I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.Is this verse relevant? It is a metaphor, no doubt. However, in order for the metaphor to work, there must be a shepherd who would literally give his life for the sheep. Let's remember that this is likely a hired shepherd, too. Note also the significance: Christ uses this metaphor to describe his death on Calvary, with which He bought eternal life for all humanity! Clearly, then, Jesus Himself affirms that animals are not just objects of little or no value.
John 10:11
Counter-Point:
It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.Does this say anything about domesticated animals? Firstly (according to my understanding), dogs were not really domesticated then. They were roaming freely, and stole what food fell off the table. They didn't get a bowl of food better than what 95% of the world population get to eat. Yet, the principle that stands behind Jesus' words is clear: humans have a greater value than animals. Applied to our lives, how much energy, effort, and resources can be put into animals as long as there are countless humans in need of care?
Mark 7:27
The Conclusion
You didn't seriously think I'd burn my fingers by posting a conclusion here and now?
2 comments:
Where are you going with this?
I don't know yet. I'm just jotting down thoughts as I'm searching to answer this question not just from a cultural or guts feeling perspective, but trying to give a Christ-ian answer.
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