Vegan Talk Forums

Gladis · Vegan Talk Beginner Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 2

Doesn't the Bible say that humans have dominion over the animals?

BeeTooman · Vegan Zealot Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 980

Yes, the Bible states this in the story of Genesis after God creates Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. Although I myself believe in the theory of evolution, there are some vegetarians and animal rights activists who do believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. These individuals would point out that according to the literal interpretation of Genesis, no animal ever died in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve and all the animals were vegetarians.

In this context, the phrase "dominion over the animals" could not have referred to killing and eating them. Many would argue that "dominion" is more accurately interpreted as "stewardship" rather than tyranny. Furthermore, since the Garden of Eden represents the highest ethical ideal, some people who believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible interpret this to mean that vegetarianism is the highest ethical ideal.

Quote from Animal Rights and Vegetarian Ethics by Eugene Khutoryansky

BigBecka · Animal defender Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 412

I've just had a telling off for taking the bible literally, without the correct teaching, on another thread

So I'd better quote somebody else!

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