Jones is also a hunter, a man who travels the world in search of big game. He has written more than 300 articles and books to date, including one book about taking “…43 North American big game species and subspecies with the same .30-06 (Remington) rifle.” [1]

In July 2009, Nordskog Publishing released, “Worship Not the Creature,” Jones’ take on the contemporary animal rights movement and its opposition to truth as found in the Word of God. That book recently was sent to me courtesy of the publisher, an enlightening look at how big government continues to erode our rights through the environmental movement, something Jones believes will soon lead to a worldwide cataclysm of biblical proportions.

Biblical Interpretation

Before we move forward, I must share with you some differences in biblical interpretation between the publisher and the author. The publishing company ascribes to a Preterist view of the end times, believing “…all the end-times prophecies of the New Testament were fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans attacked and destroyed Jerusalem and Israel.” [2] Jones is a premillenialist, ascribing to the view that Jesus Himself will return and set up a future 1,000-year reign on earth. Preterists believe that the end-time scenario took place in 70 A.D., with the destruction of the temple. They also believe the world will be converted in its entirety.

Like Jones, I am a premillenialist, but I have no dispute with the publisher as the company upholds the essentials of the Christian faith in that Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life,” (John 14:6) and that salvation comes through Him alone. Indeed, the manuscript review editor – Ronald W. Kirk – noted these differences in his forward as did the publisher, Gerald Christian Nordskog, but agreed to publish Jones’ book for the many excellent points they could agree upon. Personally, I was blessed that these differences were not enough to keep this book from being published by Nordskog. Furthermore, I’ll leave these theological differences to the side, preferring to keep “…the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” throughout my review. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Animal Stewardship

Let’s turn back to Jones’ book, which essentially exposes the impact that the radical animal rights movement has had and continues to have on our way of life. Indeed, animal rights and environmental advocacy seem to go hand in hand – both groups seek to limit man’s freedom – opposing man’s use of animals as a food source or for clothing.

Jones takes the reader through the early parts of the Bible where animals were not likely consumed by people or in the greater manner that they are today. He offers a fascinating look at what Earth may have looked like after the fall of mankind and before the flood – a planet shrouded in water vapor with temperatures fairly constant everywhere including in polar regions which once supported lush vegetation. When the fountain of the great deep burst open and the floodgates of the sky opened (Genesis 7:11-12), thus began a transformation in human eating habits that would lead to mankind needing to eat meat to survive.

Godly Authority

From the onset, God intended man to have authority over the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:27), something Adam had until sin entered in. Both man and animals originally subsisted on vegetables although humans and some animals always had the capacity to eat meat. In Genesis 9:3, God said, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.” These verses serve to do two things, both of which counter animal rights activists who maintain that killing animals is wrong: God gave man dominion over animals and He allowed man to change his diet to an earth that was now far different after the flood. Seasons and storms were new to the planet; God adjusted life to be managed accordingly.

Jones makes a case for the biblical stewardship of animals, citing scripture that makes a case for caring for animals. The author draws on Exodus 21-22 to note God’s instructions to man about animal husbandry, and also stresses that we’re to use animals for care and not to abuse them. Jones goes into detail about the proper way to kill an animal for food which usually involves a shot to the head or the slitting of the throat. Each option is considered the most humane although for hard-core vegans no manner of killing is correct or should be allowed. That rigidity, however, comes at a price as B12 vitamin deficiency can only be addressed by eating animals or taking supplements.

Radical Environmentalism

The author also dedicates a chapter to tying in radical environmentalism with the rise of the final Antichrist, someone he believes may forbid meat-eating, making an exception for the state of Israel, which will have rebuilt its temple and re-instituted animal sacrifices there. Jones suggests that this Antichrist will be busy for 3 1/2 years consolidating his authority across the world, but then turn on Israel, using its animal sacrifices as a pretext to subjugate the Jewish nation. The author also suggests how the animal kingdom will run amok during the tribulation, offering another indication that Christ’s future reign on earth is near.

Biblical references aside, Jones does reveal the insidious nature of the animal rights movement, taking issue with two well-known groups and exposing its practices including suspect fund-raising and even weak support for true animal welfare. As Christians, we must walk in the authority God has given us and eat whatever foods we want, including game, with a clear conscience.

References

[1] J.Y. Jones: Biography

[2] Gotquestions.org: What is the Preterist View of the End Times?

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