I have been researching what the church fathers had to say on God’s creation and God’s creatures. Here are a few words from John Chrysostom (347 – 407):
“The saints are exceedingly loving and gentle to mankind, and even to the beasts… Surely, we ought to show them great kindness and gentleness for many reasons, but, above all, because they are of the same origin as ourselves.” (Commentary on Epistle to the Romans)
“From the creation, learn to admire the Lord! And if any of the things which you see exceed your comprehension, and you are not able to find the reason for its existence, then for this reason, glorify the Creator that the wisdom of His works surpasses your own understanding.” (On the Statutes 12:7)
Curious Christian 
Reading Romans right now, and some supporting material. It’s interesting to see how Paul has been viewed through the ages.
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