Respect for the integrity of creation —
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. 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 neighbour, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect
for the integrity of creation.
Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence thy
bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which
saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.
God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. 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 within reasonable limits, is a morally
acceptable practice since it contributes to caring for or saving human lives.
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.
(Ref: Catechism of The Catholic Church, Publication Service, Canadian Conference of
Catholic Bishops, English translation in Canada (1994), Part III, Section Two, Chapter Two , Article 7-II, pp.490-491)
Kosher are food conforming to the requirements of the Jewish dietary laws. Such laws deal with what foods Jews
can and cannot eat and how those foods must be prepared and eaten. A wide range of animals are not used for food,
but all fruits and vegetables are considered kosher (except grape wine).
(Leviticus 11; 17:10-16)
Muslims also have similar strict rules on food. Muslims are generally allowed to eat meat of all
four-footed animals and all water-games, but not allowed to eat dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine
except forced by necessity.
(Ref: Islamic Topics, By Hassan El-Najjar, January 2004)
In general, they can eat of what the earth grows, such as pot-herbs, cucumbers, garlic, lentils,
onions, etc. Guidance can be found in the Qur'an, i.e. "Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good;
and do not follow the footsteps of the Evil One, for he is to you an avowed enemy."
"Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, it is Him you worship."
(Surah 2: 169, 172)
... The Creator, however, made clear how animals were to be treated. Although man was eventually permitted
to use them for food and other practical purposes, God never sanctioned cruel treatment of them.
The Bible says: "The righteous one is caring for the soul of his domestic animal, but the
mercies of the wicked ones are cruel." - Proverbs 12:10.
God even gave the ancient nation of Israel laws that addressed the welfare of animals. The arrangement for a Sabbath, a day of complete
rest each week, benefited the Israelites' animals in that they too could rest. (Exodus 23:12) Significantly, although no work was allowed on
this sacred day, people were to come to the aid of a distressed animals. (Luke 14:5) God further directed that cattle were not
be deprived of food while they worked, and animals were not to be put under an extreme burden. (Exodus 23:5; Deuteronomy 25:4)
Yoking a bull and a donkey together was prohibited, preventing injury to either animal. (Deuteronomy 22:10) Clearly, the Bible teaches that
animals were to be treated with propriety, respect, and compassion!
Though many people focus on their own concerns and ignore any consequences to animals. God compassionately considers them. When the prophet
Jonah reacted unmercifully when the inhabitants of Nineveh repented and were spared God's judgement, Jehovah stated: "For my part, ought
I not to feel sorry for Nineveh the great city, in which there exist more than one hundred and twenty thousand men who do not at all know
the difference between their right hand and their left, besides many domestic animals? (Jonah 4:11) Yes, the the Creator felt
pity even for the animals!
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| The musical video - 4th-5th Centuries music; composer unknown; singer - Isabel Bayrakdarian, an Armenian Canadian soprano (2002 Album - Joyous Light); and the lyrics is from The Bible; Note: The video is dedicated to the accidental death of a pet mouse on Easter Sunday, 12 April 2009. |
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A 18.5-minute video of the re-enactment of the military maneuvers between the British Forces and the American Forces of North America in the Battle of York on 27 April 1813. After the day, the British capitulated. The capital of Upper Canada (York) fell, though the magazine of the fort was blown up and inflicted heavy casualties to the Americans. The re-enactment was scripted and directed by historian Peter Twist. This video was videoed and edited by Gordon Li and video was published in two parts at YouTube in August 2013.