Is God More Like a Cat—or a Dog?
Cats are considered aloof and persnickety. They are picky over food and only give you attention when they feel like it. Cats always do what they want. They don’t come when you call or travel with you or follow rituals. Cats are generally loners and little emperors.
Dogs are always happy to see you. They constantly want to be with you. They love car rides, travel and exploring new things. They eat everything. Dogs consider their job is to entertain and protect you. Dogs trust you.
What has this to do with God? When I was a child, God was presented more like a cat. God was sleek, powerful and a prize to be sought. He was aloof and fussy. God waited for you to contact Him and you never knew if he heard. You were to do his bidding. If you didn’t do what He wanted, He turned His back on you. He even held a grudge until you apologized the way He wanted.
Today I think of my God as more of a dog. (I hope I’m not offending Him. The pilgrim mind God gave me often takes strange turns.) I believe, like a dog, He’s excited to see me and hear from me. He travels everywhere with me, helping me explore the world safely. He wants to spend all our time together. He likes both rituals and spontaneity.
The point is the type of involvement I have with God and God’s type of involvement with me. Yes, God is above and beyond any animal, plant, or human. I’m not presenting theology. This comparison of an aloof God and a nurturing God illustrates my part of the relationship. I (and I think others) am more attentive to pets than to God. Aloof or not, my cat gets daily food, water, brushing, scratching, and vet visits as needed. In addition my dog had walks, car rides, and vacations. This amounts to a minimum of 3 interactions a day.
Do I interact with God 3 or more times a day? Every time I pass my cat, I pause to scratch her ears or speak to her. I don’t scratch God’s ears, but do I talk to Him? When visitors arrive, I inform my pets and introduce them to my guests. Do I keep God apprised of current happenings? I believe God knows all,so did my mother. Even so, sharing with a parent, spouse, or friend grows the relationship. So, too, I’ve found that the more a share with God, the closer we become.
Being spiritually literate requires I pay attention to the present, my habits, and my priorities. Awareness of a higher power’s presence and knowledge of His awareness of me are essential. Is God a standoffish or a friendly companion? Does God receive as much attention as a pet?
PS. I love both cats and dogs. This stereotype is for contemplation and not a promotion for a species!