Are humans a form of the animal kingdom?

on Jul 9, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I am an animal lover more than a people lover. If I could own one of every kind of animal as pets, I’d be the happiest person in the world, but I have to confine myself to one dog and one cat because I rent a small apartment. I get along much better with the animal kingdom, which is why I became a professional A-to-Z pet sitter with credentials to care for alpacas to zebras. When I attended a pet owner’s convention (with my pets), the Christian speaker and environmentalist who addressed the crowd said something I’ve never heard. She said that humans are a form of the animal kingdom. She said this was also what the Bible teaches, but as much as I love my pets, I hope this isn’t really true! – A.L.

A: Our souls set us apart from every other living creature, and that makes us unique. It also makes us fully human.

Supporters of environmental agencies often appear to worship not the God of Heaven, but the god of nature. This is a dangerous form of idolatry. Any time animal life becomes more sacred in our view than human life, we have lost sight of our proper priorities.

While the animals were created “after their kind,” the Bible tells us clearly that “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27, NKJV). God brought the animals to Adam “to see what he would name them” (Genesis 2:19, NIV). Imagine the creativity God had given to Adam! Whatever name Adam assigned each living creature, that was its name. Animals are among God’s many diverse gifts to mankind, and He cares for all living things. The Bible tells us that every animal of the forest belongs to Him (see Psalm 50:10), and the psalmist declared, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6, NKJV).

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)