Playing God With Animals? The Meaning of Animals in a More Than Human World

ABSTRACT Unprecedented human power over the lives and welfare of trillions of animals calls for existential, ethical, and theological reflection. This article examines and discusses how the relationship between humans and non‐human animals can be understood in a Christian context. First, the article presents a framework of meaning (or understanding) drawing on psychologist Roy Baumeister and theologian Alister McGrath. Second, it presents two Christian understandings of animals: the anthropocentric theology of Augustine and the zoocentric theology of David Clough. Lastly, it discusses two existential issues in relation to approaching animals. First, drawing on Danish writer Mathilde Walter Clark, it is claimed that individuals must be open to other interpretations of animals than those prevalent in the western society. Such openness brings an uncertainty that is important in rethinking the relationship between humans and animals. Second, drawing on the Christian poet and scholar C. S. Lewis, it is claimed that theologians and the church need to approach animals with caution and be open to reimagining the existing human–animal relationship.