These Too Shall be Loved

Reverence for all Life

The Divine Plan includes the animals

There is a purpose underlying evolution, and that plan works toward gradual fulfillment and perfection. This purpose involves both animals and humanity. Only rarely do we behold persons or creatures who have gone as far as earth can develop them. The human finally achieves superhuman evolution and consciousness (Mastery); the animal attains completion of their animal existence. The next stage of their advancement will be to realize the beginning of human-hood, not presumably on earth, but on some planet where primitive humanoid life forms will have their inception.

There is a purpose underlying evolution, and that plan works toward gradual fulfillment and perfection.
Reverend Flower A. Newhouse, These Too Shall Be Loved

Helping Animals Grow Spiritually

We are encouraged to love all life God has made. Animals add a unique quality of enrichment that can actually stimulate our own spiritual growth. Because they are younger in evolution than humans, we have a responsibility to care for and love them. Just as the Angels love and look after us, we become our pets guardians and protectors. As the animals soften and develop under our watchful care, our spirits grow also because it is taking us outside of ourself—as a selfless server of God. Giving to animals in this way adds immeasurably to our appreciation of God's wisdom and love for all life.

Many great souls have lived this recognition. St. Francis stands out among them for the way he cared for birds and animals. He had a great love for the creatures, large and small; whether a wild rabbit, pigeon, deer, or dog, they all knew his love and came to him. Albert Schweitzer cared for injured animals alongside the humans he was helping as a doctor for he saw the reverence in all life.

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