Introduction

This book examines one of the most pressing cultural concerns that surfaced in the last decade - the question of the place and significance of the animal. This collection of essays represents the outcome of various conversations regarding animal studies and shows multidisciplinarity at its very best, namely, a rigorous approach within one discipline in conversation with others around a common theme.

Disciplines Discussed

The contributors discuss the most relevant disciplines regarding this conversation, namely: philosophy, anthropology, religious studies, theology, history of religions, archaeology and cultural studies.

Section 1: Thinking about Animals

The first section, Thinking about Animals, explores philosophical, anthropological and religious perspectives, raising general questions about the human perception of animals and its crucial cultural significance.

Section 2: Animals as Religious Symbols

The second section explores the intriguing topic of the way animals have been used historically as religious symbols and in religious rituals.

Section 3: Christian Theological Approaches

The third section re-examines some Christian theological and biblical approaches to animals in the light of current concerns.

Section 4: Ethical Theories and Practices

The final section extends the implications of traditional views about other animals to more specific ethical theories and practices.