True Christians follow the teachings which have been set forth for us in the Bible (King James Version only: all others have been tampered with). This being the case, "blessing animals" has no foundation! I have no problem thinking that it is normal to have great affection for a pet, or to perhaps even pray for it when it is ill. We are told to cast all our cares upon the Lord (I Peter 5:7). The uniqueness of animals gives a strong, silent testimony to God's greatness. So while it may be that we truly appreciate our animals, there still isn't anything in the Bible telling us to "bless" animals, or that the body of Christ should hold ceremonies dedicated to them.
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. -Mark 7:9.This article says that the event is being held partly to honor St Francis of Assisi, who is well known for his love of God's creation. Really, St Francis fits in well with the New Age Movement, which has almost completely taken over the organized churches and their congregations. The New Age Movement tends to regard all living things as literally being a part of God!
In addition to being Catholic, St Francis had other problems in how he came to regard animals. For the Catholic part, this Methodist minister was holding this ceremony in an outward show of compliance with the ecumenical movement. Biblical Christianity and Catholicism are entirely different faiths, and cannot be reconciled.
As for St. Francis, he actually baptized animals and gave them christian names! Does this seem like a "saint" that is in his right mind? II Timothy 1:7 tells us that God gives His people the spirit of a sound mind. Neither St Francis or this Methodist pastor reflect this spirit! What we have here is an ear-pleasing message (II Tim. 4:3), and a true faith denying form of godliness (II Tim. 3:5). We are instructed to turn away from such! Besides, does real Christianity ever commemorate any person but the Lord Jesus Christ?
Worst of all, by far, is the enormous waste of time (Eph. 5:16) involved. If we are to give an account of every idle word that we speak (Matt. 12:36), how will an entire ceremony of idle words fare?
What about spreading the gospel? What about prayer and fasting for our nation? What about standing up against evil (such as abortion, homosexuality), or stopping the destruction of millions of lives due to our immoral, illegal wars? The New Age type of advocate will virtually always care for animals and nature far above the treatment of their fellow human beings- which were created in GOD'S image!
Let's believe the Bible in all that it says, even if it makes someone uncomfortable. This Methodist pastor is currently headed straight for the lake of fire, along with the whole congregation. The Bible tells us that this is so (Matt. 12:33). Unless the Lord can yet grant them the mercy which leads them to repentance (Rom. 9:16), they will all be lost. Even if there were one true believer remaining within the congregation, how long could they stay that way, due to the environment (I Cor. 15:33)? Could their God-fearing conscience really tolerate such ungodly ceremonies? A true believer would have to separate from this congregation in order to remain steadfast in Christ.
For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. -Isaiah 9:16.
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hat not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matthew 15:13,14
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