Christian Perspective
This isn’t gonna apply to everyone, but I’m really concerned about how people treat their pets nowadays, especially those who profess themselves to be Christians.
I can understand toys for stimulation, comfortable beds, and even healthy meals with real ingredients for pets. But those things are a slippery slope towards daily gourmet meals, cosleeping, and *shudders* strollers. I can’t STAND seeing a dog in a stroller. First of all, unless they are truly handicapped, they need exercise! Secondly, they are not babies!!
The Bible says that humans are made in image of God, that children are a blessing, and that we should prioritize the family unit! We’ve slowly normalized treating animals like image bearers and it’s truly disturbing once you wake up and notice it.
Pets are the new children and plants are the new pets. The hashtags #dogmom and #catmom are everywhere. I’ve seen bumper stickers that say, “My grandchildren have paws.” I know people that take their pet everywhere—to church, to parties, airplanes, grocery stores, and even to a wedding (without permission at a outdoor venue known for mountain lions I might add)!!
We are not concerned enough. We’ve all seen the people who are so far gone that they think having a puppy is as hard as raising a child. The shift has been so subtle that we don’t even realize that we as a society are sick.
Don’t get me wrong. Animals have a valuable place in our lives. Proverbs tells us we should have regard for the lives of our animals. Animals serve an amazing purpose and we know from Genesis that we are supposed to care for them and rule over them. I’ve seen task trained service animals do amazing things and save lives! I’ve seen people come out of a deep depression when they rescue an animal companion. Animals like dogs, horses, and oxen are so so strong and can help with things like farming, shepherding, transportation, and recreation!
But animals are not people. A puppy will never hold the same value (or challenge) as a child. A cat will never offer the same intimacy or companionship as a friend or a spouse. A horse will never offer the same utility or work ethic as the human mind and body. And the void of loneliness we try to fill with them can only be filled by Jesus!
← Back to the rage
I can understand toys for stimulation, comfortable beds, and even healthy meals with real ingredients for pets. But those things are a slippery slope towards daily gourmet meals, cosleeping, and *shudders* strollers. I can’t STAND seeing a dog in a stroller. First of all, unless they are truly handicapped, they need exercise! Secondly, they are not babies!!
The Bible says that humans are made in image of God, that children are a blessing, and that we should prioritize the family unit! We’ve slowly normalized treating animals like image bearers and it’s truly disturbing once you wake up and notice it.
Pets are the new children and plants are the new pets. The hashtags #dogmom and #catmom are everywhere. I’ve seen bumper stickers that say, “My grandchildren have paws.” I know people that take their pet everywhere—to church, to parties, airplanes, grocery stores, and even to a wedding (without permission at a outdoor venue known for mountain lions I might add)!!
We are not concerned enough. We’ve all seen the people who are so far gone that they think having a puppy is as hard as raising a child. The shift has been so subtle that we don’t even realize that we as a society are sick.
Don’t get me wrong. Animals have a valuable place in our lives. Proverbs tells us we should have regard for the lives of our animals. Animals serve an amazing purpose and we know from Genesis that we are supposed to care for them and rule over them. I’ve seen task trained service animals do amazing things and save lives! I’ve seen people come out of a deep depression when they rescue an animal companion. Animals like dogs, horses, and oxen are so so strong and can help with things like farming, shepherding, transportation, and recreation!
But animals are not people. A puppy will never hold the same value (or challenge) as a child. A cat will never offer the same intimacy or companionship as a friend or a spouse. A horse will never offer the same utility or work ethic as the human mind and body. And the void of loneliness we try to fill with them can only be filled by Jesus!