In this thought-provoking piece, the Revd Dr Jan Goodair challenges us to rethink the language we use to describe our relationship with animals. Moving beyond the limitations of ‘dominion’ and ‘stewardship,’ she invites us to embrace new models rooted in fellowship, companionship, and hospitality. With theological insight and practical vision, Jan explores how these concepts can transform the way we value and care for the other-than-human members of God’s creation.
Christianity and Animals
The role of animals in Christian worship has undergone significant changes in the twentieth century, reflecting a broader shift toward compassion and stewardship. This article, written by Dr Joseph Hardwick, Associate Professor of British History at the University of Northumbria, examines the evolving presence of animals in British church practices.
Dr Hardwick explores how historical events and cultural shifts have influenced the inclusion of animals in church services. His research sheds light on the growing recognition of animals as integral to faith communities and the ethical implications of our relationships with all living beings.
Animals in Church: Non-humans and Cultures of Prayer and Worship in Twentieth-century Britain was last modified: December 9th, 2024 by admin
Dr Philip J. Sampson FOCAE, writer and lecturer on animals and animal ethics explores John Calvin’s teachings on animals and considers how we might apply them today in making our food choices.
A Place for Praise and Gratification – Philip Sampson was last modified: February 19th, 2024 by admin
Fr Terry Martin, a vegan and Catholic priest, reflects upon his passion for animal advocacy and urges Christians to think carefully about their relationships with God’s creatures.
Doing It For The Animals – Fr Terry Martin was last modified: September 22nd, 2023 by admin
Veganism, dizzying in the speed of its growth, is now ubiquitous on restaurant menu options, billboards, newspapers and television. The vegan message, with concerns over animal suffering and environmental degradation at its heart, has struck a chord with many Christians. Subsequently, discussions about veganism are becoming more common among people of faith. Whether it be a light-hearted exchange or heated debate, in person or on social media, a question which often arises in conversation is “but didn’t Jesus eat meat?”
“But Didn’t Jesus Eat Meat?” was last modified: February 20th, 2024 by admin
Although eating turkey has become synonymous with Christmas in the UK, could revelations about the appalling conditions in which these birds are raised lead us to reconsider how we celebrate this Christian tradition? With these revelations hitting the headlines, this season might present an opportunity for Christians to reflect on whether turkeys belong on the Christmas dinner table.
Why Might Christians Be Leaving Turkey Off the Table This Christmas? was last modified: January 17th, 2025 by admin
The Revd Tom Harris reflects upon his childhood struggles of having to suppress his compassion towards animals, his eye-opening experience of watching Cowspiracy and how faith informed and supported his vegan journey.
Compassion, Christianity, and Veganism – The Revd Tom Harris was last modified: November 14th, 2022 by admin
Piers Morgan has recently been hitting the deadlines again for offending vegans, this time for eating a Big Mac in front of an animal rights activist on live TV. This stunt was similar to a 2017 incident on Fox News when anchor Jesse Watters ate a steak while interviewing a vegan woman during an on-air segment about meat-eating.
On Causing Offence: Veganism, Piers Morgan and Acts 10 was last modified: September 15th, 2022 by admin
Challenging traditionally anthropocentric views on worship, the Revd Ian Tattum considers whether animals have an inner spiritual life and can sing the praises of God.
The Morning Chorus: The Noise of Automata or Choir of Praise? – The Revd Ian Tattum was last modified: February 18th, 2022 by admin
The Revd Janey Hiller explores how Advert presents an opportunity to reconsider our relationship to animals and God’s true intentions for all His creatures.
Animals at Christmas: A Tale of Two Pictures was last modified: February 16th, 2023 by admin
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