God and animal suffering. An attempt to solve the problem with reference to mysticism and selected philosophical concepts

Abstract

The article raises the subject of a serious problem of monotheism - animal suffering. The author claims, the believer can satisfactory explain it, and presents options for explanations. First, based on Jewish, Neoplatonic and Christian mysticism he reflect on physical evil in general, treating animal suffering as an aspect of it, and then concentrates specific on this aspect, although even there he does not abstract from the problem of evil considered generally. Author concludes that imperfection is imprinted in the nature of creation and it is the consequence of the mean of contact with God determined by His properties - the faith. Moreover, the author shows that the animal suffering is an effect of their sensuality and freedom, and that this phenomena is not pointless. Connection to the modern and contemporary views enhanced reasoning on eschatological and “creative mercy” concepts. It is also worth mentioning that in the context of animal suffering, the arguments need to be considered as a whole, as trying to understand them singly will not be sufficient.