Topic > Views of Creation in The Body Of God by Sallie Mcfague

As humans we rely on both plants and animals to take care of us. “…many of us still see other animals as corporeal things without mind or spirit” (McFague, 119). I have always interpreted other creations as something that was created for our benefit, so that humans could be nourished and replenished. While it serves this purpose, it is important to realize that this is from God and that this convenience should not be abused. “On our planet we are the self-conscious aspect of the body of God, the part of the divine body capable of working with God, the spirit that creates and redeems us, to bring about the liberation and healing of the earth and all its creatures” (McFague, 124). We need to take care of these beings because they also come from God, and I think part of our job is to be able to take care of other creatures and treat them well. I am not against killing animals for meat, as long as it doesn't cause too much pain to the animal. However, I can't stand the thought of animal abuse and feel like it's something that shouldn't be tolerated, regardless of whether the animals are bred to be killed or not. “While our analysis of ecological sin will focus on the most neglected areas of our relationships with other animals and with nature, right relationships with our nearest and dearest relatives, our own species, must come first into consideration and importance” (McFague, 116-117 ). What he says here is significant. While it is critical for us to care for the plants and animals of this planet for the well-being of humans, we must first consider the needs of our own species. I think we cannot be greedy or too consumerist, but we must take what we need and only that. It's not that simple, but living a life as God would have it seems to me would allow it