Animals and World Religions - Hardcover

Kemmerer, Lisa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199790671 ISBN 13: 9780199790678

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2011

Synopsis

Animals and World Religions
Oxford U.P., 2011

In this comprehensive examination, Lisa Kemmerer explores animal-friendly teachings in the world's indigenous and dominant religious traditions, including the religions of India (Vedic/Hindu, Buddhist/Jain), China (Daoism and Confucianism), and the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Kemmerer writes with a keen eye to contemporary relevance, practical application, and moral hot-spots (such as our relations with environment and dietary choice). Standing at the intersection of religion, ethics, and animal advocacy, Animals and World Religions demonstrates that rethinking how we treat nonhuman animals is essential for anyone claiming one of the world's great religions.

About this title

About the Author

Lisa Kemmerer is a philosopher-activist dedicated to working against oppression, whether on behalf of the environment, nonhuman animals, or disempowered human beings. Her books include In Search of Consistency: Ethics and Animals; Animals and World Religions; Sister Species: Women, Animals, and Social Justice; Call to Compassion: Reflections on Animal Advocacy; Speaking Up for Animals: An Anthology of Women's Voices; and Primate People: Saving Nonhuman Primates through Education, Advocacy, and Sanctuary. Kemmerer has hiked, biked, kayaked, backpacked, and traveled widely, and is currently associate professor of philosophy and religions at Montana State University Billings.

Review

"[An] impressive book...The publication of this book is an outstanding achievement."--Animal Spirit

"[A] compelling book....This thought-provoking book should be required reading for people who say that they are religious but seem to think that they need not take animals into consideration."--PETA Prime Book Club

"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 & 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

"The genius of this book is that it is so appropriately structured, both chronologically and topically... This book is a unifying work sublime in its interest and purpose, reflecting the divinity that is infused in the myriad of creatures whose lives invite respect, love, and compassion in every human individual and tradition." --Between the Species

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0199790671
• ISBN 13: 9780199790678
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 360