Discover the Powerful Impact of An Evangelical Animal Liberation Theology

The Foundation of Evangelical Animal Liberation Theology

Many people associate evangelicalism with a strong focus on personal salvation and spreading the Gospel. However, a lesser-known aspect of evangelical theology is its advocacy for animal welfare and liberation. These beliefs are rooted in biblical teachings and have gained traction among a growing number of Christians who see compassion for animals as an integral part of their faith.

A Scriptural Basis for Animal Liberation

Evangelical animal liberation theology draws from various biblical passages to support its stance. Genesis 1:26 affirms that humanity has been given dominion over animals, but this dominion should be interpreted as responsible stewardship rather than exploitation. Proverbs 12:10 teaches that a righteous person cares for the needs of their animals. The Psalms also credit God with having compassion for all creatures.

The Ethical Imperative of Animal Liberation

Beyond the biblical arguments, evangelical animal liberation theology also emphasizes the ethical obligation to treat animals with respect and compassion. It recognizes that animals, like humans, are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and suffering. As Christians, many evangelicals believe that it is their duty to protect and advocate for these voiceless creatures.

Animals Are Not Ours (No, Really, They’re Not): An Evangelical Animal Liberation Theology

by Sarah Withrow King (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4092 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	196 pages
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The Intersection of Animal Liberation and Environmental Stewardship

Evangelical animal liberation theology often intertwines with a broader concern for environmental stewardship. Many evangelicals view care for animals and care for the environment as interconnected. They believe that by protecting and preserving the natural world, they are honoring God's creation and fulfilling their divine mandate to be good stewards of the Earth.

Challenges and Controversies within the Evangelical Community

While evangelical animal liberation theology has gained traction among many Christians, there are still challenges and controversies within the evangelical community. Some individuals argue that human needs should take precedence over animal welfare. Others question the validity of these theological interpretations, considering them a departure from traditional evangelical doctrine. Nonetheless, the movement continues to grow and influence evangelical thought.

The Practical Outworkings of Evangelical Animal Liberation Theology

Evangelical animal liberation theology is not merely a theoretical framework; it also leads to practical actions. Many evangelicals who embrace this theology choose to adopt a plant-based diet, supporting a compassionate and sustainable way of living. They also actively engage in animal protection and welfare initiatives, advocating for legislative changes and supporting organizations that work towards animal liberation.

The Impact on Christian Ethics and Teaching

The emergence of evangelical animal liberation theology has sparked conversations and transformations within the Christian community. It has challenged traditional interpretations of scripture and expanded the moral boundaries of Christianity to include non-human creatures. This shift in ethics has the potential to influence how Christians view and treat animals, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and mindful approach.

: Embracing Compassion for All Creation

Evangelical animal liberation theology presents a powerful call to action for believers, urging them to recognize the inherent value and worth of all creatures. By advocating for animal liberation and incorporating compassionate practices into their lives, evangelicals can align their faith with a theology that embraces love and justice for both humans and animals. Together, they can strive towards a world where all creatures are treated with dignity and respect.

Animals Are Not Ours (No, Really, They’re Not): An Evangelical Animal Liberation Theology

by Sarah Withrow King (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4092 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	196 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Why should Christians care about animals? Is there a biblical basis for abstaining from eating animals? Is avoiding companies that use (and misuse) animals a viable way for Christians to better live out the message of God?
In Animals Are Not Ours, Sarah Withrow King makes the argument that care for all of creation is no "far-fetched" idea that only radical people would consider, but rather a faithful witness of the peaceful kingdom God desires and Jesus modeled. This includes all living and breathing creatures that share this earth with us. King uses her decade-plus experience as a vegan, her seminary education, her evangelical Christian faith, and her years working with PETA to call Christians to examine how we treat and view the nonhuman animals with whom we share a finite planet.

"A sparky, accessible, and insightful book. Difficult not to be moved by the spiritual journey it relates."
--Andrew Linzey, director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and author ofAnimal Theology

"Animals Are Not Ours is riveting and convicting. A major contribution to the neglected topic of animal liberation and animal rights, from an exciting new voice, this book is essential reading for all Christians."
--David P. Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics; Director, Center for Theology and Public Life, Mercer University

"In Animals Are Not Ours (No, Really, They're Not), Sarah Withrow King challenges us to look again at texts that may feel familiar, but only because we've read them a thousand times from the same perspective. But what if we change perspective? What if the biblical writers and the people they wrote about didn't see the world as we see it? What if those writers and people were not western, linear, dualistic thinkers who saw people as separate from creation, but rather as part of it. What if God cares deeply for the entire community of creation? If so, then Withrow King's book is a gift to us all, offering one of the most comprehensive examinations of God's treatment of animals (and fauna) that I have ever seen. And as the title hints--she has fun doing it. Animals Are Not Ours is a great and important read."
--Lisa Sharon Harper, author of The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong can be Made Right

Sarah Withrow King is Deputy Director of the Sider Center at Eastern University, and an associate fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. In her spare time, she enjoys drinking too much coffee and reading Calvin and Hobbes with her son. She and her family live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and are covenant members of Circle of Hope.