Do animals have the same moral stature as humans?

[-Cp]

Due to folks arguing about cats/dogs/animals etc being so important in dmp's thread on his sick cat, I thought it'd be best to have this discussion here.

Do you view animals as being equal to humans? If so, why? If not, why?

[glockmail]

No. Its in the Bible for man to be the master of his domain, subdue the earth and eat meat.

[-Cp]

No. Its in the Bible for man to be the master of his domain, subdue the earth and eat meat.

Scripture reference?

[glockmail]

Scripture reference?

You doubt me?

[-Cp]

You doubt me?

Of course...

[glockmail]

Of course...

Before I look up the passages in the Bible I need to know that your next post ain't going to be "the bible isn't the moral authority" or some whore shit like that.

[pete311]

I don't look to a book to tell me what to think. Humans are animals. We share the earth with other animals, plants, bugs. The earth was not created for us. Obviously like other animals we are concerned and biased towards our own species, but i'd say the vast majority of what we do is well beyond the necessary requirements for our survival.

[glockmail]

I don't look to a book to tell me what to think. Humans are animals. We share the earth with them. The earth was not created for us. Obviously like other animals we are concerned and biased towards our own species, but i'd say the vast majority of what we do is well beyond the necessary requirements for our survival.

So you're a vegan?

[pete311]

So you're a vegan?

No, vegan-ism is not healthy.

[SassyLady]

I don't look to a book to tell me what to think. Humans are animals. We share the earth with other animals, plants, bugs. The earth was not created for us. Obviously like other animals we are concerned and biased towards our own species, but i'd say the vast majority of what we do is well beyond the necessary requirements for our survival.

Must spread rep!

[Abbey Marie]

No. Its in the Bible for man to be the master of his domain, subdue the earth and eat meat.

There is text on us having "dominion" over the Earth, but that does not mean being cruel or inhumane. We have dominion over our kids, too, but most people don't think that means we should torture them or eat them or hunt them or kill them.

We are more like stewards of the Earth.

[crin63]

Animals should not be mistreated but they're not equal to humans.

If you want spend $$$$$ on your animal, fine. Its up to the individual.

If you want to use a .25 cent solution for $$$$$ situation, fine. Its up to the individual.

[glockmail]

There is text on us having "dominion" over the Earth, but that does not mean being cruel or inhumane. We have dominion over our kids, too, but most people don't think that means we should torture them or eat them or hunt them or kill them.

We are more like stewards of the Earth.

So what does that have to do with the mistreatment of His creation?

I killed it quickly with the method at my disposal that would cause as little pain as possible. How is that cruel or inhumane?

[SassyLady]

Due to folks arguing about cats/dogs/animals etc being so important in dmp's thread on his sick cat, I thought it'd be best to have this discussion here.

Do you view animals as being equal to humans? If so, why? If not, why?

I do not view animals as being "equal" to humans. I believe we are all animals and humans just happen to be at the top of the food chain. However, I believe that we are responsible for the animals that we domesticate and if we choose to have them be companions, we are responsible for their quality of life. I think it is morally wrong to abuse and neglect them.

One does not have to see another life as being "equal" to treat it with dignity and respect.

[pete311]

I do not view animals as being "equal" to humans. I believe we are all animals and humans just happen to be at the top of the food chain. However, I believe that we are responsible for the animals that we domesticate and if we choose to have them be companions, we are responsible for their quality of life. I think it is morally wrong to abuse and neglect them.

One does not have to see another life as being "equal" to treat it with dignity and respect.

I would like to add that being in the place we are (at the top) we should feel obligated to look after the lesser forms of life rather than dominate them. We have come from caves through the enlightenment age to a technological wonder land and yet we still treat each other and our planet like a frat house.

btw, anyone else super excited for Disney Oceans?