The Bible contains hundreds of passages about animals. Many of them contain important teachings about human responsibility to care for the creatures and to fit them into a whole theology of creation. Here are some of the key ones with a note about their implications.

GENESIS 1:20-22: The Animals are fulfilling God's command

IMPLICATIONS

1. God creates many creatures, and sees them as "good. " This means they have intrinsic worth before utilitarian value. It also means that biodiversity is inherent in creation.


2. Because God charges the creatures to be fruitful and multiply; they are fundamental to God's order to creation, and so humanity has to learn to live with other creatures.


3. Animals have their own purpose, and so destruction of species is sin.


4. Because animals have unique food and shelter needs, species preservation presumes habitat preservation.

GENESIS 6:5,7-8, 13-14,7: 12, 16-17: Noah, the First Preserver of Species

IMPLICATIONS

1. God's command to Noah demonstrates that preservation of animal species is important.


2. God was more concerned about preserving animal species than sinful people.

GENESIS 9:8-13: The covenant is between God and creation

IMPLICATIONS

1. The Covenant includes the animals which shows that they have God's respect. If God acknowledges animals, so should people.


2. God's Covenant requires a whole panorama of obedience to prevent future catastrophe.

DEUTERONOMY 22:6- 7: Care for the Productivity of Creation

IMPLICATIONS

1. Creation's fruitfulness must be preserved.


2. Restraint must inform human dominion over animals.

PROVERBS 30:25-28: Insights from Insects, Animals

IMPLICATIONS

1. There are lessons from creatures, even the insects.


2. Each species reveals different talents and skills.

JOB 12:7-10: The Animals have their own understanding

IMPLICATIONS

1. Spiritual lessons are hidden in animals.
   
2. Learning the lessons of nature tests our spiritual penetration.


3. The Creator's life is in animals.

ISAIAH 1:2-3: The Witness of Animals

IMPLICATIONS

1. Animals can be more obedient than people.


2. People forget their purpose, but animals do not.

HOSEA 4: 1-4: Human greed affects the land and animals

IMPLICATIONS

1. Animals and people share one earth.


2. As humans sin, the animals also suffer.

MATTHEW 6:26-27: Behold the birds

IMPLICATIONS

1. Jesus tells us to behold the birds, for lessons about life are in them.


2. We acknowledge God's glory by admiring God's works in creation.

REVELATION 5: 13: The creatures give glory to God

IMPLICATIONS

1. The creatures also sing in the heavenly choir and give glory to God.


2. Silenced voices of praise represent avoidable tragedy.