"For Love of Animals" is an honest and thoughtful look at our responsibility as Christians in the way we treat animals. Many Christians misunderstand both history and their own tradition in thinking about animals. They are joined by many secular thinkers, who wish to paint Christianity as being responsible for how the Western world has failed to lead the charge in considering issues of animal rights.
The book connects readers to the moral framework of the arguments for the ethical treatment of animals: nonviolence, inclusion of the vulnerable into our sphere of moral concern, and most important, regard for the consistent ethic of life. The focus of the content goes beyond the liberal/conservative lines that often shape the discussion; though often thought of as a liberal issue, many conservatives are concerned about the ethical treatment of animals as well, and both sides are represented here.
Examples and citations from the Gospels--"Didn't Jesus eat fish?"--as well as the Church Fathers, the "Catechism of the Catholic Church," Benedict XVI, and John Paul II, and trends in current theological thought support the arguments made here by Camosy. The discussion moves into practical concerns of everyday life too: Should Christians eat meat? Is factory farming evil? Are there distinctions between certain animals, that is, eating chicken vs. pig vs. cow? Is the development of drugs and other medical therapies a valid reason to do research on animals? Even the topic of whether or not it is ethical to have pets is not shied away from in this thought-provoking book.
This is an ideal resource for those who are interested in animal rights from the perspective of Christian ethics and the consistent ethic of life. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter and suggestions for further reading round out the usefulness of this important work.
