Dear Father | Having dominion over all creation requires respect

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Fr. Mayo

We read in the book of Genesis "God created man in His image; in the Divine Image He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them, saying to them: 'Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth'" (Genesis 1:27-28).

This passage is essential in understanding our relationship and responsibilities vis a vis the rest of creation, especially the animals.

First, we must understand the great dignity God gave us human persons when He created us. He made us in His image and likeness; no other creature on earth was so created with intellect, will and an innate desire for God and His love. With such a dignity and abilities as God created us with, He set us over creation as stewards of it. When He did so, He did not hold back; everything from rocks to plants to animals, God placed in our care.

Recently, some people have gone to great lengths to defend the rights of animals, even arguing that they should have some of the same rights as humans. They argue that for centuries we have exploited animals and animals need legal protection.

From a Christian perspective, humans are expected to be stewards of all God's creation, including animals. We owe them kindness and are not to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. Yet we should not love animals in the way we are to love humans, nor should we put their needs above the needs of humans (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2416, 2418).

Animals may ethically be used for food and clothing -- that means fishing, hunting and trapping are acceptable. They may be domesticated for purposes of work and leisure. They may be used for scientific study within the limits of reason as long as the studies contribute to helping save human life (Catechism #2417).

As our archbishop calls us to reflect on our stewardship of participation in our parishes this year, perhaps we should also reflect on our stewardship of participation in our creation, especially our care we give to animals.

Father Mayo is associate pastor of St. Francis Borgia Parish in Washington. Send questions for a priest to: St. Louis Review, 20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119 or to letters@stlouisre view.com.