Billy Thompson, Founder and Project Director at The Retreat Animal Rescue Sanctuary, reflects upon the concept of kindness and his lifelong commitment towards animal advocacy.
A pangolin. These delightfully curious ant-eating scaled mammals are sometimes called ‘walking artichokes.’ Any animal that’s armoured, timid, nocturnal and lives in burrows, strikes me as one that is content to mind its own business.
Dr Simon Kittle, researcher in philosophy at the University of Innsbruck, explores relational theology; the idea that love and relationships are central to understanding God, His creatures and how we are to relate to others.
He Waits For Me
… and other ways my dog reminds me of God
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you. …blessed are all those who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18
I grew up in the great state of Texas and dreamed of being either a cowboy or a country-western singer. Instead I became an Anglican priest. It’s been more fun than a barrel of communion wine! For 10 years, I was blessed to live in paradise, on the “garden island” of Kauai in Hawaii. I dreamed of being a surfer or a hula dancer. Instead, I got a dog.
Dr Matthew Eaton, lecturer in theology and philosophy at St John’s University, New York and Sacred Heart University, Connecticut, explores the deep emotional and spiritual bonds between humans and companion animals.
Celia Deane-Drummond, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, uncovers the shared history between humans and animals and reveals how our interactions with other species have helped shaped humanity into what it is today.
Professor Marc Bekoff, author, award winning scientific researcher and co-founder of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, discusses the cognitive & emotional world of animals, the role of religious scholars in promoting compassionate care and taking practical steps towards peaceable co-existence with all creatures.
Stephen H. Webb is a retired Professor of Religion and Philosophy and independent scholar who adjuncts at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He speaks about valuing creation, human-animal relationships and a very special dachshund named Marie.