A review of The Friends We Keep

Hobgood-Oster, who teaches religion and environmental studies at South­western University, describes her book as "both a religious-environmental history and a contemporary theology." This survey covers the historical and theological importance of companion animals; animal abuse in puppy mills, sports and factory farming; hospitality to animals as a Christian virtue; and, above all, the need for a soteriology that embraces the whole earth and not just human beings. Hoping to reach beyond the academy to a general audience, Hobgood-Oster presents her views clearly, giving illustrations from Christian history and her own experience as a volunteer at an animal shelter. The book's popular appeal may be diminished, however, by its heavily footnoted ap­proach and abundant academic locutions: the author is clearly a scholar, not a journalist. Included are a discussion guide, sug­gestions on ways that individuals and communities can help, and resources for including animals in worship services