Humans as pets of the Gods?

[GoodbyeDave]

I found this article rather amusing, yet still making a serious point. Any comments?
http://www.manygods.org.uk/articles/essays/catanalogy.shtml

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

Yeah, that's pretty much it. A similar approach could use dogs, fish, snakes or farm animals to illuminate the same and perhaps some other issues. For example, I've always found the Christian metaphor of the Good Shepherd a bit disturbing: does the shepherd really care for us? Or just our "meat" and "wool" and other useful parts? If so, what's really in this relationship for us?

 

[SpeaksForTheTrees]

No if my pet gets into trouble I would be forced to intervene , is not the same .
God love Human love
God only loves due to the absense of hate if that makes sense .
Love is a human trait , God is companionship ?

 

[Covellite]

God is also a teacher, God loves us, but some lessons are not so easy.

 

[Sultan Of Swing]

Yeah, that's pretty much it. A similar approach could use dogs, fish, snakes or farm animals to illuminate the same and perhaps some other issues. For example, I've always found the Christian metaphor of the Good Shepherd a bit disturbing: does the shepherd really care for us? Or just our "meat" and "wool" and other useful parts? If so, what's really in this relationship for us?

The shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, that goes a bit beyond a real-world shepherd-sheep relationship...

 

[Sees]

I think of Gods as elders of the family - not owners or masters. Same as I don't see my children as pets. Not surprised if some others do though...not likely any of similar traditions.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

I think of Gods as elders of the family - not owners or masters. Same as I don't see my children as pets. Not surprised if some others do though...not likely any of similar traditions.

Well, kin is kin, whether our relationship is culturally described as owner, pet, livestock, neighbor, etc. Different levels of responsibility for the others in our lives.

 

[Maponos]

The gods are more like kings and queens and we are their serfs. Serf has a bit of a negative connotation to it, but I can't find a better word to use. We aren't their slaves, as we have free will, but they ultimately rule us as a king or queen rules their land.

 

[whirlingmerc]

I found this article rather amusing, yet still making a serious point. Any comments?
Humans are to Gods as Cats are to Humans

In Christianity, the redeemed are not merely slaves, not pets but part of God's family, adopted and there is even the marriage supper of the Lamb to show the redeemed in special close relationship with God

Hosea and his family, a portrait of grace

 

[Lucida Sidera]

But if humans feed Gods through rituals, wouldn't it be the opposite? I quite believe that cats rule their "owners", perhaps it could be also this way with Gods.