Vegangelical:
How caring for animals can shape your faith by Sarah Withrow
King
What difference does caring for animals make and is it
really a matter of justice? Sarah
Withrow King in her new book, Vegangelical, answers these questions and more as
she draws together the rich tapestry of Scripture concerning creation and her
research on the use and abuse of animals in our world. What turns out to be no so much an apology for
the vegan way of life, but a vision for how to rightly treat animals and how
God has made the world in such a way as to promote the flourishing of all of
creation.
Drawing on her experience picking up a booklet on the
suffering of animals and their use for food, Sarah was propelled to stop eating
meat, join PETA and advocate for animals and oppose testing on them
(14-17). Yet, there was a certain
disconnect between those in the church who were like-minded with Sarah and a
whole host of others who thought Christianity had little to do with
animals. It was in seminary that she
also began to connect the two, seeing in the Scriptures and in theology a way
of affirming her love for animals and advocacy on their behalf.
Sarah brings together some key theological foundations
that help undergird her perspective on animals.
One, how does the image of God in man relate to the treatment of
animals? Second, “what does it mean to
steward creation?” And third, “how are we
called to extend mercy to the least of these and who is our neighbor (25)?” The section in chapter 3 devoted to loving
the least of these and our neighbor has some excellent points. Sarah writes, “Exclusion by assimilation
demands the subject of exclusion to give up their identity, to be subsumed into
the identity of the dominant power. The
animals we keep as pets, in zoos, and in circuses fall into this category
(70-71).” These animals are transplanted
from their natural environment into a man designed one, often with
consequences. This master/subject
relationship gives the upper hand to the owner, and yet there is a slice of
mercy here, since many pet owners lovingly take care of their animals, in
sickness and in plenty.
At times, the book seemed to be overdone with the
endless Scriptural quotations and exposes of the treatment of animals. But, I do believe Sarah’s point about
bringing us back to a healthy understanding of God, animals, and neighbor is on
target.
Thanks to BookLookBloggers and Zondervan for the copy of
this book in exchange for an honest review.
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