Animals as Religious Subjects Transdisciplinary Perspectives [Paperback]

This book examines one of the most pressing cultural concerns that surfaced in the last decade - the question of the place and significance of the animal. This collection of essays represents the outcome of various conversations regarding animal studies and shows multidisciplinarity at its very best, namely, a rigorous approach within one discipline in conversation with others around a common theme. The contributors discuss the most relevant disciplines regarding this conversation, namely: philosophy, anthropology, religious studies, theology, history of religions, archaeology and cultural studies. The first section, Thinking about Animals, explores philosophical, anthropological and religious perspectives, raising general questions about the human perception of animals and its crucial cultural significance. The second section explores the intriguing topic of the way animals have been used historically as religious symbols and in religious rituals. The third section re-examines some Christian theological and biblical approaches to animals in the light of current concerns. The final section extends the implications of traditional views about other animals to more specific ethical theories and practices.

Celia Deane-Drummondis Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, USA.

David L. Cloughis Professor of Theological Ethics and Head of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Chester, UK.

Rebecca Artinian-Kaiseris a doctoral student in theology, specializing in environmental ethics, at the University of Chester, UK.

Introduction -Celia Deane-DrummondandDavid Clough
Part One: Animals as Subjects of Religious Thought
1. 'Ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee' -Stephen R. L. Clark
2. Walking with Dragons: An Anthropological Excursion on the Wild Side -Tim Ingold
3. The Study of Religion after the Animal -Aaron Gross