Member-only story

Unearthing the Interplay between Religion and Animal Ethics: A Comprehensive Exploration in "The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Animal Ethics"

Milan Kundera

·5k Followers· Follow

Published in The Routledge Handbook Of Religion And Animal Ethics (Routledge Handbooks In Religion)

4 min read · 1 month before

1.9k View Claps

98 Respond

Save

Listen

This extensive handbook encompasses a diverse array of religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Each chapter meticulously analyzes the unique perspectives and teachings within each tradition, highlighting the nuances and complexities that shape religious attitudes towards animals.

Christianity: Explore the evolution of Christian views on animals, from the anthropocentric Dominion Mandate to the compassionate teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.
Islam: Uncover the Islamic concept of "adl" (justice) and its implications for animal welfare, as well as the significance of treating animals with mercy.
Judaism: Examine the rich Talmudic tradition, which emphasizes the duty of humans to care for animals and prohibits unnecessary suffering.
Hinduism: Dive into the concept of ahimsa (non-violence) and its profound influence on Hindu ethics, including the protection of all living creatures.
Buddhism: Discover the Buddhist teachings on compassion and the interconnectedness of all beings, which extend to animals.
Jainism: Explore the strict Jain vow of ahimsa, which prohibits any form of violence or exploitation of animals.

Moving beyond abstract principles, the handbook delves into specific ethical dilemmas that arise at the intersection of religion and animal ethics, such as:

Animal Sacrifice: Examine the religious practices of sacrificing animals and the ethical concerns they raise, considering both traditional justifications and modern objections.
Factory Farming: Analyze the ethical implications of industrial animal agriculture from a religious perspective, focusing on the suffering and exploitation of billions of animals.
Animal Testing: Explore the debate over the use of animals in scientific research, assessing the ethical responsibilities of scientists and religious institutions.
Pet Ownership: Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding pet ownership, including the treatment, responsibilities, and potential exploitation of animals.

The handbook also tackles contemporary challenges that intersect religion and animal ethics, such as:

The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Animal Ethics (Routledge Handbooks in Religion)

by Rafael Arrais

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	412 pages

Climate Change and Animal Welfare: Examine the impact of climate change on animals and the role of religious traditions in addressing this global crisis.
Animal Rights and Religious Liberty: Explore the legal and ethical tensions between animal rights advocacy and the protection of religious practices that involve animals.
Intersectionality and Animal Ethics: Analyze the intersection of animal ethics with other forms of social justice, such as environmentalism, feminism, and the fight against racism.

The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Animal Ethics serves as an indispensable resource for scholars, researchers, theologians, philosophers, and animal welfare professionals. Its comprehensive coverage and interdisciplinary approach provide a solid foundation for understanding the complex interplay between religion and animal ethics.

The handbook is meticulously organized and features:

Original Contributions from Expert Scholars: Each chapter is authored by leading experts in their respective fields, ensuring the highest level of scholarship.
Thorough Bibliographies: Extensive bibliographies accompany each chapter, providing readers with access to a wealth of additional research materials.
Index: A comprehensive index allows readers to easily locate specific topics and perspectives.

The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Animal Ethics is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the field of animal ethics. It offers a comprehensive examination of the ethical implications of religious beliefs and practices on animals, addressing a wide range of contemporary issues and ethical dilemmas.

For anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this topic, this handbook is an invaluable resource that will provide a deeper appreciation for the profound interplay between religion and animal ethics.

The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Animal Ethics (Routledge Handbooks in Religion)

by Rafael Arrais

4.6 out of 5