Cats may not appear directly in the Bible, but the ancient Egyptians and Romans did keep cats as pets. The association of cats with the Bible is not new, as scholars have long discussed their presence in the words of the Old Testament. According to some interpretations of the Bible, cats may have played an important role in early Christianity as helping to protect food stores and keeping down rodent populations, while others hold that cats were worshipped in Ancient Egypt as divinities.
History of Cats in the Bible
In the Hebrew Bible, cats are never actually referred to by name. Cats are only indirectly mentioned, described as animals that are “four-footed” and “lewd.” However, cats are widely mentioned in the New Testament, most famously by the Apostle Peter who commended a faithful servant by saying, “Behold, I give unto thee a cat of gold.” Other references to cats appear in stories involving Jesus, such as Jesus’ parable of the cat of gold in Luke 12:44.
Jewish and Byzantine commentaries on the Bible also make frequent reference to cats, often in an unflattering way. Jewish commentators saw cats as a symbol of immorality, lust, mortality and falsity; Byzantine writers likewise used cats as an example of fallibility. In some of the oldest extant Christian writings, cats are even referred to as “evil” or “sinful” animals.
Cats in Ancient Egypt
Cats were often venerated by the ancient Egyptians and much of the evidence regarding their role in the Bible comes from their long history of involvement with the Egyptian culture. Cats were closely associated with the goddess Bast, who is commonly depicted in artwork as a woman with the head of a cat. Ancient Egyptians believed cats were the fearsome defenders of the underworld and some scholars speculate that the cat may have been a sacred animal to the Egyptians.
In some ancient Egyptian artwork, cats are often shown with an ankh, the symbol of life, or a staff. Both ancient Egyptian and Biblical artwork also frequently includes cats in scenes depicting the chase, a symbolic representation of the struggle between good and evil. Cats were believed to have magical powers, which the Egyptians associated with fertility, health, and success. This belief would later be shared by early Christian writers, who saw cats as a representation of spiritual protection and good luck.
Cats in Ancient Rome
In Roman writings, cats are often mentioned alongside other popular Roman pets, such as rabbits and rats. Unlike other animals, cats were never a source of food for the Romans, and it appears that cats were largely kept as pets or familiars. In the Roman era, cats were often depicted in artwork alongside other animals, or as part of a representation of the goddess Diana. Cats were regarded as a symbol of power and strength in the Roman era and appear in Roman mythological stories associated with the goddess Diana.
In the 1st century CE, Roman writers, such as Pliny the Elder, began to reference cats in their works. Pliny the Elder praised cats in the Naturalis Historia, noting their “strength and courage” and stating that they could protect human property against any danger. Roman writers also began referring to domestic cats as “familiaris”, highlighting their close bond with humans.
Cats and Early Christianity
Some Christian writers believe that cats were associated with early Christianity, as cats were often used to protect food stores and keep down rodent populations. In the Bible, cats are mentioned in stories of miracle healings and are used as metaphors for divine intervention. The Book of Revelation also mentions a cat-like creature that is said to be a messenger of God. This cat-like creature is often thought to represent the power and supernatural abilities of the Holy Spirit.
Early church fathers, such as St. Jerome, also used cats in their writing. In one of his homilies, St. Jerome wrote of cats as showing us “an image of that love of Jesus and his divine mercy which saves both the strong and the weak.” He also described cats as being a symbol of death and resurrection. Thus, while cats may not appear directly in the Bible, they certainly have an important place in Christian mythology and history.
Cats in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, cats became a popular symbol of protection, guarding the faithful and protecting against evil forces. During the Black Death, cats were thought to carry the plague, leading many people to distrust and even kill cats. By the 15th century, cats had come to be seen as demonic creatures, as demonstrated in the famous painting, “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch.
Still, cats were thought to have special powers and many believed that cats could lead travelers towards hidden treasures. This belief likely originated from the belief that cats were associated with the goddess Diana and were able to divine the future. Cats were also viewed as symbols of keenness and curiosity in the era, with some believing that cats could even speak with supernatural forces.
Cats in Contemporary Christian Thought
Today, cats are still a popular subject of Christian thought. Christians often view cats as symbols of growth and renewal, as cats are thought to bring good luck and ward off evil. Cats are also believed to provide comfort, joy, and unconditional love. Many Christians believe that cats, like other animals, are part of God’s creation and should be treated with love and respect.
Contemporary Christian writers, such as C.S. Lewis, have further explored cats and their role in spiritual life. In his works, Lewis often used cats as metaphors and symbols of faith, hope, and love. Lewis famously wrote that the presence of cats in a home “remind us that all living things are part of God’s creation and our responsibility to love, care for, and protect them.”
Philosophical Discussion of Cats’ Spiritual Significance
The spiritual significance of cats has been discussed at length by many philosophers, theologians and other religious scholars. One popular philosophical viewpoint is that cats represent the cycle of life and rebirth, since cats are often associated with fertility and new beginnings. In this view, cats are a reminder that all living things are part of God’s creation, and that death does not mean the end of life but merely a new beginning.
Some Christian philosophers have also argued that cats exhibit qualities that reflect spiritual values. Cats are often thought of as being loyal, independent, and curious, qualities which are often considered to be aspects of spiritual living. Many believe that cats’ curiosity is a reflection of God’s curiosity, and that our responsibility is to honor God’s curiosity with our own.
Modern Interpretations of Cats in the Bible
Modern Christian theologians have taken many approaches to interpreting the presence of cats in the Bible. Some have argued that cats represent a reminder of the presence of God’s spirit, while others have argued that cats may represent a metaphor for the life cycle. Some have argued that our relationship with cats is a reflection of our relationship with God.
Modern Christian writers have also explored the various roles cats have played in the Bible. C.S. Lewis, for example, argued that cats can serve as a reminder of God’s grace and mercy in our lives, as well as a reminder of the importance of service and humility. Other writers have argued that cats serve as a symbol of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Cats may not directly appear in the Bible, but their presence can certainly be felt throughout the pages of Scripture. Cats are a reminder of God’s presence in our lives and the potential for spiritual growth. As Christians, we can honor cats and appreciate the role they have played in history, philosophy, and Scripture.
