This prayer is commonly attributed to Saint Basil, the Bishop of Caesarea in the fourth century, though this is somewhat contested. Irrespective of it's origins I think we can benefit from it. O God, enlarge within us the sense of fellowship with all living things, even our brothers, the animals, to whom Thou gave the … Continue reading Remembering all living things in prayer
Balaam and his animal guide
Talk of animal guides is common enough in Pagan traditions, especially Shamanism, but not so much within Christianity or Judaism. Nevertheless, the story of Balaam and his donkey, found within the Old Testament book of Numbers, provides a striking example of the will of the Creator being communicated to humanity through a creature. Perhaps there's something we … Continue reading Balaam and his animal guide
Ask the animals
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? … Continue reading Ask the animals
Praying with Saint Basil
The following prayer is attributed to Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, who lived from 330AD-379AD. It is a prayer of confession, for the ways we've fallen short in our treatment of animals, and of request, for a more God aligned awareness. The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. O God, enlarge … Continue reading Praying with Saint Basil
Behemoth and Leviathan
I found this image of Behemoth and Leviathan on DeviantArt by a person calling themselves PutridusCor, which seems to be the moniker for a guy named Aidan in Canada. Behemoth and Leviathan are two enigmatic animals mentioned in the Old Testament book of Job. Some equate Behemoth and Leviathan with a hippopotamus and a crocodile respectively, others … Continue reading Behemoth and Leviathan
Is animal death a consequence of original sin?
Maybe you have never asked yourself this question, but then again, maybe you have. In any case it seems I thought some of you might find this question I was asked of interest: "I have a question that I feel exposes my stupidity on something I should know lol; but I have to ask … Continue reading Is animal death a consequence of original sin?
Cosmetic Cruelty
The caption reads: For long eyelashes, this is how 300,000 lab animals suffer each year.What do God have to say? Genesis 49:6 - Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. Exodus 23:12 - Six days do … Continue reading Cosmetic Cruelty
Earth Hour Reflections
In case anyone was wondering, no I wasn't blogging during Earth Hour last night. That last post was pre-written and pre-programmed to launch while I was otherwise occupied. What I was actually doing was having a relaxing chat with my wife and elder son by candlelight in our dining area after our younger son went … Continue reading Earth Hour Reflections
A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal
John Smulo has been writing on God's love for animals over at Smulo Space. I have often found it disturbing how little regard some of my fellow Christians have for God's creatures. I don't see how it's so hard to join the dots, I mean, haven't they ever read about Noah? Hello! But that's the … Continue reading A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal
Green Christianity around the Globe
Where can you find Christianity of a greener shade? Christians who care for the animals and plants of this creation as our Creator calls us to do? Christian communities that exercise real leadership? I thought it might be useful to put together a primer on Green Christian and Animal Protetion websites and blogs. What do … Continue reading Green Christianity around the Globe
Animals, God and morality
I'd like to draw attention to two article recently posted on Sacred Tribes Journal that look at animal theology. Animals and Morality - Four Views "The German Christian mystic, Hilkdegard, instructed, 'do not regard other creatures as existing merely to serve your bodily needs. By cherishing them as God requires, your soul will benefit.'" "Calvin … Continue reading Animals, God and morality
Animal Theology
I recently came across references to a book on Animal Theology by Andrew Linzey and these comments caught my interest: ANIMAL RIGHTS is animal theology, in Andrew Linzey's view. He 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 … Continue reading Animal Theology
