Book chapter
The Connection We Share: Animal Spirituality and the Science of Sacred Encounters
Animals and Religion, pp.277-288
Routledge, First edition
2024
Metrics
18 Record Views
Abstract
Conventional science is characterized by an anthropocentric research agenda that promotes reductionistic and atomizing versions of reality. In this chapter, we consider how this value system may constrain scientific knowledge and make it difficult to witness some important aspects of animals' lives. Like any human endeavor, however, science can and does change. To address the interrelated crises of ecosystem collapse, industrialized animal agriculture, and the animal suffering they produce, we must identify and prioritize scientific practices that are better aligned with supporting the fullness of animal lives and valuing the biodiversity on which all life depends. One such approach, inspired by religious naturalism, begins with mindfulness and viewing the entire cosmos as sacrosanct. Within this framework, animals are revered beings whom science should aim to understand, protect, and honor rather than instrumentalize and doubt. In this chapter, we examine several alterations to scientific practice that could make animal research more consistent with a religious naturalism perspective while still contributing rigorous, valuable scientific data about animal lives. We exemplify the methodology and consequences of such changes by recounting personal encounters with animals-such as shared meditation-that can lead to insights into little-explored aspects of their lives, including spirituality. Finally, we describe a few of the documented cases in which animal responses to natural phenomena such as storms and fire suggest that they, too, may possess religious sensibilities.
Details
- Title
- The Connection We Share
- Creators
- Barbara SmutsBecca FranksMonica GaglianoChristine Webb
- Contributors
- Dave Aftandilian (Editor)Barbara R. Ambros (Editor)Aaron S. Gross (Editor)
- Publication Details
- Animals and Religion, pp.277-288
- Publisher
- Routledge; London
- Edition
- First edition
- Identifiers
- 991013154186802368
- Academic Unit
- Science; Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter