God’s Future for Animals
From Creation to New Creation
- Theology
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
God loves animals and gives them a special place in creation. So, do animals also have a place in God's work of redemption? Will there be animals on the new Earth? Will we see our beloved pets in the afterlife? This book takes up the challenge to think in a responsible way through these questions. The author focuses in particular on the physical restoration, the prophetic proclamation of the coming animal peace, the attitude of God and humanity towards animals, and the question of the relationship between biblical life, the future of animals, and vegetarianism. What can the Bible and Christian doctrine reveal to us about God's way with animals?
Endorsements (5)
Foreword
“The future of God’s kingdom—the epitome of Christian hope—encompasses all of creation and is not limited only to humans or the earth alone; rather, it includes the whole vast cosmos. This is the proper framework for a contemporary eschatology—even though, as mentioned, this most expansive horizon has not been at the center of Christian theology so far. Raymond Hausoul seeks to convince his readers that eschatology involves the complete transformation of the world by a radically new act of God, beginning at Easter and continuing into the future. The demand for such a comprehensive and all-embracing eschatology is challenging. From the perspective of the evangelical movement, the author’s own constituency, this kind of constructive work is pioneering.”
“Scholarly without being stodgy, biblically rooted and well informed by the Christian tradition, widely sourced and comprehensive in scope, God’s Future for Animals offers a very persuasive argument for why Christians ought to rethink their view of animals. Raymond Hausoul is especially good at offering detailed and insightful readings of the Bible that call into question many assumptions we have about animals and their place in the world. Most importantly, this book clearly shows that God loves animals, covenants with animals, and includes animals in God’s good future. God’s Future for Animals is a welcome contribution and timely addition to the field of Christian environmental theology and ethics. I highly recommend it.”
“In this honest, probing book, the author argues convincingly—drawing on a detailed analysis of a wide range of biblical sources—that all animals, not just humans, are included in creation, covenant, redemption, and future expectation. This highly accessible yet thoughtful book will challenge, encourage, and stimulate the reader to think differently and more positively about the place of animals in salvation history.”
“Raymond Hausoul offers an engaging and thoroughgoing study of the relationship between the Creator and animals. It turns out that the Scriptures have quite a bit to say about animals. In addition to surveying the biblical texts, the author brings into the discussion many other voices, including Jewish and Christian commentators, church fathers, philosophers, and theologians. The author is to be commended for highlighting the place of animals in both the creation and the promised new creation.”
“Raymond Hausoul has written a fascinating and wide-ranging study of the place of animals in God’s world. Although his ultimate goal is to explore the possibility of animals in the eschaton, along the way the book mines Scripture (Old and New Testaments) and the Christian tradition for their teaching about animals and their value to God. Without dogmatism and with a healthy dose of humility, yet with immense learning, Hausoul has prepared a wonderful treat for those interested in this topic.”
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