Since man was given dominion, does that justify dogfighting?
Question:
With all of the recent events taking place with football player Michael Vick, there are people who are using Genesis 1:26, specifically the word "dominion," to justify dogfighting. What is your thinking on this?
Answer:
"And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more"" (Luke 12:42-48).
The concept of being granted dominion, or rule, over the earth is similar to the idea of being made a steward on behalf of someone greater. The whole world belongs to God. "The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein" (Psalms 24:1). Man's rule is only within the bounds of which God's authority (I Corinthians 11:3). Therefore, man is to treat God's domain with respect and for the profit of God.
God specifically outlawed cruelty. "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10; see also Deuteronomy 22:6-7). Man cannot take it upon himself to go beyond what God allows or disallows.
