Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
icon-background-square
New
New
Year 11

The use of animals for food

I can explain Christian views on using animals for food, including biblical and ethical perspectives.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
icon-background-square
New
New
Year 11

The use of animals for food

I can explain Christian views on using animals for food, including biblical and ethical perspectives.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
warning

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
View new resources
arrow-right

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Animals are used for food, research, clothing, work and companionship; views depend on their value.
  2. Many Christians allow eating animals (Genesis 9:3), stressing stewardship and humane treatment.
  3. Some promote plant-based diets, citing Genesis 1:29 as God's original plan for humans.
  4. Views differ: most denominations allow eating animals with ethical treatment; Adventists encourage vegetarianism.
  5. Christians use conscience, reason and biblical teachings (Genesis 1:29, 9:3) to guide their views on animals.

Keywords

  • Humane - showing compassion, kindness and care for others, particularly in the treatment of animals or people

  • Stewardship - duty given by God to humankind to look after the created world and all life within it

  • Vegetarian - someone who does not eat meat, but may consume other animal products like dairy or eggs

Common misconception

Christians within the same tradition or denomination have the same views on using animals for food.

In reality, even within the same denomination, Christians can have different views based on personal beliefs, scripture interpretations and culture. Some follow official teachings, while others make their own ethical choices.

Allow time for small group discussions on this emotive issue, so students can share their thoughts and compare viewpoints before sharing with the whole class.
speech-bubble
Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Why do some religious believers argue that humans should protect the environment?
because harming the environment has no long-term consequences
Correct answer: because religious texts emphasise human responsibility for the Earth
because nature has no value beyond its usefulness to people
because pollution benefits the economy
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of environmental abuse?
planting trees to restore forests
reducing plastic waste through recycling
Correct answer: burning fossil fuels without concern for pollution
supporting companies that use sustainable resources
Q3.
How do many Christians interpret the phrase "fill the Earth and subdue it" from Genesis 1:28?
as a justification for using as many natural resources as possible
Correct answer: as a call to take care of the Earth responsibly
as a reason to ignore environmental concerns
as evidence that the environment will always repair itself
Q4.
The idea that we are part of a global community and should act responsibly toward the planet is called global ...
Correct Answer: citizenship, Citizenship
Q5.
The excessive use of resources, leading to shortages and environmental damage, is known as ...
Correct Answer: overconsumption, Over consumption
Q6.
Christians who believe that caring for the environment is part of their duty as stewards are practising ...
Correct Answer: stewardship, Stewardship

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following best describes Christian stewardship regarding animals?
Humans have full control over animals and can use them however they want.
Humans should avoid using animals for any purpose.
Correct answer: Humans have a responsibility to care for animals and treat them humanely.
Animals have no value and should not be considered in ethical discussions.
Q2.
What does Genesis 9:3 suggest about eating animals?
It forbids the consumption of meat.
Correct answer: It permits humans to eat animals.
It encourages vegetarianism as a divine command.
It states that only certain animals can be eaten.
Q3.
Which of the following Christian denominations is most likely to encourage a vegetarian or plant-based diet?
Roman Catholicism
Anglicanism
Correct answer: Seventh-Day Adventism
Orthodox Christianity
Q4.
The belief that humans should avoid causing unnecessary harm to animals is known as being ...
Correct Answer: humane, Humane
Q5.
The idea that humans have power over animals and nature is called ...
Correct Answer: dominion, Dominion
Q6.
Some Christians believe that God originally intended humans to follow a diet.
Correct Answer: vegetarian, Vegetarian