Spin 1: Get to Know the TOPIC
This conversation will not cause the divisions that other topics might. Although Christians do tend to be on both sides of this issue, youth seem to be able to debate it with a sense of humor. However, don’t doubt the significance of this conversation. It reveals more about how we understand humanity and our role in creation, than how we understand animals. If we conclude that human beings are the only creatures with souls, then we may be saying that God has chosen human beings, including ourselves, as the most special and superior of creation. If we conclude that animals do have souls,we may be saying human beings and animals are equal in God’s eyes. Our choice of sides affects everything from our political preferences to the clothes we wear and the food we eat.
Christians have often argued passionately over whether or not animals have souls! In part, this passion comes from the fact that most humans eat some form of meat. Most of us either kill animals or provide a reason for others to kill them. As Christians, we have convictions that prohibit killing and eating other human beings, as a general rule. What is the difference? Some have argued that it is the presence or absence of a soul. Some Christians believe that God provided animals for human beings to use as needed. Other Christians believe that all sentient living things should be given the same regard as humans should give to each other. Enter the conversation with sensitivity to both sides of this issue. You may well have youth that believe passionately on either side. However, a constructive conversation will help everyone determine what they believe and why they believe it. As you prepare, review the questions in Spins 3 and 4. Determine where you land on the question. As usual, keep your beliefs to yourself until Spin 5 or else you may have the youth debating you. At the worst, the youth may be too afraid to share with you what they really believe.
Spin 2: Set the FOCUS
This topic is perfect for a debate! If you choose to have a debate, the resolution should be, “Be it resolved that animals have souls.” A second alternative is to bring a pet to class. Let the youth pet and get to know the animal. Then say, “Today I want to ask you a question about (name of pet). How many of you think that he/she has a soul?” Listen to the answers and ask them, “Why?” Once you have heard their answers, move on to Spin 3.
In the News this week: A Gorilla escapes from a zoo and crosses the street to wait
for the bus and a Tiger attacks a performer. I was thinking that this might be a lighter topic this week.
Spin 3 : Discover “WHAT” They Believe
The first question may sound odd but it works in the sequence. It also catches the youth’s attention. Watch for inconsistencies within their answers.
- Do you believe that human beings should eat other human beings?
- Do you believe that human beings have souls?
- Do you believe that it is okay for humans to eat animals?
- Do you believe that Christians should eat animals?
- Do you eat meat from animals?
- Do you believe that Christians should hunt animals for food? For sport?
- Do you believe that God wants us to kill animals for food? For sport?
- Do you believe that some animals have souls and others do not?
- Do you believe animals go to heaven?
Spin 4: Explore “WHY” They Believe It
- Why do you believe humans should eat humans? Other animals? Why not?
- Why do you believe that it is okay if Christians eat animals?
- Why do you believe that God sees humans and animals differently? Why not?
- Why do you see humans differently from animals? Why not?
- Why do you eat meat if you believe that Christians should not eat meat?
- Why do you eat meat if you believe that animals have souls? Why not?
- Why do you believe that it is okay for human beings to hunt for food? Sport?
- Why do you believe God wants us to kill animals for food? Sport? Why not?
- Why do you believe that only certain animals have souls? Why not?
- Why do you believe animals go to heaven? Why not?
Spin 5: Introduce Sources of AUTHORITY
**Genesis 1:26 states that humans were created differently from other animals. They were made in the image of God and given dominion over creation. Some Christians use this to support using animals for food and clothing. Wrestle with this one.
**Genesis 9:3-4 clearly says that God gave humans permission to eat animals.
**Genesis 9: 15-17 tells of God’s new covenant after the flood with every living creature.
Does this mean that all creatures are equal in God’s eyes?
** Matthew 10:31 seems to suggest that God values humans greater than animals.
Some Christian Native Americans believe that God is in all things. It is essential that we offer a prayer asking for forgiveness when we kill something to eat.
Spin 6: INTERACT with the Authorities
- Do you agree with Genesis 1 :26 that God gave humans dominion over creation? What do you think “dominion” means? Why?
- Do you believe that because Genesis 9: 3-4 gave us permission to eat animals, that animals don’t have souls? Why or why not?
- Do you believe that the covenant in Genesis 9 means that all creatures are equal? Does equality mean that animals have souls? Why or why not?
- Do you believe, like Matthew, that God values human beings greater than animals? Why or Why not?
- Do you agree with the Native American belief that all things have souls and we can kill only for survival? Should we ask forgiveness? Why or why not?
Spin 7: ACT on What You Learn
**Change your habits to match what you believe. Add a Native American prayer to your meal or reduce the amount of meat you eat. For more ideas, consult Alternatives for Simple Living at Alternatives, PO Box 2857, Sioux City IA 51106, or the internet.
**Plan a worship service or lead a prayer that celebrates all creation.
**Celebrate St. Francis’ Day with a “blessing of the animals” where people bring pets into church for a special prayer service.
**Take a “leave no trace” camping trip. Consider how you will eat. Fishing? Hunting? Wild plants? Make sure you have trained guides for this. Food poisoning is nasty.
**Investigate the food and energy pyramid. How high up do you eat?
