The Catholic Church's Canine Conundrum

Our representation of dogs, and animals in general, tend to form a reckoning for humanity. The use of Anubis and his affiliation with dogs in ancient Egypt and the subsequent cultural themes throughout Western Europe portray a vast picture of the influence of canines.

Shifting to Medieval Europe, black poodles were a common representation of the devil. The ancient affiliation with death leaves a black mark on the viewpoint of dogs. Since culture and symbolism impact all components of society theological aspects and stigmas changed. Barbara Woods writes, “A witch’s ability to change into dog form, however, is only derivative from the devil’s own power to turn himself into a dog” (Woods 233). The connection between the devil and dog showcases a representation of evil-spearheaded by religious institutions.

The comparison of the devil to black poodles additionally argues how theology influences the way society views and treats animals. The pride of a lion, for example, found throughout the bible was influenced by the Romans and vice-versa. Our views of animals can be radically shifted by bias. The same Europeans viewed the dogs as coming to fetch their allies: unleashing havoc on the victims. This affiliation with the black poodle shows how uncomfortable we are with affiliating ourselves outside of social norms.

However, animals can still radically shape culture and undermine religion. The usage of St. Guinefort the Dog in southeastern France shows the crucial role animals have played in society. The formation of a cult praying to the dead dog’s remains reflects an extreme belief of respect towards animals. This was even taken a step further as Rist writes, “… found that women were venerating a St. Guinefort as a healer of children” (Rist 1). The belief that a dog’s spirit can heal a child based on folklore pinpoints the cultural construction of religious beliefs.

The worshipping of St. Guinefort astounded the French Dominican Stephen of Bourbon. He rationally, for the time, thought the Saint was a person, not a canine. It brings up an interesting contrast to the standard for tradition. Even though dogs were affiliated with death, the southeastern French region managed to weave death into wisdom and purity. Blending pagan beliefs with Pagan tradition represents a drastic change of narrative with the Catholic Church at the time.

Having an animal as a saint, instead of an approved person, undermined the role of the Catholic Church in society. The church’s cling towards hegemony and power within all aspects of Western Europe is reflected by their response to the grave. Cutting down the grove of trees and burning the corpse of the dog shows cultural destruction frequently supported by the institution. However, the belief in the healing power of St. Guinefort managed to survive until the late 19th century, despite the church’s efforts, showing animals influence our culture and even religion.

Still, the dog shifts away from a symbol of evil towards one of connection and wisdom. Even as cultural practices changed from burning the baby and dunking it in the river, to a less abusive approach, the role of St. Guinefort never changed. His pure heart and needless death show ideals that humanity strives towards. The transformation of life and connection to the natural world showcases animals elusive and mysterious nature. Our desire towards living continues to reflect in our humanization of animals.

This leads to a deeper argument of the role of symbolism in society. Schweizer-Vuellers quotes Marie Louise Van Franz with, “Christianity did help people to die but did not teach them how they should live” (Schweizer- Vuellers 245). Our desire to live engrained in human nature connects us with animals. This isn’t always filled by society and can sometimes be repressed or hindered. However, whether through cultural norms, theological practices, or symbolism in literature, our desire to expand beyond ourselves shines through. Our historic obsession with symbolizing and affiliating dogs with death, or animals with anything, also shows our discontent with humanity and towards society.

Dog Looking Out Window, Catholic Church, Barichara Colombia (2017)

Adam Cohn. Source: Flickr