This book investigates whether the moral status of animals is a matter of mere emotional reaction or a subject requiring rigorous philosophical and theological justification. Andrew Linzey, a prominent theologian and animal rights advocate, challenges the prevailing anthropocentric view that animals exist solely for human utility. He constructs a framework that integrates moral philosophy and Christian theology to argue that animal suffering is a significant ethical concern that demands a fundamental shift in human behavior regarding food, commerce, and sport.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for those exploring the intersection of faith and animal ethics. Readers frequently note the accessible yet intellectually rigorous nature of the prose, which bridges the gap between academic theology and practical moral application.