Synopses & Reviews
Despite increasing public attention to animal suffering, little seems to have changed: Human beings continue to exploit billions of animals in factory farms, medical laboratories, and elsewhere. In this wide-ranging and perceptive study, Lisa Kemmerer shows how spiritual writings and teachings in seven major religious traditions can help people to consider their ethical obligations toward other creatures.
Dr. Kemmerer examines the role of nonhuman animals in scripture and myth, in the lives of religious exemplars, and by drawing on foundational philosophical and moral teachings. She begins with a study of indigenous traditions around the world, then focuses on the religions of India (Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain) and China (Daoism and Confucianism), and finally, religions of the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). At the end of each chapter, Kemmerer explores the inspiring lives and work of contemporary animal advocates who are motivated by a personal religious commitment.
Animals and World Religions demonstrates that rethinking how we treat nonhuman animals is essential for anyone claiming one of the world's great religions.
Review
"Kemmerer demonstrates many times over that the core, the fundamental teachings of the religions of the world are 'radically friendly' to other-than-human animals, demanding respect, justice, and compassion. With the publication of her book, the future of religion-and-animal-studies will be forever changed-for the better."
---Tom Regan author, The Case for Animal Rights
Review
"This is a beautifully written and passionate example of philosophical activism that is humble enough to take ancient wisdom seriously in the service of very modern questions." --Philosophy in Review
"Academically erudite and discerning...Kemmerer's new book is an eloquent contribution to what has always been a critical issue for our long-term survival and wellbeing." --New Lotus
"Kemmerer's book is useful for those who wish to review folkloric similarities that are part of the foundational texts of world religions, for example 'morality tales' of wise, talking animals responding to natural crises or human-derived cruelties. The narrative of the Buddha-parrot saving a forest of animals is particularly delightful." --Religion
"Kemmerer demonstrates many times over that the core, the fundamental teachings of the religions of the world are 'radically friendly' to other-than-human animals, demanding respect, justice, and compassion. With the publication of her book, the future of religion-and-animal-studies will be forever changed-for the better."
---Tom Regan author, The Case for Animal Rights
"Focuses on Hinduism, Buddhism, and jainism in India, Daoism and Confucianism in China, and the three Abrahamic faiths with origins in the Middle East."--The Chronicle Review
"Kemmerer has provided us with a real moral service."--Spirituality and Practice
"This is an important text...I am grateful to Kemmerer for writing this book. I am grateful for the fact that it is in the world for people to read. But perhaps mostly, I am grateful that it is a reminder that religious teachings of love and compassion for anymals are meant to be practiced. Practice requires action, and Animals and World Religions explores how, from each corner of the world, there is a call to action for anymals."--Our Hen House
About the Author
Lisa Kemmerer is a philosopher-activist (MTh, Harvard; PhD, philosophy, Glasgow, Scotland) and the author/editor of half a dozen books on animal advocacy, ethics, and religion. She is also an artist and a lover of wild places who has hiked, biked, kayaked, backpacked, and traveled widely.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Norm Phelps
Introduction
1. Indigenous Traditions
2. Hindu Traditions
3. Buddhist Traditions
4. Chinese Traditions
5. Jewish Traditions
6. Christian Traditions
7. Islamic Traditions
8. Conclusion
Appendix: Anymal Industries
Bibliography
Further Reading