Customer Reviews

On God and Dogs: A Christian Theology of Compassion for Animals

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I have read virtually everything I can find dealing with theology and animals, because of my strong interest in both, and I find this is the most insightful book in print. Webb offers profound wisdom in his thinking about human/animal relations from a Judeo-Christian perspective, and his analysis of other writers' thoughts is very cogent. This is a serious and challenging book, but it is so well-written that it should be readily accessible to wide audiences.

Steve

I loved this book, especially the section devoted to after-life of animals. I ride endurance horses, (long distance competitive riding) and KNOW what a bond with an animal is. My champion endurance horse and I completed over 3000 miles together before a blood disease claimed his life in January. I've never felt separation like that before. As I have said many times since then, "There are a lot of people I would have rather buried that day than my best friend, my horse" The author captures many of these solid and two-way relationships. My own pastor has a hard time relating to the grace of God shown between humans and their animals. Animal lovers knew it all along!

I have read a whole lot of books in the realm of animals and theology and this is by far one of the best. In terms of theology, it is extremely well-grounded. This is not some pop theology book but a serious work of theology from a serious academic. At the same time, it is very accessible to those with limited theological training. You do not need a graduate degree to read this book, and I think that is its great strength. This is an incredible cogent and well argued book that demands that both people who eat and do not eat animals examine. Highly recommended.