All God S Animals

The book is the first of its kind to draw together in conversation the views of the early Church, contemporary biblical and theological scholarship, and post-conciliar teachings. Steck develops a comprehensive, Catholic theology of animals based on an in-depth exploration of Catholicism's fundamental doctrines—trinitarian theology, Christology, pneumatology, eschatology, and soteriology. All God's Animals makes two central claims. First, we can hope that God will include animals of the present age in the kingdom inaugurated by Christ. Second, because of this inclusion, our responses to animals should be guided by the values of the kingdom. As Christians await the final liberation of all creation, they are to be witnesses to God’s kingdom by embodying its ideals in their relations with animal life. Because the kingdom's fullness is yet to come and because our world remains marked by the wounds of sin, however, Christian treatment of animals will at times require acts that are at odds with the kingdom’s ideals (for example, those causing suffering and death). Steck examines each of these ideas and explores all of their complexities.

From Genesis to Christ, the Bible testifies to God's love and concern for animals. The same self-centeredness that led to the violence and abuse that has marked human relations also caused the abuse and exploitation of animals. The Bible, argues the author, calls upon human beings to stop their violence and abuse of each other and all other creatures. It promises that when they do, the sorrow and the suffering that marks life on Earth will give way to the joy and peace that God ordained at the creation of the world. In these compelling essays, Rev. J. R. Hyland explores the Old and New Testament and reveals the prophetic voices that called for compassion over killing, and humane concern for all of God's creation.

All God's Creatures provides a complete Blessing of the Animals liturgy, as well as other prayers and rituals, for use in church or anywhere that animals are blessed! If you live with a dog, cat, or some other domestic animal, you already know that these treasured creatures are not just pets, but members of the family. Debra K. Farrington, who has lived with animals most of her life, explores the spiritual aspects of our relationships with these beloved friends--from everyday caring for their needs, to marking the extraordinary moments of birth, illness and death. Full of warmth and wisdom, this essential resource includes chapters on: Training and Compassion-and how to balance the two Caring for the Sick--ethical concerns Rest in Peace--rituals, blessings, and more Tell Me Your Name--discerning the personality of your companion “By viewing companion animals as a gift from God rather than objects that do the will of humans, Debra Farrington helps owners realize a greater sense of responsibility toward their own pets, and shows how the humane care and training of their animals leads to a more fulfilling experience for both.” - Barbara Demarest, canine and feline behavior consultant A percentage of the author’s profits on this book will be donated to PAWS of Central Pennsylvania, a no-kill animal rescue and spay/neuter group.

Animal rights is animal theology. The author argues that historical theology, creatively defined, must reject humanocentricity. He questions the assumption that if theology is to speak on this issue, 'it must only do so on the side of the oppressors.' His theological query investigates not only the abstractions of theory, but also the realities of hunting, animal experimentation, and genetic engineering. He is an important, pioneering, Christian voice speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.

"Ask the animals" Job says, "and they will teach you; the birds of the air and they will tell you . . . who among you does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" From the humpback whale, who offers a glimpse into God's mystery; to the elephant, who models God's fiercely protective love and compassion; to the blackbird, who opens our eyes to the song of joy that sings through the cosmos, the animal kingdom is a treasure trove of images of our Creator. In this beautifully illustrated collection of essays, readers will find surprising connections and much food for thought. Ask the Animals is a wonderful resource for private devotion or group study.

Do our relationships with animals bring us closer to God?

Consulting a wide range of key texts and source material, Animals, Gods and Humans covers 800 years and provides a detailed analysis of early Christian attitudes to, and the position of, animals in Greek and Roman life and thought. Both the pagan and Christian conceptions of animals are rich and multilayered, and Ingvild Sælid Gilhus expertly examines the dominant themes and developments in the conception of animals. Including study of: biographies of figures such as Apollonus of Tyana; natural history; the New Testament via Gnostic texts; the church fathers; and from pagan and Christian criticism of animal sacrifice, to the acts of martyrs, the source material and detailed analysis included in this volume make it a veritable feast of information for all classicists.

A creation devotional for children ages 6-10, which shows detailed, pen and ink illustrations of animals - mammals, insects, birds - paired with a description of each, then an application for the youthful reader. In exploring God’s awesome nature, it is helpful for children to understand God’s design for them. For example, just as the monarch butterfly emerges from a cocoon to soar to heights above the clouds, so too can we all rest in the knowledge that God has made each of us special, and He has great love and a plan for us.