Which Christian denominations believe there is a biblical basis for hunting animals for sport?

Upvote:1

Hunting for sport is neither defended nor condemned by the Bible. I struggled to find any official church statements for or against hunting, though this, this, this, and this article give a good (albeit inconclusive from a moral perspective) overview of viewpoints.

In considering a biblical basis for sport hunting, the first thing that comes to mind is Genesis 1:

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28, KJV)

This could be read as either a blessing (I give you dominion), or it could be read as a commandment (show your dominion) – or both.

It could also be argued that hunting for sport took place in the Bible, without criticism. Esau, for example, used hunting to provide food for his family, but his title as a "cunning hunter" (Genesis 25:27) points towards him enjoying hunting in a competitive way, as a sport or pastime. Although Esau was ultimately not the favored sibling, his love for hunting was nowhere criticized.

Upvote:3

I don't know of any Christian denomination which holds there is a biblical basis to hunting animals for sport, however, for any person, or denomination which might choose to do so, I submit that Genesis 1:28 would provide ample justification:

... and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." [RSV]

Upvote:4

As another answer stated - there aren't many [if any] denominations in mainstream Western groups that demarcate themselves or make a statement on hunting, etc...

So, assuming we say that the basic answer to the question is "there aren't denominations that specifically call out hunting" - we can then move to other forms of analyzing why the statement may have been made.

Therefore, OP may also be running into the distinctions between the Regulative and Normative theological interpretation and not necessarily denomination specific distinctives. In fact, there may not by any reason to believe the statement is anything other than a personal belief without more information from OP.

To put it very very simply

Regulative Theology: One is not to do anything not explicitly commanded in Scripture

Normative Theology: One is allowed to do anything not explicitly forbidden in Scripture

So - your friend's statement that there is a 'Biblical basis' for sport hunting could stem from a normative interpretation of the Bible, in that, since it is not expressly mentioned/forbidden, it is allowable.

Additionally, there could be a nearly infinite number of self-identified 'denominations' that it would be impossible to definitely answer the question as stated. With that in mind, we can look at the more well-recognized denominations (as opposed to splinter groups, Westboro-esque, etc...)

Southern Baptist Convention: no mention of hunting, animals, or environmental management of any kind in the official 2000 Baptist Faith and Message

United Methodist Church: no mention of hunting, animals, or environmental management of any kind in the Articles of Relgion

Note: UMC does include a note about earthly stewardship in the Social Principles: The Natural World section of their website. However, there is not a specific word on sport hunting one way or the other

(other references coming as I get the time :)

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