3.4: Animals and Religion

Humans and animals have long-standing relationships that go beyond practical and economic benefits. Animals are deeply ingrained in human culture, influencing our thoughts, dreams, and fears, and giving rise to myths, legends, and fables. To understand an animal's meaning, we must consider its cultural representation. Animals are often used as metaphors or allegories for human traits, a practice that constructs their cultural significance. This cultural importance is evident throughout history in art, literature, music, mythology, and religion.

The significance of animals in human cultural expressions stretches from ancient societies to the modern day. It's essential to acknowledge that the artistic representation of animals is often intertwined with their utilitarian value, and understanding both is crucial to comprehending our perceptions of them.

Religious beliefs have a significant and long-lasting influence on how humans perceive and interact with the natural world. From ancient times to the present, animals have played a critical role in religious practices globally, embodying a supernatural dimension in their relationship with humans. In ancient religions, animals were revered as ancestors and protectors, and some scholars have suggested that the cult of animals, known as totemism, was the earliest form of religion.

Over time, human-like gods and goddesses began to replace animal deities, but animals remained present as companions or alternative forms for these new figures. For example, Athena was associated with an owl, Zeus with an eagle, and Odin with ravens and wolves. In ancient Egypt, figures blending human and animal features, such as a human torso with an animal head, were common, reflecting the transition from a hunter-gatherer to an agricultural society. The Egyptians also developed animal cults, viewing certain animals as gods or their representatives. These sacred animals were bred in temples, mummified after death, and buried with their owners. This practice included a variety of animals, such as bulls, cats, and ibises.

The spiritual importance of animals persists today, though it varies greatly across cultures and religions. Sacred animals are still worshipped and used in rituals, and their parts are used to decorate religious spaces. Animals are also used in sacrificial offerings, and their body parts are integrated into magical amulets and other symbolic items. One notable practice is the religious release of captive wild animals, particularly in eastern and southern Asia, known as "merit release." This act, rooted in Buddhist teachings, is believed to enhance personal karma and lead to enlightenment by relieving suffering. However, this has created a commercial trade where animals are captured solely for this purpose, raising concerns about animal welfare and the introduction of non-native species that can harm local ecosystems.

Animals are also prominently featured in the architecture and ornamentation of religious temples worldwide. Figures of real and imaginary animals, such as gargoyles, are often incorporated into church designs, serving both functional and symbolic roles.

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