Animals in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, animals are considered to have immortal spirits, similar to the way that human beings have immortal spirits.[1] It is believed that animals, like humans and plants, were first created spiritually before they were created physically on Earth.[2] After their physical creation, animals "were also living souls, for I, God, breathed into them the breath of life." [3] The spirits of animals are in the likeness of their physical bodies.[4]
As with human beings, animals' purpose in life is to have joy in their own sphere of existence. "As intelligent, soul-bearing entities, these creations of God are capable of certain joy as they fulfill the measure of their creation on this earth."[5] Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:
| “ | The Lord gave life to every creature, both the birds in the heavens, beasts on the earth, and the fishes in the streams or seas. They also were commanded to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. It was intended that all creatures should be happy in their several elements....[6] | ” |
It is also believed that animals will be found in heaven. Joseph Smith, commenting on Revelation 4:6, referred to "the happiness of man, and of beasts, and of creeping things, and of the fowls of the air" in heaven or paradise, and referred to animals "in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity."[7] In 1928, Joseph Fielding Smith stated:
| “ | So we see that the Lord intends to save, not only the earth and the heavens, not only man who dwells upon the earth, but all things which he has created. The animals, the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, as well as man, are to be recreated, or renewed, through the resurrection, for they too are living souls.[8] | ” |
Various leaders of the LDS Church, from Joseph Smith and Brigham Young to Spencer W. Kimball, have taught that animals are to be treated with kindness and respect.[1] Men's and women's responsibility over earth and its creatures is referred to as a "stewardship."[5] Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:
| “ | I do not believe any man should kill animals or birds unless he needs them for food, and then he should not kill innocent little birds that are not intended for food for man. I think it is wicked for men to thirst in their souls to kill almost everything which possesses animal life. It is wrong, and I have been surprised at prominent men whom I have seen whose very souls seemed to be athirst for the shedding of animal blood.[6] | ” |
The LDS doctrine known as the Word of Wisdom states that the Lord ordained flesh of "beasts" and of "fowls of the air" "for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing to me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine."[9] On the other hand, there is no prohibition against eating meat: "And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God; For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance."[10]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Packard, Sandra Bradford. (1992). "Animals". Encyclopedia of Mormonism. Ed. Daniel H. Ludlow. New York: Macmillan.
- ^ Moses 3:5
- ^ Moses 3:19
- ^ D&C 77:2
- ^ a b Stewardship of God’s Creation. Intellectual Reserve, Inc. (2005).
- ^ a b Smith, Joseph Fielding (1976). "Answers to Gospel Questions" 4: 48. quoted in http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/hunting.htm. Retrieved on 2006-12-27.
- ^ Doctrine & Covenants 77:2, 3
- ^ Smith, Joseph Fielding (October 1928). "Talk". Conference Report. , quoted in Jones, Gerald E. (August 1972). "The Gospel and Animals". Ensign 2 (8): 63-65.
- ^ Doctrine & Covenants 89:12-13
- ^ Doctrine & Covenants 49:12-13
[edit] Further reading
- Cooper, Melanie. Pet Loss: An LDS Perspective. LDS FAQs. About Inc..
- Jones, Gerald E. (August 1972). "The Gospel and Animals". Ensign 2 (8): 63–65.
- Nibley, Hugh W. (1972). "Brigham Young on the Environment", in T. Madsen and C. Tate: To the Glory of God. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 3–29. ISBN 0-87579-818-7.
- Packham, Richard (2006). Animal resurrection in the teachings of Mormon prophets.
