Animals and Christianity: A Book of Readings

This book gave me a lot to think about when it came to God's love not just for us but His creation and the animals that He made. I've given this as a gift to a Christian friend who had a dog pass away and I think this book would be a helpful gift for those grieving a loss of a pet. There don't seem to be many books about pet loss in the Christian world and some Christians don't believe animals will be in heaven because "Jesus didn't die for the animals" . But if you read scripture Jesus died to redeem all creation as in ALL CREATION. Christians so often view the world through the Jesus died for mankind lens, which is good, but they don't take note of the ALL CREATION part. In heaven there will be a horse, and at least we know of the four beasts. If that's the case is it so odd to think that your beloved pet would be there? God made him or her, too! So again this is a great book to comfort those grieving the loss of a pet and perhaps to open wider some minds.

As an animal studies student, I return to this book again and again in my writing. Whether or not you are a Christian, Christian thought has been so dominant for so long that it's had ENORMOUS impact on human treatment of non-human animals so it's worth knowing about. and Linzey is a top notch writer on the topic.

Such a great book! I bought two so I could share :)

Readings all seem to reflect the same point of view...which is Linzey's. Good readings, but does not reflect the diversity of views of Christians on Animal Welfare.

I am shocked that nobody has reviewed this invaluable book. It contains essays by mystical saints and Christian luminaries including John Wesley, Albert Schweitzer, Bishop Butler, C.S. Lewis and Leo Tolstoy. All the aforementioned loved animals and wrote on subjects such as vegetarianism, vivisection, an afterlife for animals and cruelty in general. The most compelling essays pertain to an afterlife for animals and the idea that all life is sacredly interconnected because men and animals both emanate from the same omnipotent Creator! Being cruel to animals is an egregious affront to their Creator !

It's great to see this book back in print. This collection provides ample resources in regards to the ongoing conversations that Christians must have regarding other animals. This is not simply a collection of 'pro-animal' readings as well...there are very strong arguments contained within that make this book a formidable read inasmuch as it provides a variety of resources for how Christians must think well about all animals...not just ourselves. There is much to be gained in this reader. A definite recommendation!