Vegangelical: How Caring for Animals Can Shape Your Faith

Evangelical public policy activist King (Animals Are Not Ours [No Really, They're Not]) ambitiously makes a case for veganism and animal rights to an evangelical Christian audience that may not have thought much about the biblical significance of animals except as sacrifice and meat. King reexamines some key theological concepts, such as dominion, and major doctrinal arguments about the kingdom of God and reconciliation, using language that evangelicals will be comfortable with in order to move readers to reflect about animal welfare. Her theological analysis is more provocative and successful than the rest of the book, which relies on shocking anecdotes about horribly mistreated animals at zoos, pet stores, research labs, and factory farms. Considerable existing literature critiques animal treatment, especially in food production; a growing body of literature of ecospirituality also considers the dignity and place of animals in God's creation. For her audience, King's argument may be innovative, but those outside evangelical circles who have religiously motivated concern for the earth will find this work under-researched and longer on shock value than ethical provocation. (June)