Overview

Debra K. Farrington explores the spiritual aspects of our relationships with beloved pets.

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9781557254726

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Reviews

The author, who has written seven books on Christian spirituality, here turns her attention to a relatively unexplored avenue of spiritual growth: our bond with animals. If God created everything -- if God breathed life into all of creation -- . . . I'm just as likely to encounter God's presence in a cat, dog, or other animal as a human being, she writes. It's not a newfangled idea, she says, citing the ancient prayers of St. Basil, who called animals our brothers, and St. Bonaventure, who wrote, For every creature is by its nature a kind of effigy and likeness of the eternal Wisdom. Using the language of spirituality, Ms. Farrington writes of animals' bonds with humans in terms of covenant and commitment and explores ethical concerns that arise in caring for a sick animal. Many pages in the book are devoted to special prayers and rituals involving animals, including materials for a St. Francis' Day Blessing of the Animals service, a liturgy for Covenanting with Animals (when welcoming a new animal into the family) and a service to mark the death of a beloved animal companion. She writes also of the healing influence that an animal's presence can have for humans. Weaving her personal memories with a wealth of material for spiritual meditation, readers are invited to experience more deeply the mystery of our communion with non-human beings. Caring for animals is a privilege, and in return, if we are open and receptive to the animals who live with us, we will find ourselves being ministered to, and taught by them as well. <br> The United Methodist Reporter September 19, 2006

Author Information

Debra Farrington is the author of seven books of Christian spirituality, and a popular retreat and workshop leader. She is an associate of the Community of the Holy Spirit, and a member of the Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family, which includes six cats and a dog.

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