Cat Quote by Francis Schaeffer
“The value of the things is not in themselves autonomously, but that God made them, and thus they deserve to be treated with high respect. The tree in the field is to be treated with respect. It is not to be romanticized as the old lady romanticizes her cat (that is, she reads human reactions into it). This is wrong because it is not true. When you drive the axe into the tree when you need firewood, you are not cutting down a person; you are cutting down a tree. But while we should not romanticize the tree, we must realize God made it and it deserves respect because He made is as a tree.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Who Is There, Francis Schaeffer, 1979
Objects have intrinsic worth because they are created by God, deserving respect beyond human sentiment.
In simple terms: Created things merit respect.
Key Takeaway
Treat all creations with reverence.
Themes
respect
creation
theology
environment
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- logging
- urban planning
- environmental policy
- personal conduct
- education
Key Concepts
Divine authority
intrinsic value
anthropocentrism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for nature with human necessity?
- What defines intrinsic value?
A Different Perspective
Respect may conflict with practical needs like resource use.
![“Active conservation [of gorillas] involves simply going out into the forest, on foot, day after day after day, attempting to capture poachers, killing-regretfully-poacher dogs, which spread rabies within the park, and cutting down traps.” quote by Dian Fossey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e63/dian-fossey-18586_active_active-conservation-of-gorillas-involves_714628.jpg)
