The book is the first of its kind to draw together in conversation the views of the early Church, contemporary biblical and theological scholarship, and post-conciliar teachings. Steck develops a comprehensive, Catholic theology of animals based on an in-depth exploration of Catholicism's fundamental doctrines—trinitarian theology, Christology, pneumatology, eschatology, and soteriology. All God's Animals makes two central claims. First, we can hope that God will include animals of the present age in the kingdom inaugurated by Christ. Second, because of this inclusion, our responses to animals should be guided by the values of the kingdom. As Christians await the final liberation of all creation, they are to be witnesses to God’s kingdom by embodying its ideals in their relations with animal life. Because the kingdom's fullness is yet to come and because our world remains marked by the wounds of sin, however, Christian treatment of animals will at times require acts that are at odds with the kingdom’s ideals (for example, those causing suffering and death). Steck examines each of these ideas and explores all of their complexities.

A child angel discovers that the special purpose of children in Heaven is to care for pets until they are reunited with their human companions.

Often compared to the novels of James Herriot, ALL GOD'S CREATURES follows the life of a woman veterinarian in modern Tennessee. From an unlikely start as a white-glove debutante in the 1960's to a sexism-defying launch in vet school to the adventures, sorrows, joys and oddities of a long veterinary practice, our heroine spins tales of the animals and people who share her life. By veteran romance author and dedicated horsewoman Carolyn McSparren, who also writes the Merry Abbot Carriage Driving Mysteries.

All God's Creatures provides a complete Blessing of the Animals liturgy, as well as other prayers and rituals, for use in church or anywhere that animals are blessed! If you live with a dog, cat, or some other domestic animal, you already know that these treasured creatures are not just pets, but members of the family. Debra K. Farrington, who has lived with animals most of her life, explores the spiritual aspects of our relationships with these beloved friends--from everyday caring for their needs, to marking the extraordinary moments of birth, illness and death. Full of warmth and wisdom, this essential resource includes chapters on: Training and Compassion-and how to balance the two Caring for the Sick--ethical concerns Rest in Peace--rituals, blessings, and more Tell Me Your Name--discerning the personality of your companion “By viewing companion animals as a gift from God rather than objects that do the will of humans, Debra Farrington helps owners realize a greater sense of responsibility toward their own pets, and shows how the humane care and training of their animals leads to a more fulfilling experience for both.” - Barbara Demarest, canine and feline behavior consultant A percentage of the author’s profits on this book will be donated to PAWS of Central Pennsylvania, a no-kill animal rescue and spay/neuter group.

Animal rights is animal theology. The author argues that historical theology, creatively defined, must reject humanocentricity. He questions the assumption that if theology is to speak on this issue, 'it must only do so on the side of the oppressors.' His theological query investigates not only the abstractions of theory, but also the realities of hunting, animal experimentation, and genetic engineering. He is an important, pioneering, Christian voice speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.

From Genesis to Christ, the Bible testifies to God's love and concern for animals. The same self-centeredness that led to the violence and abuse that has marked human relations also caused the abuse and exploitation of animals. The Bible, argues the author, calls upon human beings to stop their violence and abuse of each other and all other creatures. It promises that when they do, the sorrow and the suffering that marks life on Earth will give way to the joy and peace that God ordained at the creation of the world. In these compelling essays, Rev. J. R. Hyland explores the Old and New Testament and reveals the prophetic voices that called for compassion over killing, and humane concern for all of God's creation.

Do our relationships with animals bring us closer to God?