I have been concerned for several years about the relationship between the American people and their pets. Be patient, I'll try to explain.
There can be little question that focus, attention, and spending on our pets has increased exponentially during the past several decades. Very few households are "pet free" and our pets are pampered now more than any time in our history. It is now nearly a crime (sometimes it is illegal) to house your pet outside the home. They get designer food and better health care than many of our fellow citizens; despite its exorbitant cost. They have become welcomed travelers (not so a very few years ago) and it is increasingly common to see them in our grocery stores and restaurants. We even have public parks now, exclusively dedicated to pets. Except for the high cost of vet care, I have no issue with any of these.
My issue is this; is there a connection between our continued elevation of pets and the continuing de-valuation of children (and the elderly) in modern society? (Our declining birth-rate and the total disinheritance of our elderly are just two of many supporting statistics).
While we chase the god of self-fulfillment, pets have become the "easy" replacement. They place far fewer demands on our time and treasure. They also become an easy replacement for the love and attention we would normally expend on our children and others.
Try as I might, I can find no parallel in God’s word.
There can be little question that focus, attention, and spending on our pets has increased exponentially during the past several decades. Very few households are "pet free" and our pets are pampered now more than any time in our history. It is now nearly a crime (sometimes it is illegal) to house your pet outside the home. They get designer food and better health care than many of our fellow citizens; despite its exorbitant cost. They have become welcomed travelers (not so a very few years ago) and it is increasingly common to see them in our grocery stores and restaurants. We even have public parks now, exclusively dedicated to pets. Except for the high cost of vet care, I have no issue with any of these.
My issue is this; is there a connection between our continued elevation of pets and the continuing de-valuation of children (and the elderly) in modern society? (Our declining birth-rate and the total disinheritance of our elderly are just two of many supporting statistics).
While we chase the god of self-fulfillment, pets have become the "easy" replacement. They place far fewer demands on our time and treasure. They also become an easy replacement for the love and attention we would normally expend on our children and others.
Try as I might, I can find no parallel in God’s word.
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