Animals in Religion

Devotion, Symbol and Ritual

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
Cover of the book Animals in Religion by Barbara Allen, Reaktion Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Barbara Allen ISBN: 9781780236056
Publisher: Reaktion Books Publication: June 15, 2016
Imprint: Reaktion Books Language: English
Author: Barbara Allen
ISBN: 9781780236056
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Publication: June 15, 2016
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Language: English

Animals in Religion explores the role of animals within a wide range of religious traditions. Exploring countless stories and myths passed down orally and in many religious texts, Barbara Allen—herself a practicing minister—offers a fascinating history of the ways animals have figured in our spiritual lives, whether they have been Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or any number of lesser-known religions.
           
Some of the figures here will be familiar, such as St. Francis of Assisi, famous for his accord with animals, or that beloved remover of obstacles, Ganesha, the popular elephant god in the Hindu pantheon. Delving deeper, Allen highlights the numerous ways that our religious practices have honored and relied upon our animal brethren. She examines the principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence, which has Jains sweeping the pathways before them so as not to kill any insects, as well as the similar principle in Judaism of ts’ar ba’alei chayim and the notion in some sects of Islam that all living creatures are Muslim. From ancient Egypt to the Druids to the indigenous cultures of North America and Australia, Allen tells story after story that emphasizes the same message: all species are spiritually connected. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Animals in Religion explores the role of animals within a wide range of religious traditions. Exploring countless stories and myths passed down orally and in many religious texts, Barbara Allen—herself a practicing minister—offers a fascinating history of the ways animals have figured in our spiritual lives, whether they have been Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or any number of lesser-known religions.
           
Some of the figures here will be familiar, such as St. Francis of Assisi, famous for his accord with animals, or that beloved remover of obstacles, Ganesha, the popular elephant god in the Hindu pantheon. Delving deeper, Allen highlights the numerous ways that our religious practices have honored and relied upon our animal brethren. She examines the principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence, which has Jains sweeping the pathways before them so as not to kill any insects, as well as the similar principle in Judaism of ts’ar ba’alei chayim and the notion in some sects of Islam that all living creatures are Muslim. From ancient Egypt to the Druids to the indigenous cultures of North America and Australia, Allen tells story after story that emphasizes the same message: all species are spiritually connected. 

More books from Reaktion Books

Cover of the book Lobster by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Mountain by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Animal by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book China to Chinatown by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Eggs by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Cambodia by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book The Temple of Perfection by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Hieronymus Bosch by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Rocks, Ice and Dirty Stones by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book The Habsburgs by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book A Philosophy of Pain by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Michelangelo and the Viewer in His Time by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Onions and Garlic by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Chair by Barbara Allen
Cover of the book Prague by Barbara Allen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy