 | |
| Author | Andrew Linzey |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subjects | Animal ethics, Christian theology |
| Publisher | SCM Press |
| Publication date | 1994 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Pages | x + 214 |
| ISBN | 978-0-334-00005-1 |
| OCLC | 30786047 |
Animal Theology is a 1994 book by the ethicist and theologian Andrew Linzey. The work explores how traditional Christian doctrines and practices have approached animal ethics and argues for a reassessment of animals' moral and spiritual status. Linzey builds his case around principles of reverence, responsibility, and rights, suggesting that Christian theology provides the tools for a more compassionate relationship with animals.
Summary
The book is divided into two sections. The first establishes theological principles, discussing key concepts like the intrinsic value of creation and the moral responsibilities humans hold toward animals. Linzey critiques historical perspectives, including those of theologians such as Karl Barth and Thomas Aquinas, which he views as overly anthropocentric. He engages with Albert Schweitzer's idea of Reverence for Life and proposes a theocentric framework where all creatures are valued as part of God's creation.
The second section addresses ethical issues, including animal experimentation, hunting, vegetarianism, and genetic engineering. Linzey examines these practices through a theological lens, questioning their alignment with Christian values such as mercy, stewardship, and justice. He suggests that humans, as part of creation, have a duty to act as caretakers rather than exploiters, reflecting a model of service and compassion.
Reception
The American philosopher Daniel Dombrowski, described the book in positive terms, stating that "what Linzey calls the 'generosity paradigm'" is a valuable concept that Christianity can contribute to the animal rights debate.
Bronislaw Szerszynski criticised Linzey's view regarding "animal experiments, hunting, meat-eating and genetic engineering", summing it up with the phrase "don't do it", as "too absolutist", for failing to acknowledge the complexities of the modern moral landscape.
Linzey's book was reviewed from three different perspectives in the Baptist theological journal Review & Expositor: theological, Old Testament and New Testament. Sally Smith Holt described Animal Theology as a "worthwhile endeavor in Christian scholarship", that will nevertheless, "not convince all Christians to become vegetarians". Mark McEntire claims that the Old Testament lacks sufficient content to be a basis of Linzey's generosity ethic. David D. May in his review, drew attention to Linzey's repudiation of elements of the New Testament, stating "special pleading does not do justice to text-segments that would be problematic for an animal theology."
Publication history
Animal Theology was first published by SCM Press in London in 1994. It has been translated into French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Croatian, and Japanese.
See also
References
- "Animal Theology". University of Illinois Press. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
- Szerszynski, Bronislaw (1995-08-01). "Book Review: Animal Theology, by Andrew Linzey. London, SCM, 1994. x + 214pp. pb. £15". Studies in Christian Ethics. 8 (2): 112–116. doi:10.1177/095394689500800214. ISSN 0953-9468. S2CID 143464854.
- Holt, Sally Smith (2005-02-01). "A Review of Andrew Linzey's Animal Theology from a Theological Perspective". Review & Expositor. 102 (1): 101–109. doi:10.1177/003463730510200111. ISSN 0034-6373. S2CID 147198974.
- McEntire, Mark (2005-02-01). "A Review of Andrew Linzey's Animal Theology from an Old Testament Perspective". Review & Expositor. 102 (1): 95–99. doi:10.1177/003463730510200110. ISSN 0034-6373. S2CID 170200678.
- May, David M. (2005-02-01). "A Review of Andrew Linzey's Animal Theology from a New Testament Perspective". Review & Expositor. 102 (1): 87–93. doi:10.1177/003463730510200109. ISSN 0034-6373. S2CID 170390777.
- Faull, William F. (February 1995). "Animal Theology Andrew Linzey (1994). SCM Press Ltd: London. 214 pp. Paperback. Obtainable from the publishers, 26-30 Tottenham Road, London NI 4BZ, UK (ISBN 0 334 00005 X) Price £15". Animal Welfare. 4 (1): 73–75. doi:10.1017/S0962728600017462. ISSN 0962-7286.
- "Director". Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
External links
- Animal Theology at the Internet Archive
