Equality of creation

By Aqsa, Sukriya and Anisha, aged 13 from Gordons School

Equality of creation
 
We have chosen to draw this image to represent the theme of “Why do animals’ matter?” We have referenced the hands of the ape and of God from Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam”. This painting is often interpreted as representing the moment God gives life to Adam; the first man. It symbolises the connection between God and humanity, with God imparting the spark of life into Adam. We have referenced from this image to show how God created animals as God created humans, and how God also gave life to animals. It shows the connection between animals and God. Animals and humans have the same creator, so why should animals be treated differently to us? The Earth in the background represents all life and how God created the Earth and everything in it. The birds, the animals on the land and in the sea show all of God’s animal creations. We have decided not to show the face or body of God as in different religions, God looks and is different and we wanted to include all religions in our image. It can also include non-religious peoples’ beliefs., as the hand could be interpreted as a human hand and that we should treat animals respectfully, as we evolved from an animal. We have used the hand of an ape because they are our closest relative. An ape is similar to a human, so why should they be treated differently to us? Our picture, in conclusion, symbolises the equality of all God’s creatures on Earth, as they are all from the same creator. We have taken inspiration from quotes from different religions that show we should treat animals equally such as: 
“You say the One Lord is all, so why do you kill chickens?” (Guru Granth Sahib, 1350)”A good deed done to an animal is a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.” (Hadith, Mishkat al-Masabih)”Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” (Luke 12:6)