Professor Andrew Linzey’s landmark book, Animal Theology, has been translated into eight languages, including Spanish, Italian, Croatian, Polish, and Japanese. This month sees the release of its Hungarian edition, marking a significant milestone for the influential work on animal rights and theology.
First published in 1994, Animal Theology challenges traditional Christian views that have often marginalised animals, arguing that theology can provide a robust basis for animal rights. The book presents a theological perspective on the treatment of animals, inviting readers to consider them not just as creatures to be exploited, but as beings that share in creation and redemption.
Linzey, a leading figure in the animal rights movement, notes that at Christmas, Christians should reflect not only on the birth of Jesus in a stable surrounded by animals but also on the doctrine of the incarnation, which he argues means that all creatures, human and non-human, are part of God’s redemptive plan. “Christ is not just the redeemer of humans but animals also,” Linzey says, emphasising the broader spiritual connection between all living beings.
The book has had a profound impact since its publication, widely recognised as the first modern work to discuss animal rights from a theological standpoint. Linzey reflects on its remarkable global reach, saying, “What was regarded as a marginal issue has now become mainstream, and theologians worldwide are seriously engaging with the topics raised in the book.”
This month, Animal Theology finds a new audience in Hungary with the publication of its Hungarian edition by Kairosz Kiadó. The translation, carried out by theologians Miklós Szabó and Marianna Habány, promises to inspire Hungarian readers and spark important discussions around the treatment of animals in religious contexts.
The translators, who are also husband and wife, have previously translated a variety of works on spirituality and religion into Hungarian. They share their excitement about bringing Animal Theology to a new readership: “The translation of Animal Theology has been a profound source of inspiration for us. We are confident that this comprehensive and engaging work will be both thought-provoking and moving for Hungarian readers.”
Szabó and Habány are also known for their blog, BibliaKultúra: Beyond the Text, Beneath the Stones, which explores biblical knowledge and makes it more accessible to a wider audience. Their translation of Animal Theology marks another significant contribution to their efforts to popularise theological studies in Hungary.
The Hungarian edition of the book, titled Az állatok teológiája, is available this month, and further details can be found through Kairosz Kiadó. The English version of the book is available on Amazon.
