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TK421
Guest
Why did God create living beings in addition to mankind on Earth?
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phil19034
Guest
Mainly for food.
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Bahman
Guest
What make you think that you are higher than them in eyes of God?
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Phil_Marinus
Guest
Good point,
A better Question could be this…
Why did God create Millions of Galaxies so for from our own that it takes very powerful Telescopes to see them ?
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MarcoPolo
Guest
Much like with other parts of creation, such as night and day, burying seeds to draw new life, etc… the animals are theophanies of God as well. In Scripture, the diversity of the animals was a sign of the many cultures that became the people of God, i.e. the Gentiles, as communicated to Peter in his dream (Acts 10:12ff). The resemble the body of Christ, having many different gifts and skills, weaknesses and strengths (1 Cor. 12ff). You have other examples like the bird of the air and how God provides for them (Matt. 6:26), and how we can recognize in their gathering and building nests how God will all the more take care of us and provide what we need.
So those are just a few examples of how we can see the providence and love of God in the lives and signs of animals.
So those are just a few examples of how we can see the providence and love of God in the lives and signs of animals.
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inocente
Guest
To give us humility.
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tonyrey
Guest
The question is anthropocentric and requires no reply.
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Porknpie
Guest
God could have created humans without creating any animals. So the question is still a good one and is worthy of an answer.
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PnP
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drz888
Guest
From the Catholic Catechism:
*Respect for the integrity of creation
2415 The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity.195 Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man’s dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.196
2416 Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.197 Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.
2417 God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image.198 Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.
2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.*
Hope that helps in some way.
Blessings and peace.
*Respect for the integrity of creation
2415 The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity.195 Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man’s dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.196
2416 Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.197 Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.
2417 God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image.198 Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.
2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.*
Hope that helps in some way.
Blessings and peace.
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cheezey
Guest
before reading the above, how about companionship of another kind? Hope that’s in there or somewhere…
(meow, says Andy…)
(meow, says Andy…)
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Ophelia23
Guest
God is creator of all things on Earth, and all that is above and below the Earth, all things visible and invisible. All of these things were created as a statement of His love. Animals are for more than just food, although they certainly are for that as well. All things were created for God’s glory, because they are an expression of His creativity and love. And the space between Earth and Heaven is filled to the brim with his creation–plants, animals, humans, angels, archangels–it all leads to Him.
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JohnMPhilomena
Guest
Because God granted us dominion over them.
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TARRAT
Guest
AMEN. And amen.
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TimothyH
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Used2beSherryG
Guest
I love how our Church has clearly expressed the truth and beauty of our faith in a way that is both easy to comprehend and profound at the same time.
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Coolhandlukeboy
Guest
I don’t know even why God created anything at all. Honestly, we are all superfluous to him. He did not need to share his love. More than anything, I am grateful for this gift, which I did not need, nor deserve to receive. Makes me rethink the common question this time of year: what are you thankful for this thanksgiving?!
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tonyrey
Guest
The question implies that there is no obvious purpose for the existence of animals whereas there is for the human race. Doesn’t that imply prejudice for our own species?
Why should belonging to a different species make such a radical difference? Surely their existence has some value both for them and for us. A world devoid of animals would be less interesting and less valuable.
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Aloysium
Guest
maybe:
void → earth → plants → animals → man → angels ← (God)
an essential link in a hierarchal chain of souls?
void → earth → plants → animals → man → angels ← (God)
an essential link in a hierarchal chain of souls?
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Michael19682
Guest
At the behest of no authority I believe in psychology they can be thought of as transitional objects. They help people let go, nurture, be responsible, cure disease and thus prolong human life, as well as keep our ecosystems in balance.
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mikekle
Guest
Can the same be said for the Dinosaurs? Im curious if their existence gave God glory? Is it possible we have underestimated what the Dinosaurs were? or misunderstood why they were created and here for so long? The 3 time periods when they existed, spanned millions of years, but mankind has yet to reach a few thousand years and look at the world we have created for ourselves? Seems to me we screwed it up quickly, yet the dinosaurs must have been doing something right to be around for that long.
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