Sin, and animals?

Question

To those of you who believe in the concept of sin (in any religion), I pose the following questions:

Do you believe that consuming animals is morally permissible?

Sin is not limited to things that we choose to do, but extends to things we choose NOT to do. If you consume animals, do you believe that it is still morally permissible by refusing to educate yourself about the barbaric practices of commercial farming?

I understand your position, if so. For most of my life I forced myself not to look, until one day I conceded. What I learned so greatly impacted my conscience that I had to immediately start making lifestyle changes. I don't adhere to any religion these days, but I still place ethical value on decisions. If I still chose to eat meat, I would be unable to consider myself anything but a monster.

Take note: I am not passing judgment on you. I've passed judgment on myself and I ask what prevents you from doing so.

I'm aware that Judeo-Christian religions teach that God gave to man full dominion over animals. However, do you believe that Yahweh approves of the ways in which they are treated in life and death today?

I've already addressed the "God made them for us" hook, Judy. I'm also aware of the functionality of shock, but do you really believe it prevents the pain, for example, of pigs who are unsuccessfully knocked out and still conscious as they are strung up and have their throats severed, then boiled (to remove hair) while still alive after spending several minutes hung upside down?

Could animals survive in the world without an understanding of it, and an understanding of what's happening to them? All animals seek to avoid discomfort and to maintain life, or else they would not seek shelter from storms, demonstrate stimuli to pain, and cry out while in distress.

Answer 1

First of all, God created animals for our food, comfort and intertainment. They also serve a purpose in keeping the earth cleansed.
Second: what makes you think that animals think and feel the way humans do? If that were so, wouldn't you be able to reason with animals?

Not only did God bless us with a thing called 'shock' to prevent our panic at the time of sudden death, He also has a built in mechanism for animals. They have instincts, this is true but understanding what's happening to them?

Climb down off your 'all things equal' trip.

Answer 2

God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them: "Be fertile and multiply and fill the earth. Dread fear of you shall come upon all the animals of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon all the creatures that move about on the ground and all the fishes of the sea; into your power they are delivered. Every creature that is alive shall be yours to eat; I give them all to you as I did the green plants. (Genesis 9:1-3)

The Catholic Church teaches:

+ It is a sin to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly.

+ It is not a sin to kill animals with as little suffering as possible for food, clothing, and the health and safety of humans.

+ Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving of human lives.

For more information, see Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2415-2418 and following: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art7.htm#2415

With love in Christ.