Some people would argue that being pro-life should extend beyond human beings to all living creatures.
Such people ask, “How can you be pro-life and not vegetarian?”
First, it should be noted that humans are very distinct as a species. We have a specific place in our world—this is referred to as “human exceptionalism.”
From the moment of conception, the lives of preborn humans should be viewed as having importance and moral value equal to all other people in a society.
First and foremost, we are called to uphold the dignity of life, especially because human beings have both physical and metaphysical aspects to their personhood.
Most people agree that if there is an afterlife, the souls of animals will probably die with their bodies, and they do not possess the capacities for the same kinds of intelligence or free will that humans can.
Because of this, it is essential that we seek to protect human life above all, and encourage others to do the same.
Only after we have secured a deep respect for all of humanity can we really begin to develop a sincere appreciation and respect for all other forms of life.
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Image from www.muppet.wikia.com
I am a pro life vegan. I do not believe that any sentient being is of less value than another. I catch lots of flack from liberals for not being pro abortion because many believe that any free thinker would be . I find that to be odd. I also catch flack from pro life people for valueing all life equally as if claiming animal rights some how devalues human life. Many people claim the two are unrelated. I do not. I value all life equal. I also am a lil disturbed of how many pro life folks are pro war.
I agree with Acen111. I do not understand how you can be “pro life” and still be fine with the routine killing of thousands of animals a year. That is in no way “pro life”. It is also important to note that animals are way beyond the development of infants. For example pigs have the intelligence of a three year old child. So killing a pig should be as bad as killing a three year old child. And the same as killing unborn infants. They are all alive and if you are “for life”, you should not at the same time be supporting killings. Those are conflicting ideas.
I do not believe that the souls of animals die with their bodies. As much of a difference between our species and animals there seems to be, it is absurd to think that humans are the only beings who have a “real” soul that actually enters the afterlife. There is no evidence, biblical or otherwise to suggest this. In fact, the Bible tells a different story: “Look at the birds flying around . . . your Father in Heaven takes care of them” (Matthew 6:26), and “He gives animals their food and feeds the young ravens when they call.” (Psalm 147:9). Obviously animals matter to God because the presence of animals in Nineveh is recorded as a reason for God’s mercy in not destroying that sinful city: “How much more then, should I have pity on Nineveh, that great city. After all, it has more than 120 000 innocent children in it, as well as many animals.” (Jonah 4:11)
And what of this verse?? “Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats, calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do . . . The land will be as full of knowledge of the Lord as the seas are full of water.” (Isaiah 11:6-9)
The earth is full of terrible things right now. Sometimes death and killing is inevitable – a way to survive, to feed oneself and ones family, or to protect yourself – for the animal kingdom, and for humans. But in the afterlife, and in God’s eyes, death is meant to be conquered once and for all.
I am pro-life. I am also vegetarian. I am blessed to live in a country where I can get the nutrition to survive (and thrive!) without needing to kill or be responsible for the deaths of either people or animals, therefore why should I chose to needlessly take a life? No, I cannot say that I value an animal’s life over a human embryo’s – I understand the immense value of a human being. But still, I value the animal’s life enough to realize that it matters. God works through animals and people, and also cares about them all – so why shouldn’t we?
God bless,
Erica~