The Impact of Religion on Animal Welfare: Exploring Contributions and Challenges
Religion is not a friend to animals.
Noah may have saved a number of animals on his ark but what else has theology done to protect their rights and welfare? The interpretations of religious creeds throughout history have firmly rooted our belief that animals are under our control and we can do whatever we like. This is one of only a few beliefs shared by all religions. Back in the days when religion was more relevant and widespread, this belief shaped our attitude towards animals and the way we should treat them. Prior to this, many ancient civilisations regarded them as gods.
The absence of mind, soul, or reason.
Religions have varying views on animals. This is because each religion has its own view of the place animals hold in society. These views vary from one culture to another. Most animals are thought of as beings that lack mind, reason, an immortal soul, or moral status. The emphasis is on humans being more special than non-humans. The history is littered by ancient philosophers, theologians and sages who have interpreted and shaped the teachings of different religions. Theology is not a friend of animals.
In the ancient Middle East – the cradle for western culture – the domestication and exploitation of animals led to their degrading in order to elevate humans above them. Earlier, many ancient civilisations regarded animals as deities and gods. Although most religions agree that animals should be treated with respect and compassion, this does not mean they deserve rights.
We can use their life or death.
Western beliefs have been heavily influenced through Christianity, which maintains that animals were created to serve humans.
It is unfortunate that the Christian Bible describes them as beasts, and encourages people to kill them and spread fear. Christian tradition justified animal abuse up to the 19 thcentury, when certain Christians began animal welfare charities.
Eastern religion is more beneficent.
Most Asian or Eastern religions, on the other hand, appear to be more benevolent towards them. This is not always the case, but they do believe that a soul can pass into an animal’s body or that we may reincarnate as one.
Jainism (part of Hinuism ) is the closest religion you’ll find to one that values animals and their role in the world. Its followers are careful not to harm any living creature and show reverence for all living things. Animals are regarded as beings that have feelings and emotions. Jains are vegetarians, and some of their devotees will even sweep the ground to remove any life forms that they may step on. They prefer to be bit by a serpent than to kill it.
Islam is based on the Christian belief that humans are at the center of the universe, and animals exist to serve us. They are called muslims in the Quran because Allah created them to obey His laws and live in nature. Allah, however, loved animals and commanded that they be treated with compassion and kindness.
Historically, Judaism has placed a great deal of emphasis on the treatment of animals as well as the prevention of “Tsa’ar Ba’alei Chayim”. This is to the point that it is prohibited to cause unnecessary cruelty towards living creatures. In this respect they are far ahead of Western Civilisation.
Hinduism teaches that animals, plants and other living things are not objects to be used and consumed by humans. Hindu myths, legends and temples depict them as Gods or Goddesses. Animals are treated with a fundamental respect and compassion by Hindus, even if their approach is complex.
Buddhiststry as little as possible to harm animals, and avoid work that would require them to be killed as they believe that all living beings fear injury and death. All beings are treated with kindness and respect, including animals and humans. This is because Buddhists believe that karma will make it necessary to avoid cruel treatment of animals in the future.
The basic doctrine of the eastern religions, which teaches respect for others and the benefits of not harming them or killing them, is no longer as revered and relevant as it used to be.
Does God love animals?
The basic idea of imposing one’s will on animals is still the same. It makes us feel powerful and manifests in our obsession to train or force them to obey and behave. We also make them work, die and do tricks for us. We are still willing to kill them for food, continue the tradition of using them as animals of burden, and have recently taken a step backwards by hunting them with arrows and bows.