In The Friends We Keep, Laura Hobgood-Oster gives an extensive but very readable overview of the history of Christianity’s relationship with animals. Sections at the end of the book with ideas on how congregations can help animals, liturgical resources related to animals, and a list of additional resources such as Christian organizations addressing animal issues, give added value to this book.
Hobgood-Oster considers the impact of religious belief systems on animals throughout the years and contends that animals have been forgotten by Christianity in our current age. This is in contrast to the many fascinating stories of companion animals mentioned in the lives of the saints, including Saint Francis, Saint Brigit and Saint Jerome. She argues that our faith makes it necessary for us to practice Christian hospitality and compassion for animals as well as humans. The chapter on animals in sport is eye-opening as she discusses the abuse of animals in horse racing, dog fighting, and sport hunting.
Chapter three, “Eating Mercifully,” with its description of the harsh reality of factory farming, is a wake-up call to all who consume animal products. The author contends that it is imperative for Christians to refuse to “participate in a system that perpetuates pain and suffering on a scale that is unfathomable” yet is willing to meet the reader on middle ground, suggesting that compassionate vegetarianism can be practiced on a small scale, such as eliminating animal products for one day a week or finding local, humane products for consumption.
A two page discussion guide included in the book invites Christians to come together to discuss this neglected area that begs for compassion. There may be some who will say that the needs and sufferings of humans throughout the world should be our sole focus but Hobgood-Oster makes a strong argument that Christianity should also be “good news for animals.”
