask they will still come to me for fellowship and connection.

I also notice how they relate to each other. It makes me pretty sure that God notices how His children relate to each other, and even how they relate to animals. He wants us to care for His creation, and He wants us to care for one another, for our fellow-man, and for our fellow-saints.

Then it is also interesting to notice the differences in how they each approach me, how they each have their own unique character and relationship to me. I think God appreciates the differences in all of us too. He had Peter, and James, and John, and Enoch and Moses and David and Hannah and Mary - all unique individuals who had exactly as much of the presence and communion of God as they desired.

Then too I notice the differences between the animals' capability for fellowship with me, and the capabilities of fellow humans: an acquaintance, a brother, a brother in the Lord, a sister, a parent, a son, or a godly mate. An animal would not suffice as a "help-meet" (`ezer kenegdo) for Adam. And an animal does not suffice as a suitable candidate for fellowship as desired by God. God wants those who are in His image and likeness to connect with Him for love and fellowship.

Need I say more? Having pets is certainly a great edifying practice that brings glory to God and enhances our relationship to the Lord.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Coaker on June 29, 2011 at 4:59am

Hi. I'd like to share this topic from a different perspective. I have been a christian for a number of years and came to know the Lord whilst an avid and passionate animal rights activist. I was guilty of loving animals more than God. Although I had always believed in a Creator God, I worshipped the created rather than the Creator. I went through a difficult and challenging time searching for the truth and did thorough Bible study and prayer to seek God's heart. To start with I turned my back on anything to do with animal rights and animal welfare in case it was sinful. God gently showed me through His Word of His character, and His delight of all He had made. After the six days of creation He pronounced it good. He brought the animals to Adam to be named. This suggests that it is His intention for Man to oversee the the welfare of animals in His Image, and to give Him glory and praise for what we can see of Him through what He has made.As spoken of in Romans 1:20. There are many references throughout His Word that show His care and compassion for animals. It is right to care for them in His Image and in the context of how they can draw attention to His majesty, power and amazing character. I agree whole heartedly with the comments of Jim Brenneman and would add Psalm 104 and Job 38/39 as good reading. Regards barbra

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