Dietary Pacifism Animals, Nonviolence, and the Messianic Community

摘要: This thesis uses relational theology, in conversation with the nonviolent communitarian ethics of Stanley Hauerwas, to construct a new theology how humans relate other animals. I argue that at least some animals should be perceived as creatures God; and understanding our animal brothers sisters this way raises questions for ecclesiology. The relationality we share nonhuman – individual relationships interwoven networks relationship make up creation means Christians can hope between sanctified by God’s grace. If have hope, accept is (and eschatology not solely future-oriented), there clear impetus church communities look reflective prayerful eyes will include thinking seriously about dietary choices impact upon them. I two methodological shifts course thesis: from ethics, into ecclesiology ethnography. These are justified on ground ethics: just faith without works dead (Jm. 2:17), so must ethical. use ethnography social-scientific methodology situates my discussion casuistry context real, situated churches experiences. A theological ethic diet which does examine think eating, eating practices their members formed in, would incomplete. After outlining aims chapter 1, 2 critique models ‘stewardship’ (popular human-animal relationality). Chapter 3 provides short systematic theology of seeks amend stewardship’s limitations. In chapters 4-5, consider implications 2-3, arguing vegetarianism (theologically understood pacifism) valid ethical practice followers Christ. Chapters 6-8 dialogue discernment communities, partly via ordinary Christian vegetarians engage all topics, including diet. 9, draw together framework emphasises radical inclusivity call community human animals, wider creation.