Animal testing is a controversial topic that elicits strong opinions on both sides of the debate. As Christians seeking to follow God’s word, it’s important to examine what the Bible says that may relate to this issue.
God’s Grant of Dominion to Humankind
In the creation account in Genesis 1, God grants humankind dominion over the animals: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth'” (Genesis 1:26, ESV). This dominion is repeated in Genesis 1:28.
Many interpret this as giving humans permission to use animals as we see fit. However, other scholars argue this dominion should be understood as responsible stewardship, rather than unqualified domination that disregards animal welfare. AsChristian ethicist John Berkman notes, “In granting humans dominion…God charges them with the responsibility to care appropriately for fellow creatures who share the earth with them.”
Animal Sacrifice in the Old Testament
Animal sacrifice was a central element of Old Testament religious practice. God directly commands the Israelites to make various animal sacrifices (see Leviticus 1-7). This shows that, in certain contexts, God permitted and even mandated the killing and harming of animals.
However, scholar Norman Wirzba argues these sacrifices were intended to recognize the cost and gravity of sin, not permission to use animals however we wish: “The point of the sacrificial system is to impress upon the people that wanton acts of violence, particularly against the weak and vulnerable, are intolerable.” Christ’s sacrifice makes further animal sacrifices unnecessary (Hebrews 10:1-18).
Prohibition Against Cruelty to Animals
While the Old Testament permitted animal sacrifices, it also contains laws prohibiting cruelty to animals. For example:
- “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4, ESV). This allowed oxen to eat some of the grain they were threshing.
- “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel” (Proverbs 12:10, ESV). This instructs people to care for animals.
- The Fourth Commandment mandates rest for human servants and animals (Exodus 20:10).
These verses do not forbid all use of animals, but do indicate concern for animal welfare even within a society that routinely killed animals.
Animal Suffering Resulting From the Fall
Genesis 3 teaches that animals, alongside humans, suffer corruption resulting from the Fall and human sin. Some verses on this:
- “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it…It will produce thorns and thistles for you” (Genesis 3:17-18). Animals eat the same cursed ground as humans.
- “For the creation was subjected to frustration [futility, meaninglessness]…in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:20-22). Animals suffer corruption and pain alongside humans.
This shared suffering of animals provides a basis for treating them with compassion.
Proper Stewardship Over Creation
As noted earlier, Genesis grants humans dominion over animals, but many argue this should be understood as responsible stewardship, not unqualified domination. Verses supporting stewardship include:
- “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). The garden included animals needing human care.
- “Everything under heaven belongs to me” (Job 41:11). God still owns creation; we are temporary managers.
- “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Again emphasizing God’s ownership and our stewardship role.
This perspective sees humans as responsible caretakers of animals accountable to God, rather than having unqualified freedom to use animals however we choose without considering their wellbeing.
Principles of Justice and Mercy
The Bible frequently instructs us to seek justice and mercy. For example:
- “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV).
- “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another” (Zechariah 7:9, NIV).
- Jesus frequently modeled compassion and healed those who were suffering (Mark 1:40-42; 6:34; Luke 10:33-35).
These principles can reasonably apply to animal welfare concerns arising from animal testing. Causing unnecessary suffering for trivial ends would violate biblical calls to justice and mercy.
Human Dominion and the Image of God
As noted earlier, Genesis 1 grants humans dominion over animals while uniquely made in God’s image. This image includes abilities such as advanced reasoning, creativity, morality, spirituality, and intellectual abilities far surpassing animals. Some implications related to animal testing:
- The image of God distinguishes human needs and moral considerations from those of animals.
- Human purposes often rightfully take priority over animal interests.
- However, the image of God also confers responsibilities, including responsible stewardship as discussed earlier.
- The image of God prohibits treating humans as mere means rather than ends. Animal testing applies this to animals.
In summary, the image of God authorizes prioritizing human wellbeing over animals, but not unqualified dismissal of animal welfare.
Avoiding Unnecessary Offenses
Paul writes, “If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love” (Romans 14:15, NIV). And in 1 Corinthians 8 he discusses avoiding meat sacrificed to idols to avoid causing offense. Though not directly applicable to animal testing, these principles suggest avoiding unnecessary practices offensive to others in the Christian community. Since animal testing deeply offends some Christians, this provides reasons to avoid it when alternatives exist.
Differing Perspectives Among Christians
Sincere Christians come to different conclusions about what the Bible implies regarding animal testing. Some see few constraints, while others object to nearly all animal testing. Key disputes include:
- Whether animal sacrifices were merely permitted or were God’s ideal will.
- Whether the Fall’s corruption of nature authorizes us to “correct” nature through animal testing.
- Whether the image of God warrants prioritizing human interests entirely over animals or imposes limits.
Given these disagreements, Christians may have freedom to follow biblical principles as they understand them, while refraining from condemning those with differing views (Romans 14:1-4).
Potential Applications to Animal Testing
How might these biblical principles apply to specific animal testing practices? Some potential implications include:
- The mandate for stewardship over creation suggests we should not harm animals needlessly or excessively.
- Justice and mercy principles imply a responsibility to minimize unnecessary suffering.
- The image of God warrants prioritizing human wellbeing, but not without limits on harming animals.
- Unqualified domination over nature is questionable in light of biblical stewardship and the Fall.
- Animal testing for trivial purposes like cosmetics testing would be morally objectionable.
- However, animal testing of new medications may be justifiable to save human lives, provided animal welfare is still considered.
In conclusion, the Bible does not unambiguously prohibit all animal testing, but does suggest ethical constraints animal testing must operate within to remain within God’s will. Sincere Christians may differ on exactly what forms of testing cross biblical moral lines. However, certain guiding principles emerge that can inform Christians seeking to apply biblical values to their views on this contentious issue.