faq #11, do you even care about insects?
I've been looking forward to this series for a long time and introducing a new theme to not one sparrow's blog, an entire category of creatures which make up a staggering 97% of the world's species! We've had the occasional post or mention of insects, but until now haven't taken the opportunity to focus in on them and other anthropods and invertebrates. As usual, we'll be sharing a few meaningful posts from friends, along with several other unique articles and videos via the social outlets.
First, by way of general introduction to the subject, here's the answer posted on our FAQ page to the reasonable question, "Do you even care about insects?"
Most of us can understand caring for pets and even wildlife and farmed animals on some level, but insects? Bugs and spiders by the thousands constantly find their unwelcome way into our homes, gardens and food, and some seem hell-bent on biting or worming their way into our bodies and other animals, causing discomfort or even sickness. Surely God doesn't delight in them the same way He does His other creatures, or expect us to watch over them in the same way?
We do need to protect ourselves from some insects, anthropods and other invertebrates, and practically it would be impossible care for the trillions of others we share this world with in the same way we do other animals. It would be hard to take a walk through the grass or Summer drive otherwise. But at the same time, we can't deny that these are also God's unique creatures, with some form of sentience, exquisiteness and purpose according to their kind. And we should make an effort to understand and respect them, and not cause them any more suffering than necessary.
Like most people, I've had a number of personal interactions with insects, spiders and worms, and no doubt many other tiny creatures which I was less aware of. I was fascinated by the insects in my backyard and local community as a kid, collecting many of them in glass jars, sometimes filled with sticks and leaves to make them feel more at home (inadequately, I'm afraid). Some of my earliest Summer memories involve chasing fireflies, and later on I trapped grasshoppers, moths and butterflies. The beautiful Monarch butterfly was especially rare to see, and virtually impossible to catch. In grade school, I seem to remember hearing they were becoming increasingly rare in the Midwest.
I also remember being swarmed by mosquitoes while out picking strawberries with my father and little sister and brother one steamy Summer afternoon; and I imagine most of my impressions of "bugs" during my teen years and early twenties similarly had more to do with annoyance than appreciation or even tolerance. I do recall a trip I took down to Louisiana as part of the Katrina relief effort, and mildly regretting the hundreds of black bugs splattered all over the front of my car. And as my eyes began to be opened to animal welfare concerns a few years ago, I wondered if in the distant future modern technology might ever be able to prevent countless winged insects from perishing on my windshield every time I take a casual Summer drive.
These days, I've become someone who tries to gently shoo outside many of the insects and spiders I find indoors, at home or at church where I'm part-time custodian, even if their chances for survival outside may not be great. I still regret the large spider I set outside in the dead of winter, only to find it frozen stiff seconds later. Most others I tend to leave alone to have the run of the house (or occasionally to be chased by the cats). I have less flexibility at church, where part of my job is to clear away spider webs and the spiders and insects themselves, no matter how harmless. I try to take my time and shake the duster and dust bin outside, but I can't be completely harmless, especially when confronted with the occasional infestation.
Like most folks, I'm not especially sorry when I have to snuff out the occasional mosquito which won't stop harassing me or my family. I do try to save the ticks I pick off my body after my walks along the Des Plaines River trail, but if I still find them on me back at home I tend to flush them. They may be dangerous carriers of Lyme disease, but I figure that's not their fault.
When I turned in my seminary capstone paper on a biblical-theological foundation for animal welfare to my supervising professor Dr. Bruce Fields, I included a quote from Michael Bullmore's 'The Four Most Important Biblical Passages for a Christian Environmentalism' which read, "the creation perfectly is what God intended it to be." Dr. Fields left a note in the margin, "Wow! Even mosquitoes? (smile)," which made me grin as well.
It's clear that all animals have been affected by the Fall, and some of them demonstrate this more persistently in preying on each other and even human beings. But God's original intention for them was innocent and life-giving, and I have to believe He still intends to include them, even ticks and mosquitos somehow, in the redemption of the new heaven and earth. Our options for interacting with them humanely are far from perfect in the meantime, even more peaceable insects, spiders and other invertebrates. But whatever compassion and care we are able to show them is worth the effort.
(photo credits: monarch butterfly by Steve Byland/123rf.com, mosquito by ansem/123rf.com)
June 14, 2011
Reader Comments (2)
I completely agree! Iwas just reading a blog about animals in the new millenium and how even today we can still see evidence of incompatible species lioving in harmony like a tigre that adopted baby pigs etc, i hate cockroaches but oneday in India i saw one coming to the table to drink a drop of water it must have been very thirsty, cockroaches make nests and rear the babies! I am sure that oneday it will be revealed that insects think and plan just like any other animals, well Jesus come back soon please, and may Gods perfect will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, amen
Bridget, that's a wonderful note and thought, thank you for sharing it! I especially appreciated the compassionate story about the cockroach. We have a post coming up soon which indicates a bit more just how sentient some insects and other invertebrates are, and I too look forward to the day when God will redeem them and allow them to live in harmony with other creatures, and ourselves. I know as humans we can do more to work toward that end in the meantime. God bless, Ben