Vegan Forum

Doesn't the Bible say that humans have dominion over the animals?

Yes, the Bible states this in the story of Genesis after God creates Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. Although I myself believe in the theory of evolution, there are some vegetarians and animal rights activists who do believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. These individuals would point out that according to the literal interpretation of Genesis, no animal ever died in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve and all the animals were vegetarians.

In this context, the phrase "dominion over the animals" could not have referred to killing and eating them. Many would argue that "dominion" is more accurately interpreted as "stewardship" rather than tyranny. Furthermore, since the Garden of Eden represents the highest ethical ideal, some people who believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible interpret this to mean that vegetarianism is the highest ethical ideal.

Quote from Animal Rights and Vegetarian Ethics by Eugene Khutoryansky

I've just had a telling off for taking the bible literally, without the correct teaching, on another thread So I'd better quote somebody else!

The Christian Vegetarian Society's mission:

We encourage vegetarianism because the diet is ecologically sound, helps alleviate world hunger, and benefits human health.

Also:

We believe, ... that encouraging plant-based diets is an effective, evangelistic witness to the gospel. It is a contemporary response to Christ's command to "go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:19)

There is a theme of 'honouring God's creations' running through their website.
http://www.all-creatures.org/cva/default.htm

The Jewish take on vegetarianism is more to do with obligation not to cause pain or suffering to animals (stated clearly and repeatedly in the Bible!), and modern farming methods contradict this.
http://www.jewishveg.com/ja.html