Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my! Well, it’s almost that bad in Psalm 22. There are numerous references to animals in the psalm. There is mention of lions, bulls, dogs, oxen, and a worm. Quite a menagerie! Scholars tell us that animals were used as imagery for demonic forces in ancient near eastern writing. The animal references in the psalm are certainly all negative and threatening:
Strong bulls open wide their mouths at me like a ravening and roaring lion
Dogs are all around me
Deliver my life from the power of the dog
Save me from the mouth of the lion
From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me
All of these images suggest the threat of harm and attack. The animals show us the wild, uncontrollable, fearsome power of evil. They instill fear. There is nothing of the peaceable kingdom in this psalm.
And finally, there is mention of the lowly worm: “But I am a worm and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people.” While this animal reference does not suggest fear, it is an image of degradation. It is certainly negative.
In some passages in the Bible, even in the psalms, animals are used to convey the nobility of creation and the incredible diversity of life. They show us how we are to praise God by being fully ourselves. But in Psalm 22, as well as in other biblical references, animals are used to express negative sentiments.
I am wondering about the connection between these negative images and the theology of creation. Do the negative animal images help to support a “man against nature” outlook? A fundamental antagonism between humanity and the natural world? There is a strong tradition within Christianity that supports seeing nature as something to be subdued, to be controlled, to be tamed. Nature is here to be used/used up by humanity to serve human ends.
There is also a tradition of creation care and environmental sensitivity that has been present throughout Christian history. This theology draws upon positive images of nature and the interdependent web of creation that is also referenced in the Bible. Church leaders, theologians, and teachers going back to the earliest streams of Christianity advocate for the care of creation, and for coming to know God through the natural world.
As for our view of ecology and care of the environment today, here again, we exert our freedom to choose. We have two diverging paths within our tradition, both based on the Bible. It is up to us which we will embrace. Personally, I cannot integrate the abuse of creation into my personal Christian belief system and into my faith. I associate the abuse and sullying of the environment with selfishness, immediate gratification, greed, arrogance, over consumption, lack of self discipline, disrespectful behavior, laziness, individualism, and apathy. These are all character traits that I consider negative and at odds with the way of Jesus that is the heart of the Christian life. I associate caring for the earth with self discipline, service, concern for others, respect, generosity, self control, making the extra effort, valuing the well being of the whole, compassion, justice, and respect. These are traits that I feel are consistent with the life and teachings of Jesus. So, for me, I try to exercise the freedom of my faith by caring for the earth and making choices that protect and nurture the earth as the tangible self-disclosure of God.
Prayer
May we cherish the earth and its beauty. May we disentangle ourselves from the sin of anthropocentrism and appreciate the interconnectedness of earth, creation, and all life. As we seek our proper place in the vast web that sustains us, may we find our wholeness and healing. Amen.
Note: As I was writing this, the neighbor’s new puppy came outside to romp in the yard. Talk about disarming any fear you may have of animals (or of evil for that matter)!
Lakewood United Church of Christ 