Becoming Jesus People for Animals

by Sarah Withrow King

Overview

Among the many pressing social concerns that have galvanized evangelical Christians’ response—abortion, human trafficking, environmental degradation, and many others—the care of animals has received relatively little attention.

Yet as author Sarah Withrow King deftly uncovers in Vegangelical, animal stewardship is a necessary aspect of a holistic ethic of Christian peace and justice. Indeed, care for animal welfare correspondingly strengthens our care for environmental and human flourishing.

Practical, restrained in its conclusions, and grounded on a broader theology of Christian compassion, Vegangelical calls readers to a greater attentiveness to one of the primary relationships in God’s created order, that between humans and animals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310522379
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	06/07/2016
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Sarah Withrow King is director of Christian outreach and engagement at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Formerly the deputy director at Evangelicals for Social Action, Sarah earned an M.A. from Palmer Theological Seminary and is currently an associate fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics.

Table of Contents

Introduction

PART ONE: The Bible and Animal Care

1. Dominion and Stewardship
2. The Imago Dei
3. The Good Samaritan

PART TWO: Animals in our Lives

4. Animals for Food and Clothing
5. Animals for Research
6. Animals as Pets
7. Animals in the Wild

Conclusion

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

A significant introduction to the important but too-long neglected topic of a solidly Christian approach to the (mis)treatment of animals. One need not agree with every argument to realize this book presents an urgent challenge that biblical Christians dare no longer ignore. King’s chilling stories, extensive statistics, and probing biblical arguments offer a great place to begin. — Ronald J. Sider, Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry, and Public Policy, Palmer Seminary at Eastern University

Sarah Withrow King in this factual, biblically sound, and theologically profound book makes a strong case for the spiritual connectedness between animals and humans. She then challenges us to change our lifestyles so that we do not harm the animals around us in ways that break the heart of God. — Tony Campolo, Professor Emeritus, Eastern University

I love animals. I also love eating them. This book isn’t a self-righteous rant. It’s a provocative, funny, spiritual manifesto about how precious life is. It’s easy to forget that God’s original plan was to hang out with a couple of naked vegetarians in a garden. Our Mc Donalds-and-Chipotle-loving fast-food world has come a long way from the ole Garden of Eden. Sarah’s book is an invitation to step back and consider how God really intended for us to relate to all these wonderful creatures. — Shane Claiborne, Activist, animal-lover, backsliding vegetarian, and author of Executing Grace

Sarah King’s book about how to love Jesus and love animals was overwhelming. Overwhelmingly fun – with her quick wit and accessible writing style. Overwhelmingly challenging – in that she suggests some ideas I honestly don’t know how to integrate into my own evangelical practice and spiritual life. And overwhelmingly good – she asks critical questions the 21st century evangelical church has yet to wrestle with and entertain. May Vegangelical be a guide for us who choose to follow Jesus and seek to honor and love His creation and the human-animal relationships that are a part of it. — Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, author of Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a Better World

An articulate, sincere introduction to Bible-based social and environmental justice, opening the conversation to how God forms us through our interactions with the created world. A must-read for protectors of all creatures, great and small. — Nancy Sleeth, co-founder of Blessed Earth

Editorial Reviews

07/04/2016
Evangelical public policy activist King (Animals Are Not Ours ) ambitiously makes a case for veganism and animal rights to an evangelical Christian audience that may not have thought much about the biblical significance of animals except as sacrifice and meat. King reexamines some key theological concepts, such as dominion, and major doctrinal arguments about the kingdom of God and reconciliation, using language that evangelicals will be comfortable with in order to move readers to reflect about animal welfare. Her theological analysis is more provocative and successful than the rest of the book, which relies on shocking anecdotes about horribly mistreated animals at zoos, pet stores, research labs, and factory farms. Considerable existing literature critiques animal treatment, especially in food production; a growing body of literature of ecospirituality also considers the dignity and place of animals in God's creation. For her audience, King's argument may be innovative, but those outside evangelical circles who have religiously motivated concern for the earth will find this work under-researched and longer on shock value than ethical provocation. (June)

Publishers Weekly