Animals and world religions / Lisa Kemmerer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kemmerer, Lisa.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Animals--Religious aspects.

Animals.

Human-animal relationships--Religious aspects.

Human-animal relationships.

Religions.

Physical Description:

xiii, 346 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, N.Y. : Oxford University Press, 2012.

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Introduction

Indigenous traditions

Hindu traditions

Buddhist traditions

Chinese traditions

Jewish traditions

Christian traditions

Islamic traditions

Conclusion

Appendix: factory farming and fishing.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9780199790678

0199790671

9780199790685

019979068X

OCLC:

702941737