Animal Theology [Paperback]

Andrew Linzey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995

This book is a major contribution to theological discussion about the place of animals in the world and the way in which Christian theology can contribute to a morally just treatment of them by human beings.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This disturbing volume, based on a series of lectures given to the theology faculty at Oxford University, argues that contemporary agribusiness, based on the commodification of animals, is immoral and theologically indefensible. No vegan polemic or anti-vivisectionist tract, Lindzey's is a carefully prepared and argued discussion of the theology of animal rights in which the author takes the community of faith to task for its blindness to the centrality, within the Christian tradition, of duty to animals. Particularly damning are the chapters on scientific experimentation, hunting for sport, meat-eating and genetic engineering.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252064674
• ISBN-13: 978-0252064678
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #599,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The image of a servant December 30, 1999

By Michael Morris

Format:Paperback

Linzey approaches animal rights from a Biblical Christian perspective. He points out that in the garden of Eden Adam and Eve were totally vegan, as were all the animals. This therefore represents an ideal state of creation, which one day it can return to ("The lion will lie down with the lamb.."). Meat eating was allowed after the flood because of sin, and should be regarded as an emergency necessity rather than part of God's overall plan. If meat eating is not necessary for health (as it isn't in much of the world), then animals should be left alone. Linzey also refutes those who say that God gave us "dominion" over other living things, pointing out that the Bible points to Christ as an example of how "dominion" should be exercised. Christ used his superior ability to help human kind and to sacrifice Himself on our behalf, not to rule over us like a petty tyrant. I have always thought this myself, but it will certainly give me more confidence when arguing against evangelical fundamentalists to know that my opinions are backed up by an Oxford Professor of theology.

Linzey goes further than Singer or Regan in our duties to animals. He agrees with Regan that we differ from other animals as moral agents (though he doesn't use the term), since we are created in God's image. He then goes on to say that just as God became a servant for us, that the "image" we are created in is the image of a servant, not a dictator. Thus, far from using our privileged status with the Almighty as an excuse for tyranny over our less fortunate animal friends, we are obliged to show animals not equal consideration, but MORE consideration than ourselves, simply because we are the stronger species, in the same way that parents always should put their childrens' interests above their own.

In conclusion, I found the book to be worthwhile, and would recommend it to anyone interested in animals rights and Christianity. Unlike many books on animal rights, it was free form anger or condemnation against those doing the exploitation . The author succeeds in loving the sinner while hating the sin.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Well formulated and important contribution August 14, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book is one of many works by Prof. Linzey which grapple with the meaning of Christian faith and human relationships with other animals. In some respects, Prof. Linzey is quite traditional in his understanding of Christianity--that God is creator and redeemer, for instance, or that all are saved through Christ. However, he adds something unique (though not inconsistent) to his discussion of theology: "theos-rights," a concept emphasizing the fact that creation exists for God, not for humanity. From this, Linzey is able to show how Biblical texts and doctrines should point us toward a identifying with animals as God's creatures--not as objects to dominate over. This book is well written and an eloquent statement on behalf of Linzey's lifetime as a Christian theologian--and it pushes true Christians to become more God-centered, rather than self-centered. For those who might wish for a book that is less academic--but certainly as well written--try Linzey's "Animal Gospel."

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting book February 5, 1999

By Linda M. Evans

Format:Paperback

A great read for anyone interested in religion and animal rights. It's a wonderful reference for spirituality and AR discussions.