Animal Quote by Lactantius
“For when God forbids us to kill, he not only prohibits us from open violence, which is not even allowed by the public laws, but he warns us against the commission of those beings which are esteemed lawful among men…Therefore, with regard to this precept of God, there ought to be no exception at all, but that it is always unlawful to put to death a man, whom God willed to be a sacred animal.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: De Mortibus Persarum, c. 301 AD
Divine law forbids killing, extending beyond human law to protect all life, even those deemed lawful by society.
In simple terms: God says killing is always wrong, even if society permits it.
Key Takeaway
Respect all life as sacred.
Themes
ethics
religion
law
life
violence
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
theological
When to use this quote
- judicial decisions
- medical ethics
- animal welfare
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
theology
moral philosophy
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile civil law with moral law?
- Can societal norms justify killing?
A Different Perspective
Human laws may permit killing, but divine command opposes it.
![“By the divine providence [animals] are intended for man's use... Hence it is not wrong for man to make use of them, either by killing or in any other way whatsoever.” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f48/thomas-aquinas-837_animal_by-the-divine-providence-animals-are-int_112669.jpg)
![“I am inclined to think that the corrupting influence of the stage is even worse [than that of the arena]. The subjects of comedies are the deflowering of virgins or the loves of prostitutes. . . . Similarly, the tragedies parade before the eyes [of the audience] the murder of parents and acts of…” quote by Lactantius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9f1/lactantius-20886_love_i-am-inclined-to-think-that-the-corrupti_952348.jpg)
