Mixed Blessing for Animals: The Contras of Genesis 9

Reading from: Olley, John. Mixed Blessing for Animals: The Contras of Genesis 9, in  Norman C. Habel and Shirley Wurst (eds.), The Earth Story in Genesis, England : Sheffield Academic Press, 2000, p. 130-139

Introduction

When we read flood story, we read about animals in their richness of their variety are included in the occupant of the ark. We can say that this plentiful diversity of animals is seen as good and is to be maintained. It was emphasized by the repeated “kol or all” in Genesis 8:17, 19 (seven times).Yet the first reference to animal in Genesis 9 is to “the fear and dread” of Noah and his descendants (9:2). So we can see there is difference between Genesis 8 and Genesis 9. In Genesis 8 we can see there is comprehensiveness between humans and animals, while in Genesis 9 the sole beneficiary is humankind. The question is does animals only simply become as human food supply and ruthlessly treated by humans? And also a question about does animals and humans seem to have accountability?

When we read Genesis 9 we get surprising information. The first covenant involves not only Noah but also every living creature. (9:10. 12, 15, 16, 17). It simply described as between God and “the earth” (Gen. 9:13). Next question is how can we understand this chapter - this juxtaposition between humankind and every living creature? Meanwhile, in the other hand, people still hard to except that animals can be recognized as “covenant partners with Yahwe”.

Listening to Creation Groaning

Joint World Alliance of Reformed Churches and World Council Of Churches Consultation, Listening to Creation Groaning: Reflection and Notes on Creation Theology, Geneva: John Knox International Reformed Centre, 2004 in Melisande Lorke and Dietrich Werner (eds.), Ecumenical Visions for the 21st Century: A Reader for Theological Education, Geneva: WCC Publication, 2013, 251-259

Creation in the Old and New Testament

Bible describes God as continuously creating (creation continua). God calls creation into life and renew it day by day. So creation is ongoing process. Old Testament does not offer a theory on the origin of the world but invited Israel to respond in faith to the creating power of God. Human beings are unique among other God’s creations. They have mandate to fulfill in creation but in the same time should be recognized as part of the whole creations. Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God. It makes human being as representative of divinity on earth. They became God’s vicarii and should exercise it responsibly. It is interesting to know that human beings were created in the same day with animals, so both share same living space and form a community. Human beings are the responsible stewards or locum tenentess of God on earth. In Genesis 1 there is an ideal picture. Human beings are vegetarians, but after flood story a new order is established. Human beings are allowed to eat meat though God at the same time established covenant with the whole earth. So we can understand that the mandate given to human beings must be exercised under this covenant.