Religion and Animals Revision

Differences between humans and animals – humans more important

Humans can make judgments / have opinions

Animals live on instinct and survival alone

Humans can communicate in a more complex way

Many animals abandon their weaker members whereas humans protect the sick and elderly

humans more important

Humans can create art, literature, music and develop technology

Only humans can have religious beliefs

Humans made in God’s Image and the most important part of creation – in charge (stewards) of the rest of the planet

Animals and the law

It is a criminal offence to hurt animals

Some animals cannot be kept as pet - rare birds or tigers

Fox hunting and dog fighting are illegal

There are strict regulations in animal experiments and transportation

For Captivity

Gives people an opportunity to see wild animals close up

Educational visits can take place for children to learn about animals

Breeding programs and conservation can take place for endangered or hurt animals

Scientists can study animal behaviour

Against Captivity

Crowded zoos can make animals distressed

Animals are much happier in the wild

Animals can be kept in small cages or cramped conditions

The climate and habitat can be very different from their native environment

Christian Views on Captivity Christians believe that conservation is

important and that animals should be saved from extinction.

Zoos or safari parks that provide enough care to the animals would be seen as acceptable

Many Christians think that zoos are not an appropriate way to look after animals as they are not given adequate space.

Muslim Views

Muhammad said that animals should

not be caged so therefore Muslims may say that they do not agree with the idea of zoos

Muslims support the idea of conservation so they may decide that safari parks are acceptable.

Pets

Christianity allows the keeping of pets as long as they are well looked after.

Muslims do not agree with keeping animals in small spaces and are not allowed to train animals to perform tricks so some Muslims do not keep pets.

Work Animals

Animals are used all over the world to transport people or goods. Donkeys, horses and camels are often called beasts of burden.

Dogs are also used as sheep dogs,

guide dogs, police dogs and military dogs to help humans in their work or life.

Religious Views on Work animals

Most Christians agree with using animals as God put them here to help use. Humans are in charge of the animals and may use them.

Respecting God’s creatures is important and work animals must be looked after.

Muslim views

Muslims would recognise the need to use animals in some situations such as guide dogs or police dogs.

Animals were put on earth by Allah to be used for the benefit of humans. However animals are not allowed to be over worked or treated cruelly.

Free Range / Factory Farming

Free Range – Animals are kept in natural conditions and have access to sunlight

Factory Farming – Intense method of farming for food, animals are kept in small cages with no access to the outside

Christianity and Food

Although Christians or Muslims may choose to be vegetarian, the religions do not teach people to avoid meat.

The Bible says that it is acceptable to eat animals – after the great flood God told Noah that animals may be eaten. St Paul said that all foods can be eaten.

Christianity and Food

Christians think that God provided humans with animals to use and eat.

Many will buy free range products which are kinder to the animals.

Islam and Food

Muslims have food laws that prevent them eating pork.

The Qur’an says that it is acceptable to eat animals.

They must eat only halal meat - the animals have been killed in a humane way with their throat slit quickly and a prayer of thanks said.

Animals in sport

Animals are used in sports such as horse racing, show jumping, grey hound racing, bull fighting, hunting polo

Hunting

Foxes are pests that need to be controlled

Foxes eat farmers live stock

Fox hunting is a tradition

Hunting for food (not foxes) is acceptable to most people

Hunting

It is too cruel and painful for the animal

There are better ways to control the fox population

Does not respect God’s creatures

It is against the law (2004 ban)

Fur / Ivory Trade

Using animals as resources without any respect is against Muslim and Christian faith.

We do not need to use animal fur as clothing so this is seen as unnecessary cruelty to animals.

Animals were created by God and should be treated with the proper respect.

Religious Views on Sport

Some Christians believe that hunting is justified for food, others say that we have a duty to protect God's creation and animals.

Animals must be treated with respect – animals in sport need to be looked after.

Quakers campaigned to stop fox hunting.

Sport cont….

Some Christians may see foxes as pests that spread diseases so hunting necessary to protect the environment.

Muslim Views on Sport

Muslims believe that animals should not be hunted for sport. Allah (God) will hold people responsible for hurting animals.

Muhammad forbade using animals in sport especially if the animals are fighting. Gambling is not allowed so horse and greyhound racing may be frowned upon.

Muslim Views on Sport

The teachings of the Qur’an make it quite clear that animals should not be treated as mere entertainment for humans.

For Experiments

Medical research helps save millions of people from diseases

Animal experiments have meant great advances in brain surgery

85% of animals used are mice or rats breed for the purpose

Laws are there to protect animals from any unnecessary suffering.

Against Experiments

It causes great pain and suffering to the animals

We should respect animals have a right to life

Computer simulation and stem cell research are better alternatives

Cloning / GM

Cloning and Genetic modification can help humans discover cures for diseases and can help create new drugs to combat genetic problems.

This means that most Christians accept limited cloning of animals and genetic experiments.

Cloning / GM

Muslims are not against animal cloning but Muhammad said that animals should not be kept in cages so many Muslims prefer to use other methods to find cures.

Christian Views on Testing Whereas some Christians support

scientific experiments, others, such as some Quakers, actively campaign to stop it

Christians believe that animals are part of God’s creation, there were put here to aid human beings so protect the human race from terrible diseases such as cancer animal experiments should be used.

Christian Views on Testing

Some religious people would say that the good out weighs the bad and that saving children from genetic diseases is more important

Religious people do not agree with cosmetic experiments and would prefer technology to be used instead of animals were possible.

Muslim Views on Testing

 Some Muslims do not agree with animal testing. They think that animals should be respected as part of Allah’s creation. Muhammad forbade cruelty to animals.

Teachings about how we should respect animals are set out in the Qur’an.

Muslim Views on Testing

Other Muslims believe that some animal testing is acceptable if suffering is kept to a minimum.

Muslims support alternative methods of finding cures such as computer simulation.

Assisi / Ohito Declarations

Meetings that took place with religious leaders to discuss how we should protect the animals in our world