In this interfaith and multicultural fable, eloquent representatives of all members of the animal kingdom—from horses to bees—come before the respected Spirit King to complain of the dreadful treatment they have suffered at the hands of humankind. During the ensuing trial, where both humans and animals testify before the King, both sides argue their points ingeniously, deftly illustrating the validity of both sides of the ecology debate. The ancient antecedents of this tale are thought to have originated in India, with the first written version penned in Arabic sometime before the 10th century in what is now Iraq. Much later, this version of the story was translated into Hebrew in 14th century France and was popular in European Jewish communities into the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exquisite English translation, illustrated with 12 original color illumination plates, is useful in introducing young and old alike to environmental and animal rights issues.
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How current this tenth century tale is for both the young and old of today! It addresses environmental and animal rights issues with charming efficacy. A Muslim Sufi work of 10th century Iraq, translated by a rabbi into Hebrew, and rendered into Latin for a Christian king is now translated from the popular Hebrew version by Jews into English, edited by a Christian and illustrated exquisitely by a Muslim woman from India under the patronage of a Saudi princess. This is a true interfaith and multi-cultural title!
In this fable, eloquent representatives of all members of the Animal Kingdom—from horses to bees—come before the respected Spirit King to complain of the dreadful treatment they have suffered at the hands of humankind. During the ensuing trial, where both humans and animals testify before the king, both sides argue their points ingeniously, deftly illustrating the validity of both sides of the ecology debate.
"Fons Vitae is to be congratulated for making this work available in its current form . . . the cooperation of representatives from all the religions of the Abrahamic family in the preparation of the present book—reminds us of the basic truth that the most crucial problems of today are those which all authentic religious people face together . . . They have provided a book of value for experts on medieval thought as well as ordinary readers interested in reading a fascinating story of enduring spiritual worth and great current significance." –Seyyed Hossein Nasr, George Washington University
About the Author
Rabbi Anson Laytner translated the Hebrew version of this story found in Jerusalem into English. Seyyed Hossein Nasr is the author of over thirty books Islamic studies, comparative philosophy and religion, philosophy of art and the philosophical and religious dimensions of the environmental crisis. Rabbi Daniel E. Bridge has been the executive director of the Hillel Foundation for Jewish Campus Life at the University of Washington for 17 years. He has previously served as assistant director of Pacific Southwest Council for Reform Judaism, member of the California State Commission on the Changing Family, and board member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
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Rabbi Anson Laytner is currently a hospice chaplain at the Kline Galland Home and a grant-writer for the Jewish Family Service of Seattle. As a volunteer, he is president of the Sino-Judaic Institute, edits its journal, Points East, and manages its website, www.sino-judaic.org.
Previously he served as the interim rabbi at Congregation Kol HaNeshamah in Seattle, Washington, and as executive director of the Seattle Chapter of the American Jewish Committee and of Multifaith Works, a Seattle non-profit agency serving people with AIDS or other life-threatening illnesses. He also directed the Jewish Federation's Community Relations Council.
Laytner is the author of the cult classic "Arguing with God" (Jason Aronson, 1998), co-author of "The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity" (Fons Vitae, 2005), and over sixty articles on subjects ranging from Jewish theology to the Arab-Israel conflict to the Chinese Jews. His work-in-progress is a study of god-concepts and the meaning of suffering entitled "Letting Go of God".
Laytner has a BA, summa cum laude in Chinese Studies from York University in Toronto, a Masters of Hebrew Letters (MHL) and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College, a Masters in Not-for-Profit Leadership (MNPL) from Seattle University, and an honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Hebrew Union College.
Rabbi Laytner is married to Merrily McManus Laytner, a retired development consultant. Between them, they share three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandkids.
Previously he served as the interim rabbi at Congregation Kol HaNeshamah in Seattle, Washington, and as executive director of the Seattle Chapter of the American Jewish Committee and of Multifaith Works, a Seattle non-profit agency serving people with AIDS or other life-threatening illnesses. He also directed the Jewish Federation's Community Relations Council.
Laytner is the author of the cult classic "Arguing with God" (Jason Aronson, 1998), co-author of "The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity" (Fons Vitae, 2005), and over sixty articles on subjects ranging from Jewish theology to the Arab-Israel conflict to the Chinese Jews. His work-in-progress is a study of god-concepts and the meaning of suffering entitled "Letting Go of God".
Laytner has a BA, summa cum laude in Chinese Studies from York University in Toronto, a Masters of Hebrew Letters (MHL) and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College, a Masters in Not-for-Profit Leadership (MNPL) from Seattle University, and an honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Hebrew Union College.
Rabbi Laytner is married to Merrily McManus Laytner, a retired development consultant. Between them, they share three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandkids.
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This review is from: The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity: An Illustrated 10th Century Iraqi Ecological Fable (Paperback)
Our Tri-Faith Dialogue group read this book for our book club. It was also discussed during October Peace Month activities at a local universities. It is well-written, and a tale supported by the three Abrahamic faiths (Christians, Jews, and Muslims). The arguments made by the animals and the attitudes of the invader humans are eye-opening, and will make you think about how we treat all animals. The book acknowledges that we do use animals for our needs (food, clothing, etc.). It was written in the 14th century but is very relevant to our lives today. PETA may not like it since it does not condemn the use of animals to need human needs, but we can and should consider just how we use animals and why, and definitely reassess how we treat ALL animals. It has no conflict with Islam (I am Muslim) because we are told in the Qur-an and in our hadiths that we should never kill an animal (even an ant!) out of anger or vengence. A book people should read!!!The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity: An Illustrated 10th Century Iraqi Ecological Fable
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