On God and Dogs

In this engaging and thought-provoking book, Stephen H. Webb brings a Christian perspective to bear on the subject of our responsibilities to animals, examined through the lens of our relations with pets, especially dogs. Webb argues that the emotional bond with companion animals should play a central role in the way we think about animals in general and - against the more extreme animal liberationists - defends the intermingling of the human and animal worlds. He tries to imagine what it would be like to treat animals as a gift from God and indeed argues that not only are animals a gift for us but they give to us; we need to attend to their giving and return their gifts appropriately. Throughout the book, Webb insists that what Christians call grace is present in our relations with animals, just as it is with other humans. Grace is the inclusive and expansive power of God's love to create and sustain relationships or real mutuality and reciprocity, and Webb unfolds the implications of the recognition that animals, too, participate in God's abundant grace. Webb's thesis affirms and persuasively defends many of the things that pet lovers feel instinctively - that their relationships with their companion animals are meaningful and important, and that their pets have real value and worth in themselves and in the eyes of God. On God and Dogs will appeal to a broad audience of thoughtful Christians and animal lovers alike.