When religion says that humans are the only reason for existence, is it possible to respect plants or animals?

Question

I'm really not seeing the whole "humility" part of religion in the concept that the universe was created for you only. I see the greatest form of ARROGANCE imaginable.

Answer 1

That attitude towards nature as something that should be used any way we feel like it is confined mostly to christianity. The other religions preach harmony with nature.

Answer 2

I don't believe that the universe was "created" in the judeo/christian traditional view.

I do believe that the universe operates upon certain laws.

Part of the perception of those laws would indicate that the universe, if anything is a universe of force.

If one cannot use force to create a fire, he will be cold and wet. Thus the motivation to explore the universe for the purpose of using its laws to the most benefit.

Some species are better at this than others. One can see that the food chain is something that is both natural and necessary for life to continue in this universe of force.

Consequently, the operations and activities of one species in relation to other species can be viewed as beneficial or detrimental depending on the viewpoint taken.

A gazelle, dying in the clutches of a lion would probably not consider the grand scheme of things to be working out too well on an individual basis.

Species have participated in extinction activities long before man became a major player and worked himself to the top of the food chain.

An oak tree is designed to grow from a seedling and eventually reach a point where practically nothing will survive in its sphere of control. Get enough oak trees going and you have the potential of extinction for other plant species.

The same analogy could be made for viruses and bacteria and germs.

Survival is not a matter of "humanity". It is a matter of overcoming all the other species efforts to eradicate YOUR species and do everything to ensure that you will survive.

Man as the apex of the food chain is the primary consumer of the planet's other species.

While it might not be the stated goal to cause extinction, those things do occur and if I had my preferences, I would rather be the species causing others to die than for other species to cause mine to die out.

It isn't religion...it is reality.

Answer 3

i guess it depends on how you respond...if someone walks up to you and gives you 100 billion dollars and an island the size of a small state...how would you react...with a humble heart and gratitude...or like the king of the world and pride...i find it really humbling...Genesis 3:21 "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them."..i find this humbling the most...God who created everything decided to kill part of His creation to clothe Adam and Eve for their mistake...Genesis 2:15 "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." this question should be in the religion section...

Answer 4

Not sure what religion you follow, but I've never dealt with one that thought we were the only reason for existence.

Might want to use a narrower brush.

Answer 5

Open your eyes wider and you will not see arrogance. The truly arrogant are among the minority. It is not a matter of religion either. It is spirituality.

Answer 6

NO. I don't see any room in a theology like that (which is Christian fundamentalism)
to care at all about any 'delicate ecology' or animal welfare, since everything was assumingly put here for our consumption and amusement.

Answer 7

Think of who (or what) actually put pen to paper to write the Bible; any wonder that species considers itself more important than any other? (even if they are wrong?)

Answer 8

Which religion is it that you have been researching?

Answer 9

"And man should a dutiful shepherd of all he possesses" So is I say it.