Animals in Christian Ethics

Developing a Relational Approach

Abstract

In comparison with the recent growth in writing in environmental theology and ethics, there has been relatively little published in current Christian ethics that specifically addresses human–animal relations. The writer usually cited in this context is Andrew Linzey, who makes a case for animal rights. In this paper, I discuss difficulties with key elements of Linzey’s rights position and with his representation of human–animal power relations. I argue that in developing approaches to animal ethics a wider range of relational and contextual factors should be taken into account, and I consider a number of these factors, including domestication. I suggest that a Christian relational ethic of care for animals may be one way forward in developing such an account.