Overview

Animals in Religion explores the role and presence of animals within a wide range of religious traditions, from ensouled narratives within oral tradition to religious texts, myths and accompanying legends. Some of the material may have a familiar ring, such as the stories of St Francis of Assisi and Ganesha, but other, unusual facts also make an appearance. This book offers a deeper respect for our four-legged, finned and feathered brethren.  From the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism, to the laws which relate to ts'ar ba'alei chayim (avoiding the suffering/pain of living creatures) in Judaism, we encounter the interdependence of life. The Jainist notion of 'reverence for life', the pronouncement in Genesis that 'it was good' and the Islamic belief that all species are Muslim allow us to come to a realization, or a deeper appreciation, that non-human animals have value in our religious traditions, as well as in our hearts and homes. The book examines animals not only in all the major monotheistic religions but in the beliefs of the Egyptian, Mesoamerican and Indigenous peoples of North America and Australasia as well as of the Vikings and Druids.

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9781780235691

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Reviews

Allen explores the role of animals within a wide range of religious traditions. In this highly recommended addition to animal studies publications, Allen explores countless stories and myths passed down orally and in many religious texts and offers a fascinating history of the ways animals have figured in our spiritual lives, whether they have Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Jain, Hindu, or Buddhist roots. Allen also looks at religions in China, Japan, Celtic, Viking, and Ancient Egypt, as well as First Peoples religious religions. . . . She tells story after story that emphasize the same message: all species are spiritually connected. -- Minding Animals Bulletin Allen highlights the mysterious alterity of nonhuman animals (such that they should not be reduced to things) and in turn leads the reader to discover, through a myriad of religious voices, these mysterious creatures as spiritual brethren. --Ryan Patrick McLaughlin, Siena College, New York Yorkshire Gazette and Herald Allen includes all major religions, the beliefs of Indigenous peoples, and those of ancient times discussing the art, diets, and practices of each. Recognizing the importance of the oral tradition, she tells the most fascinating legends and stories in a highly colorful way, which alone would make another book. -- Yorkshire Gazette and Herald The author offers a deeper respect for our four-legged, finned, and feathered brethren as she focuses on the interdependence of life and the appreciation that 'nonhuman animals' have value in our religious traditions, as well as in our hearts and homes. The book examines animals not only in all the major monotheistic religions, but also in the beliefs of the Egyptian, Mesoamerican, and Indigenous people of North America and Australasia as well as the Vikings and Druids. -- Methodist Recorder This book is timely in the midst of the growing global concern around climate change and the future of our world as we know and understand it. Allen has brought a gift, an invitation to add a fresh layer to our discussions on understanding our world. The particular focus of the book is the religious dimensions that the non-human created world brings to the understanding and life of humans. . . . People from all faiths, traditions, and none, will find this work extremely helpful. --Reverend Ian Smith, executive officer, Victorian Council of Churches Yorkshire Gazette and Herald This substantial, almost encyclopedic book will undoubtedly long be a standard reference for basic information on the myths and beliefs involving animals of the major world religions past and present. The author, a minister in the Uniting Church of Australia as well as Australia's first chaplain in an animal hospital, has assembled a wonderful collection of stories and judicious statements by respected religious spokespersons from around the world. -- The Peaceable Table

Allen highlights the mysterious alterity of nonhuman animals (such that they should not be reduced to things) and in turn leads the reader to discover, through a myriad of religious voices, these mysterious creatures as spiritual brethren. --Ryan Patrick McLaughlin, Siena College, New York Allen highlights the mysterious alterity of nonhuman animals (such that they should not be reduced to things) and in turn leads the reader to discover, through a myriad of religious voices, these mysterious creatures as spiritual brethren. --Ryan Patrick McLaughlin, Siena College, New York

Allen highlights the mysterious alterity of nonhuman animals (such that they should not be reduced to things) and in turn leads the reader to discover, through a myriad of religious voices, these mysterious creatures as spiritual brethren. --Ryan Patrick McLaughlin, Siena College, New York This substantial, almost encyclopedic book will undoubtedly long be a standard reference for basic information on the myths and beliefs involving animals of the major world religions past and present. The author, a minister in the Uniting Church of Australia as well as Australia's first chaplain in an animal hospital, has assembled a wonderful collection of stories and judicious statements by respected religious spokespersons from around the world. --The Peaceable Table

Allen highlights the mysterious alterity of nonhuman animals (such that they should not be reduced to things) and in turn leads the reader to discover, through a myriad of religious voices, these mysterious creatures as spiritual brethren. --Ryan Patrick McLaughlin, Siena College, New York

Author Information

Barbara Allen is a minister in the Uniting Church in Australia. Her previous publications include Pigeon (2009) and Animals in Religion (2016), both published by Reaktion.

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