Is killing animals a sin (what does the BibleBible say about killing animals)?

On the sixth day of his creation, God commanded the land to produce living creatures of all kinds, which is when animals came into existence. He then saw it fit to create man in his image, who would rule over living creatures, including animals.

Having been given the power to rule over these animals, many bible readers are always curious to know, “is killing animals a sin?”

The BibleBible does not exclusively talk about the consequences man will get for killing an animal or if killing it is a sin. However, the Bible is clear on how human beings should treat animals, as he was first pleased when he created them in Genesis 1:25. The Bible is also clear that it is okay to use some animals for food. Additionally, he labels the one who takes care of his animals as righteous, while the one who does not is wicked or cruel.

So, what did Jesus say about animal cruelty? What does the Catholic say about killing animals? Does God forgive killing animals for sport? Is killing animals for souvenirs acceptable for Christians?

What animals are Christians allowed to kill for food? Does God punish people for killing predating animals? Does the BibleBible condemn killing animals for sport?

Is killing an animal still killing and goes against God’s Ten commandments? What is the bible verse about killing animals?

Read on to learn the answers to these questions.

What did Jesus say about animal cruelty?

Jesus does not entirely say anything about animal cruelty in the New Testament. However, we can see that Jesus approved catching fish, indicating that he supports them for food.

Luke 5:4-4 says, “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’’’

We also see in the Bible Jesus is eating fish in Luke 24:40 after his resurrection. He showed his disciples his hands and feet to prove that he was the one, but they still doubted him.

Additionally, Jesus is speculated to have usually eaten a lamb, an animal, during the Passover feast. The lamb was usually slaughtered, roasted, and consumed as part of the law, and no scripture mentions Jesus going against this law.

Exodus 12:8 says, “that same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.’’

Is killing animals a sin?
What does Catholic Church say about killing animals? See below

What does Catholic Church say about killing animals?

The Catholic Church, led by its leader Pope Francis is against the mistreatment of animals, which in this case includes killing them cruelly.

In his encyclical that he released on the environment back in 2015, the pope questions why people think they can mistreat or harm animals, yet the Bible clearly states that God has not forgotten them.

Luke 12:6 says, “are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God?”

The pope also called out members to be better stewards of all the creation, animals included, stating that everything created by God is admirable and exemplary.

Furthermore, catechism No. 2417 dictates that humans can use animals for medical or scientific purposes, as this is within the overall lookout for the environment and people at large.

Does God forgive killing animals for sport?

The Bible does not directly mention whether God forgives killing animals for sport. However, we can learn from a few scriptures how God wants us to relate to or treat the animals and judge for ourselves if it is okay to kill an animal just for sport.

First, it is essential to know that God was pleased when he first created these animals, so killing them for sport would disregard God’s creation.

Secondly, we see that God only instructed human beings to kill some specific animals for food, as Genesis 9:1-3 says, and sacrifice.

Christians are no longer required to kill animals for sacrifice, as Jesus gave himself away as a sacrifice to God for their sins.

After God destroyed humankind with floods, he gave Noah the authority to use the animals for food and nothing else, implying that killing animals may be a sin.

There is a possibility that God will forgive one for killing animals for sports, as only one sin is unforgivable, and it is not this one.

Is killing animals for souvenirs acceptable for Christians?

Bible scholars have implied that it is acceptable for Christians to kill animals for souvenirs, as there are instances in the Bible where characters were clothed in animal skins.

In Genesis, after Adam and Eve had sinned and knew they were naked, God made them clothes from animal skin to cover their nakedness.

Genesis 3:21 states, “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”

John is also seen in the book of Mark 1:6 putting on animal garments, a sign that he had to kill an animal for his clothing.

What animals are Christians allowed to kill for food?

God was evident on which animals his people were to eat; it is mentioned in the book of Leviticus 11:1-32. To start with, God allowed Christians to eat all the animals on the land that has divided hoof and chew the cud.

Examples of these animals are sheep, goats, cows, and antelopes.

Regarding water creatures, God allowed Christians to eat only those in the water with fins and scales. These may include salmon, trout, tilapia, and tuna.

God also allowed Christians to eat insects that walk on their fours and have jointed legs to hop on the ground. These are locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers.

what does the BibleBible say about killing animals?
Does God punish people for killing animals for sport? See below

Does God punish people for killing animals for sport?

God does not pass judgment on whoever kills animals, as he commands them to replace them. Leviticus 24:21 says, “whoever kills an animal shall replace it, but whoever kills a human being shall be put to death.”

However, killing animals for the spot is considered cruel, and God will not let the evil go unpunished, as the book of proverbs 12:10 states, “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”

Additionally, the Bible tells us how it is evil to oppress animals, let alone kill them for sport, as an Angel almost killed Balaam for beating his donkey three times.

Numbers 22:31-32 says, “Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the Lord said to him, ‘Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me.'”

Is killing an animal still killing and goes against God’s Ten Commandments?

Animal killing is not among God’s Ten Commandments, as God gave animals to humans for food. The commandment against killing is that of Murder, which is directly linked to killing other human beings.

Bible verse about killing animals

Leviticus 24:21 says, “whoever kills an animal shall replace it, but whoever kills a human being shall be put to death.” God does not put a death penalty on anyone who kills an animal, meaning that this sin is forgivable.

Genesis 27:2-4 says, “Isaac said, “You see that I am old and may die soon. Take your bows and arrows, go out in the country, and kill an animal for me. Cook some of the tasty food I like and bring it to me. After I have eaten it, I will give you my final blessings before I die.”

It was Okay for Esau to kill an animal for his father, as it was meant for food.

Leviticus 17:13 says, “any Israelite or foreigner residing among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth.”

Here, the Bible gives guidance on how to kill and eat animals for food.

Numbers 22:31-32 notes, “Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So, he bowed low and fell face down. The angel of the Lord asked him, ‘why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.”

Although Balaam did not kill the donkey, he mistreated it, which God was not pleased with.

Mark 1:6 says, “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt round his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.”

A camel had to be killed to make the hair and the leather belt John wore.

References

Bible verses about killing animals

What does the Bible say about animal rights?

What does the bible/Christianity say about cruelty to animals?

Do you think it is right to kill animals for sport?

Did Jesus eat meat?

Pope Francis’s Unreserved Embrace of Animal Protection

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