A Spiritual Dimension of Human–Animal Relations?

Abstract

A close relationship with nature and animals is widely acknowledged to support human physical, social, and mental health, but is more seldom considered relevant for human spirituality. Using theological resources, this paper argues that some human–animal relations may possess spiritual qualities. While classical Christian (Augustinian and Thomistic) theologies give limited support for said spiritual dimensions, Franciscan traditions, modern incarnation theology, and ecotheology provide inspiration to articulate spiritual elements in some human–animal relationships. The latter theologies resonate well with the holistic nature views in specific Eastern religious traditions (Hinduism and Daoism). Together, these resources may serve as interreligious and cross-cultural inspirations for a human relationship to animals that incorporates spiritual elements of biological, social, and divine interconnectedness. While our arguments may relate mostly to companion animals, they have relevance for human relations to all animals in the more-than-human nature. Empirical studies can be done in the future to test if specific human–animal relationships affect human spirituality. If confirmed, a Christian theology of animals that is attentive to potential spiritual effects of human–animal relationships will support health and flourishing in a world where humans are often alienated from nature and animals.