tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945950336560533065.post6436947943095434919..comments2011-01-17T11:48:40.629-08:00Comments on Theological Wanderings: AnalogyBrandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07292533344062574391noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945950336560533065.post-91273527164106901912010-10-23T20:27:43.136-07:002010-10-23T20:27:43.136-07:00Thanks Sherry. Interesting thoughts. I think anima...Thanks Sherry. Interesting thoughts. I think animals in creation times provide a very interesting topic. For example, they were created as companions to humans; not perfect, but still companions. I have no problem with pets having a "mommy" perception of humans; we are often their caretakers as well as companions. And I love that question... will we ever go back to former times? R.C. Sproul was asked a question when it came to animals in heaven... and he said the Bible never says for sure, but did point out that one day the lion shall lay with the lamb.Brandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07292533344062574391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945950336560533065.post-23453442816849588752010-10-18T15:28:26.019-07:002010-10-18T15:28:26.019-07:00Sorry 'bout the typos. Time for Bible study!Sorry 'bout the typos. Time for Bible study!SherryThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02964221770863733221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945950336560533065.post-79706202478338056712010-10-18T15:24:05.065-07:002010-10-18T15:24:05.065-07:00About those "pesky animals". :)
I don...About those "pesky animals". :) <br />I don't believe that any kind of animal looks to us as gods or God--I don't think they have any conception of that. At most there may be some magical thinking on their part--Like for instance when we turn on an electrical switch and light appears, or a breeze or unpleasant noises.<br /><br />I really only have personal/pet experience with mammals, plus a few birds and turtles. I can't think of anything to say about the latter categories, and in fact suspect that their thinking powers don't allow them to make any analogies when it comes to their human caretakers.<br /><br />On the other hand, I believe that most "indoor" mammal pets--as opposed to horses, donkeys, etc-- see humans as "Mommy". <br /><br />Sorry about that, Brandon. You see, they come into this world helpless nd under the care of their female parent in virtually all cases. Tht parent takes care of all their needs until they are able to fend for themselves. When it comes to that time, many perhaps most dogs, cats and rabbits (for the 3 best examples) then are attended to my one or more humans. They are fed, cleaned, caressed by the human in ways reminiscent of their birth mothers. Most very, very early probably fade away leaving a blur from the past plus the very real events of new food and water, cleaned litter boxes, exciting walks, grooming etc to blur one into another.<br /><br />The one exception is probably the dog, because they are pack animals. Those breeds who are more "into" forming packs probably look to their master or mistress as the alpha dog. However, I still think that a bit of "mommy" probably stays with them, though it may be way in the background with dogs.<br /><br />I believe that pets provide us with unalloyed and forgiving love and that in that respect they are an analogy to God for us. I wonder very much what God has in mind re us and our beloved animals. I am particularly curious about the change in our respective roles from the time of Eden until after the Flood when the survivors were told hat animals would now fear them and that it was now permitted to eat animal meat. Will be go back to former times, ever? Will that last prove to be a super-silly/stupid question?<br /><br />UtM<br />Sherry ThompsonSherryThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02964221770863733221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945950336560533065.post-16038477261808676412010-10-18T05:26:36.821-07:002010-10-18T05:26:36.821-07:00Hi, Brandon! I'll answer the last part first, ...Hi, Brandon! I'll answer the last part first, since you consider it the most important. I can speak to something of a role reversal. Many years ago, I wanted nothing to do with God, yet He "hounded" me regularly, especially at night. One of God's many roles is as the Hound of Heaven, when His children won't come to Him at His immediate call and He has to keep after them.<br /><br />At one time, I could make nothing of the analogy of God as Father. I think that only works for people with loving authoritative fathers. Or at least a grandfather, uncle or other male in authority who helps take care of them for their own good. I didn't have this experience. My dad was in some ways more like an older brother and was subservient to my mom who was not emotionally stable. I learned about fathers through sermons abut God, rather than the usual other way around. However, I have had experiences with God that have made it crystal clear that He loves me and He is obviously in authority over me, so I can now "get" that God is my Father in Heaven.<br /><br />More about our relationship to animals later. It's an intriguing idea and one dear to my heart, so I want to do it justice.<br />UtM<br />Sherry ThompsonSherryThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02964221770863733221noreply@blogger.com