February 15, 2011
Assemblies of God
Official statements and contemporary references on animals
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A boy and his dog. Kristian Sekulic, istock.com
Assemblies of God was founded in the United States in 1914 in the midst of an international Pentecostal revival. Today, it is a member of the world's largest Pentecostal association: the World Assemblies of God Fellowship. It characterizes itself as having a fourfold mission: "evangelism, discipleship, worship, compassion."
The General Council of Assemblies of God, on its position on environmental protection states, "The Assemblies of God believes everyone needs to be a good steward of all God’s creation–including the earth. As clearly indicated in Scripture, we believe the earth was created by God (Genesis 1:1-31; Isaiah 37:16). We also believe it serves as the temporary home for all members of the human race (God’s highest life form, made in His own image; Genesis 1:27) until eternity.
"Scripture indicates the earth will one day be consumed by fire and cease to exist (Zephaniah 1:18; Isaiah 51:6). We believe before this occurs Christ will return to earth for His church (those who have accepted and believe in Him). At that time Christians will enjoy a new earth presently unknown to mankind (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13).
“In spite of these future events, we feel Christians must act responsibly in their use of God’s earth as we rightly harvest its resources. As stated in Genesis 1:27-30, we believe God has given mankind alone complete dominion (authority) over the earth’s resources. These resources include the land, the water, the vegetation, and the earth’s minerals; as well as the animals, fish, and fowl. Like the earth, we acknowledge these to be gifts from God to mankind; and as gifts they are to be appreciated and cherished. As Christians we believe dominion requires good stewardship of our temporary home–earth."
To read official statements and contemporary references on animals, including links to documents and articles, click on this PDF.