Vegetarianism in the Scriptures

The bible, on many occasions, says that man was given "dominion" over the animals. People have twisted this to mean that they can do anything they wish to animals. What is meant by "dominion" is the ability to impose our will. We do indeed rule over all animals, as we are the most powerful species on the planet. This however, does not mean it is okay to abuse this power, through animal abuse, and other wicked acts. The Sovereign, without a doubt, wants us to show mercy for animals.

Animal Sacrifices

We have just discussed the concept of The Sovereign having mercy on animals and  not wanting us to abuse them. The idea of animal rights being expressed in the bible comes under fire from those who point to instances of animal sacrifice. I admit the many scriptures about  animal sacrifice in the bible have troubled me in the past. How can The Merciful One command us to sacrifice animals? The truth of the matter is, we are NOT supposed to sacrifice animals. The Sovereign does not command us to do this. 

The First Agreement with the Animals

Animal Sacrifice

THE EIGHTH CENTURY B.C. INAUGURATED AN ERA

of spiritual and moral evolution in Judaism that struggles to continue in our own day. It was a giant leap in consciousness that seemed to emerge, full-blown, in the teachings of the Latter Prophets.

The teachings of those men affirmed the primary importance of social justice, rejected ceremonial and sacrificial religion, and articulated a change from henotheism to monotheism. They also taught that homo sapiens is not the end-all or be-all of Elohim’s creation—that, in fact, the animal kingdom is an integral part of the Kingdom to come. It would be a peaceable kingdom where “they shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Sovereign.” (Isa. 11:9)

Although this change in consciousness regarding animals was first articulated in the Hebrew Scriptures (or Old Testament), students of religion have traditionally credited India with the concept. They point to the teachings of Buddha and Mahavira, both of whom denounced the sacrifice of animals in the sixth century B.C. The Hinduism of their day required the slaughter of sacrificial animals; it was an integral part of that religion.

As is usual in a sacrificial cult, the priests wielded great power. The power of the Brahmin priests rested on the teaching that only they could offer the kind of sacrifices that were “the atonement for everything . . . the sacrifice that redeems all sin.”