Barbara Allen explores the role of animals within a wide range of religious traditions. In this highly recommended addition to animal studies publications, Barbara explores countless stories and myths passed down orally and in many religious texts and offers a fascinating history of the ways animals have figured in our spiritual lives, whether they have Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Jain, Hindu or Buddhist roots. Barbara also looks at religions in China, Japan, Celtic, Viking and Ancient Egypt, as well as First Peoples religions . . . She tells story after story that emphasise the same message: all species are spiritually connected.
Minding Animals Bulletin
Barbara Allen includes all major religions, the beliefs of Indigenous peoples and those of ancient times discussing the art, diets and practices of each. Recognising the importance of the oral tradition, she tells the most fascinating legends and stories in a highly colourful way, which alone would make another book.
Yorkshire Gazette and Herald
This book is timely in the midst of the growing global concern around climate change and the future of our world as we know and understand it, Barbara has brought a gift, an invitation to add a fresh layer to our discussions on understanding our world. The particular focus of the book is the religious dimensions that the non human created world brings to the understanding and life of humans . . . People from all faith traditions and none, will find this work extremely helpful.
Reverend Ian Smith, Executive Officer of Victorian Council of Churches
Allen highlights the mysterious alterity of nonhuman animals (such that they should not be reduced to things) and in turn leads the reader to discover, through a myriad of religious voices, these mysterious creatures as spiritual brethren.
Ryan Patrick McLaughlin, Siena College, New York
The author offers a deeper respect for our four-legged, finned and feathered brethren as she focuses on the interdependence of life and the appreciation that “nonhuman animals” have value in our religious traditions, as well as in our hearts and homes. The book examines animals not only in all the major monotheistic religions, but also in the beliefs of the Egyptian, Mesoamerican and Indigenous people of North America and Australasia as well as the Vikings and Druids.
Methodist Recorder
This substantial, almost encyclopedic book will undoubtedly long be a standard reference for basic information on the myths and beliefs involving animals of the major world religions past and present. The author has assembled a wonderful collection of stories and judicious statements by respected religious spokespersons from around the world.
The Peaceable Table