Animal Testing

Eating meat

Wearing leather

Hunting for leisure

Keeping pets in cities

Battery chicken farming

Circus training

Fur industry

Which of the following go against our responsibility to be God’s good stewards ?

Can you add any more to the list ?

• To identify ways in which we are similar to/ different from animals

• To reflect on what our relationship with animals is like

• To evaluate what our responsibilities are towards animals

1. Contrast the following quotes about the creation of humans and animals

Gen 1:27 versus Gen 1:20-25Gen 2:7 versus Gen 2:19What similarities/ differences are there ?

2. Why do you think Gen 2:20 suggests that animals were not “suitable helpers” for man ? How is our relationship with them inadequate ?

Religion and AnimalsIn what ways are we similar to animals?

In what ways are we different?

Overall, how close do you think we are to animals?

Do you think that humans are more important than animals?

What is more serious: the death of one human or the death of a hundred dogs?

Do animals have a soul?

What happens to animals when they die? Is there an animal heaven?

Are you animal rights or human rights?

Quiz your partner.

• If God gave humans rule over creation, does that mean Humans can decide how to treat animals any way they like?

Humans are given life by “the breath of God”Humans are made “in God’s image”Humans are to “rule over” all creatures (Gen 1:26)Animals are simply God’s creation, out of earth.

Does that mean that humans can treat animals in any way they please ?

A. God himself has a relationship with all creationJob 12:7-10Genesis 9:12-13Psalms 104:25, 27B. God himself protects different species and blesses themGenesis 1:22Genesis 6:19-2C. Everything belongs to God: we only have it on loanColossians 1:16-17Lev. 25:23-24.

Choose one quote from each section A, B and C.Write out the reference and explain what it is saying.

• If God gave humans rule over creation, does that mean Humans can decide how to treat animals any way they like?

• Give reasons against• Use evidence from the bible• Give reasons against• Use evidence• Evaluate: your own opinion