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I divide creation into two groups: 1. Man 2. Natural resource. The Bible is very clear on how to respond to both and the rules are dramatically different for each. When this economic mess falls out and life becomes a struggle for more and more people, there will be less and less concern for the welfare of animals and people can, again, focus on helping their fellow man, not getting fluffy groomed “just right”.

You have a point, but check the Bible verse in post #50. Man does have dominion over animals but I don't believe God intends for people to rule over animals with detached indifference and callousness. It doesn't always have to be an either/or situation with regard to Man's relationship with animals; the fact that Man is the superior being does not require that the welfare of animals should be of no concern. Sometimes we do have to do unpleasant things to animals, but they should be done on the on the basis of need and necessity, not mere convenience. Also, while animals may be a sort of a "natural resource," I'd say there's a difference between a cat or a dog, and a tree or a mineral. A lump of coal doesn't feel pain when you burn it.

I actually agree with you. If I were truly callous regarding the kittens, I would have had no qualms about what I was doing at all. But in my mind they are WAY below human in significance. I have said that I think the bible tells you to take care of your animals in the same way that if it were written today it would say to keep the oil changed and tire pressure checked in your car.

We are supposed to responsibly manage that for which we are responsible. That means not killing cats just for the fun of it or, for that matter, kicking over anthills just for the fun of it.

>>Also, while animals may be a sort of a “natural resource,” I’d say there’s a difference between a cat or a dog, and a tree or a mineral. A lump of coal doesn’t feel pain when you burn it.<<

I agree. Different resources should be treated differently. It is only natural to be sensitive to the feelings of animals because they seem to mimic ours to one degree or another, though we often missinterpret their motive - crocodile tears being an excellent example.

They don’t think like us. They just appear to.

“It doesn’t always have to be an either/or situation with regard to Man’s relationship with animals; the fact that Man is the superior being does not require that the welfare of animals should be of no concern.”

Surprising, and disturbing, how many Christians there are that will disagree with that.