God's Creatures Whether Great or Small "Those who really want to restrain their violent passions, will do better by starting with their palates." —Ghandi   Extensive research comparing the structure and function of the brains of humans and animals, has revealed some interesting facts. [We] differ in fewer ways than we may think; surprisingly, the similarities are greater than the differences. ...A striking similarity between the human and the non-human mammalian brain is seen in the electrical activity patterns of electroencephalograph (EEG) readings. A dog, for example, has the same states of activity as man, its EEG patterns being almost identical in wakefulness, quiet sleep, dreaming, and day dreaming. As for the chemistry of the central nervous and endocrine systems, we know that there is no difference in kind between human and other animals. The biochemistry of physiological and emotional states (of stress and anxiety, for example) differ little between men and mice. Returning to Eden, M. Fox, pg.10,11.1   The same God Who created mankind also made the animals. And while they were not made in the likeness of the Godhead, which in it's deepest sense means the ability to know and choose right from wrong, they were made in every other area as humans, with all the emotional, physical, and to a large degree mental, capacities of humans. They were to minister to our happiness and comfort, to serve and be controlled by us. But this power was never to be used to cause pain by harsh treatment or cruel exaction. But how often, especially in the "farming" industry, are the animals treated recklessly with little care, as though the poor creatures did not have flesh and nerves that could quiver with pain, or a brain and spirit that could be crushed by the thoughtless moment of an uncontrolled temper. 2   Animals are innocent sufferers in the hell of our making through our sin; we have a moral responsibility to treat them with respect, kindness, and in this way to relieve their suffering even if only in a small way. They have never sinned, and therefore are still in communion with God. I firmly believe that if we would seek God and walk daily with Him personally, if we would be surrendered to God's will in our lives, the friendships of man and animal will in a limited sense return to the closeness we shared in Eden, when we were all in union with God. All rights reserved Copyright © 2006 By J. Lee