Reading into Christian understandings of animals can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity to explore the richness of creation and consider commonly asked questions about contemporary animal issues.
Yet with an unprecedented increase in the number of Christian books written on animals, it can be tricky knowing where to start!
If you have never previously explored this fascinating topic, we hope that this top 5 beginner’s guide will help you get stuck into some good reading!
1. A Faith Embracing All Creatures: Addressing Commonly Asked Questions about Christian Care for Animals, edited by Tripp York and Andy Alexis-Baker
A particularly useful book which thoughtfully addresses some of the most frequently asked questions of Christians who wish to explore animals concerns. This excellent collection of essays tackles challenging themes including the ultimate purpose of animals, God’s Covenant with Noah, animal sacrifice in the Bible, the food Jesus ate and human dominion.
2. Vegangelical: How Caring for Animals Can Shape Your Faith by Sarah Withrow King
This highly recommended book begins with a Biblical exploration of key theological concepts before going onto consider the realities of our modern use of animals and asking whether or not our treatment of animals matches our values as Christians.
3. Animal Gospel by Andrew Linzey
Professor Andrew Linzey provides an accessible overview of why animals should be a primary issue within Christian ethics and why the term dominion should be understood as a call to exercise care and mercy.
4. For Love of Animals: Christian Ethics, Consistent Action by Charlie Camosy
A compelling presentation of Christian responsibility towards animals, which also tackles contemporary issues including factory farming and animal testing. Drawing upon scripture and the Catholic tradition, Camosy demonstrates why treating animals with care and responsibility is an important issues for Christians.
5. Is God a Vegetarian? by Richard Alan Young
A provocatively titled book which combines accessible language with robust theological scholarship. Professor Young addresses topics including early Jewish dietary practices, Jesus’ diet and Paul’s opinion of vegetarianism, doing so with honesty and faithfulness to scripture.
