God gave humans dominion over animals (and the earth) in Genesis 1:26–28. Christians often think this means humans can do anything to animals with impunity. However, the context is
often skipped, as Genesis 1:29–30, 2:8–9, 2:15–22, and 3:2 specify that humans (and animals) were to consume only vegetation. The overall context is the Garden of Eden,
where God designed humans and animals to live harmoniously and peacefully without harm or death for either (Gen 1:20–2:25; Rom 8:18–25). Additionally, in Genesis 2:19–20, as
encouraged by God, Adam named animals, implying a friendly relationship identical to how humans name companion animals today. Furthermore, ‘dominion’ is used again in Psalm 72:8.
Psalm 72:1–17 is a prophecy discussing the character of a just and righteous king (72:1–2) who will defend (72:4), rescue (72:12), feel pity for and preserve the lives of the poor
(72:13), and liberate their children. This ruler will stop an oppressor (72:4), save the helpless (72:12), pity the weak (72:13), and free the violently oppressed because he values their
lives (72:14). Importantly, this king’s dominion (72:8) will bring prosperity (72:16–17), righteousness (72:3), and peace (72:7).
Additionally, Psalm 72:1–17 finds its prophetic fulfillment in Jesus. How did Christ show dominion as a king (Luke 1:31–33)? Jesus felt compassion (7:13) and promoted mercy (Matt
5:7) and peacemaking (5:9). His most important teachings were to treat others the way you desire to be treated (7:12), love your neighbor as you love yourself (22:39), and for leaders to
serve others (Luke 22:24–27). Thus, human dominion over animals within Genesis 1:26–28 means compassionate and benevolent caretaking (Psalm 72:1–17; Luke 6:31; Gal 5:14), a
relationship where humans serve the animals (Mark 9:34–35). Indeed, God called this original design of humans serving animals and their collective vegan diet to be ‘very
good’ (Gen 1:20–31). Unfortunately, this ‘very good’ vegan relationship was lost through human disobedience (2:16–3:24; Rom 8:18–25). Satan gained dominion
over the earth instead (John 12:31; 2 Cor 4:4). Now that Satan is bound and imprisoned (Rev 20:1–3, 20:7), Jesus and his believers now reign (20:4–6) incompletely, but their
dominion will be fully realized on the New Earth (Ps 8:4–8; Heb 2:5–8) after Christ returns (Rev 22:7–20). Isaiah 11:6–9 prophesies humans becoming caretakers
(servants) to animals on the everlasting New Earth, where there will forever be no harm or death for either (Rom 8:18–25; Rev 21:1–4). Isaiah 11:6 describes restored dominion
perfectly: “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.”
The Bible instructs Christians to live according to how Eden was designed (Matt 19:1–9; Rom 1:18–32; 1 Cor 11:3–16; 1 Tim 2:11–15, 4:1–8). The Bible also
encourages believers to conduct themselves based on how the New Earth will be (Matt 6:9–10, 19:10–12; Phil 1:6, 2 Pet 3:10–13). How should Christians presently express
dominion over animals as God desires? Psalm 72:1–17 shows that humans (as rulers) should be righteous and just. Humanity should defend, rescue, value, and protect the lives of animals.
Furthermore, humans should feel pity for them, stop their tormentors, and free them and their offspring from violent oppressors. Human rule over animals should bring prosperity,
righteousness, and peace. Following the emotion and encouragements of Christ, humans should feel compassion (Luke 7:13) towards animals and be merciful (Matt 5:7) peacemakers (5:9) to them.
To assist, our ministry advocates expressing dominion over animals using New Earth Abolition (NEA), a system of ethics that focuses on God’s peaceful
and harmonious plans for humans and animals on the New Earth, combined with Jesus’ teachings on equal reciprocity and servanthood. Thus, our ministry teaches that dominion over
animals (Gen 1:26–28; Ps 8:4–8; Heb 2:5–8) requires a vegan diet (Gen 1:29–30; Isa 32:20; Rev 22:2) and is appropriately expressed by humans being servants
(caretakers) to the animals (Matt 23:11–12), treating them how we want to be treated (7:12, 22:39) and living peacefully and harmoniously with our fellow creatures, as well as fostering
peace and harmony between animals (Gen 1:20–2:25; Isa 11:6–9), as much as possible.
