The Boundless Circle: Caring for Creatures and Creation [Hardcover]

Dr. Michael W. Fox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1996

Veterinarian Dr. Michael Fox examines religion's attitude, especially Christianity, toward the treatment of animals and nature. Fox argues that the world's ecological salvation lies in embracing panentheism, the seed idea within the mystical tradition of all major religions, a philosophy which, unlike pantheism, states that it is not God that inhabits the world, but the world that inhabits God.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The latest work by Fox, a bioethicist, veterinarian, and vice-president of the Humane Society of the United States, is first and foremost about the intrinsic moral rights of animals and nature. Fox examines the roots of human dominion over the natural world in Western society, tracing the exploitation of animals to the influence of Christianity, scientific materialism, and Darwinian biology. This link, while not original, does lay the foundation for Fox's introduction of the concept of pantheism as a philosophical model of how humans should interact with nature. Pantheism, a blend of St. Francis of Assisi's sacramentalist doctrine and transcendental monotheism, contains a mystical thread that flows through most major religions, stating that it is not God that inhabits the world but the world that inhabits God. Fox concludes that "respecting other living beings and conserving Nature is enlightened self-interest?a spiritual and survival imperative" for 21st-century humankind. The only drawback to this thoughtful book is that an index was not included. Highly recommended for academicians, activists, and general readers.?Susan Maret, Auraria Lib., Univ. of Colorado, Denver
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Quest Books (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835607259
• ISBN-13: 978-0835607254
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,028,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kindred spirit facts -- not fictions!, December 27, 2002

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This review is from: The Boundless Circle: Caring for Creatures and Creation (Hardcover)

I found this book "by chance" while searching through websites for an organization that promotes the idea of furthering human spiritual evolution through actions of respect,compassion and cooperation for and between all living beings.

The book gave me some foundation for my ideal, but (probably due to his profession) the author's style is wordy and, sometimes, over-thoughty. I do recommend it as valuable to people who understand and celebrate the connections of the human-animal-plant kingdoms, but with the caution that it is a demanding read.