Original scientific paper
Beware of dogs! The position and role of dogs in biblical discourse
Danijel Berković
orcid.org/0000-0001-5287-3944
; Biblijski institut, Zagreb
Abstract
One way or another, animal and humans beings are closely connected, whether in harmony, or conflict. Animals are our friends and helpers, but may also become our food. In the history of religion, animals as sacrificial offerings have been the means of mediation between people and God. In biblical discourse, the relationship between people and animals is depicted either in terms of human superiority over the animal world, “so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the
wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground,” (Gen 1:26-30) or as a relationship of mutual fear, “The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands” (Gen 9:2). Finally, animal are food for humans, “Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything” (Gen 9:3).
Keywords
animals; livestock; dog; zoonym; anthroponym; bestiary; zoolatry; spirit guide
Hrčak ID:
215537
URI
Publication date:
16.6.2014.
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