Dorothy Lowakutuk, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary | Image by Ami Vitale
Religions teach compassion for animals—yet animals suffer daily in their name.
Animals & Religion seeks to restore alignment between sacred teaching and practice.
Buddhism
Do not kill
Karma and reincarnation determine each soul’s rebirths. Across eons, every soul has been the beloved of every other soul. Non-harm is core to Buddhist ethics and the first precept forbids killing, yet some Buddhists sacrifice animals.
Christianity
Expansive Love
Jesus modeled expansive love and self-sacrificing service in daily life, particularly for those harmed and excluded by the dominant culture. God is compassionate toward every living creature; God created a vegan world. Unfortunately, many Christians display a lack of humility and neglect their duty to serve God in this world, though today many Christians are also animal activists.
Confucianism
we are innately kind
All matter and all minds share a single, original source that interconnects and equalizes all beings. Humans are inherently benevolent; to be truly human is to be kind and compassionate, yet parts of animal bodies are sometimes used in Confucian festivals.
Daoism
Animals have a point of view
No species has any special status. Humans are to foster all life, live simply, and avoid dominating or interfering with nature or with the lives of other living beings, yet some Daoists exploit animal bodies as offerings.
Hinduism
We are all one
In a universe of endless recurring cycles, karma determines each soul’s reincarnations. Across eons, each soul has been dear to every other soul and we are all interrelated. Non-harm is central to Hindu ethics, yet some Hindus engage in animal sacrifice.
Indigenous Traditions
We are all kin
Though many and varied, indigenous religions usually view animals as kin and as sacred. Many indigenous stories recall a time of perfect peace, when species lived together as one community, without bloodshed. Nonetheless, some natives continue to hunt, fish, and trap even though they no longer need to do so.
Islam
Animals have rights
Everything belongs to God; humans are to submit and serve God. Animals have explicit rights through their Creator. Mohammad exemplified submission to God through compassion and respect for animals, but some Muslims engage in animal sacrifice.
Jainism
Do not harm
Animals do not wish to be harmed or killed. Jains must not harm or kill any living being, or cause anyone else to harm or kill any living being through thought, word, or deed. Unfortunately, Jain animal sanctuaries do not necessarily alleviate suffering.
Judaism
God created a vegan world
God cares about every living being and created a perfect world, a vegan world. Human beings were instructed to serve God by protecting and tending creation on behalf of the Creator, yet some Jews slit chicken’s throats for ritual atonement.
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