Whatever You Do for These Downtrodden Co-Creatures, You Do for Christ! By Dr. Chapman Chen

Introduction:  “Very truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me,” says Jesus (Matthew 25:40 NIV). Most mainstream churches interpret this passage as a call to care for marginalized humans. However, from a vegan theological perspective, it extends to include the most downtrodden of all God’s creatures—animals. https://www.vegantheology.net/post/whatever-you-do-for-these-downtrodden-co-creatures-you-do-for-christ-by-dr-chapman-chen

1. Animals as “The Least of These Brothers and Sisters”

Animals are our good brothers and sisters because we come from the same parent – God. “God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:31 KJV). Based on this, Colin Gunton finds that we exist in commonality with all other co-creatures, sharing “the same ontological status before God” (Gunton 1998:71-72).

Animals are not only our siblings but also the “least” of them. For animals endure extreme suffering under human hands, making them among the most oppressed beings. Unlike humans, they have no voice, no legal protection, and no means of escaping exploitation. Their suffering is immense, with over 78 billion land animals (Viva! 2023) and 2.5–6.8 trillion fish (David Clough 2020) killed yearly for food. If Christ identifies with the oppressed, His presence must be seen in factory-farmed pigs, grieving dairy calves, and suffocating fish. Thus, Christ’s teaching can be understood as, “Whatever you do for these downtrodden co-creatures, you do for me.”

2. Compassion for Animals as an Act of Service to Christ

If Christ is present in the suffering of the innocent, then caring for animals equates to serving Christ Himself. The kindness and protection we extend to animals—by feeding them, rescuing them from harm, and advocating for their rights—become acts of devotion to Christ. Helping animals in need is not merely an ethical obligation but a spiritual calling that reflects the divine love and justice embodied in Christ.

3. Honouring the Inner Christ Through Compassion for Animals

If aiding animals is an act of love toward Christ, then rescuing, protecting, and advocating for them is an expression of faith. Recognizing Christ in suffering animals compels us to respond with compassion. Feeding a hungry stray, providing sanctuary for farmed animals, protesting animal abuse, and educating the public about the good of veganism and the evil of meatism, are ways in which we actively serve Christ. By embracing veganism, practicing kindness, and engaging in activism for animals, we not only alleviate their suffering but also honour the Christ within us, manifesting His divine compassion in the world.

4. Matthew 25:40 as a Vegan Call to Action

Viewed through the lens of vegan theology, Matthew 25:40 is a call to expand our moral and spiritual responsibilities beyond human concerns to include all of God’s creatures. This requires a radical re-evaluation of how we live, consume, and interact with the animal world. We must extend our circle of compassion to include all beings who suffer. We must reject the global system of mass killing that treats life as a commodity. We must recognize Christ in the compassionate actions we take toward animals, just as we recognize Him in human kindness.

To help the animals is to serve Christ. This interpretation not only deepens Christian ethics but also calls for a renewed gospel of total compassion—a faith that does not exclude any of God’s beloved beings. In embracing this vision, we draw closer to Christ’s call for mercy, justice, and love for all creatures of God. #VeganGod #VeganChrist #VeganChurch #VeganTheology