A smart, loving treatise on animals’ true role in God’s universe
Humans aren’t alone on Earth. We co-exist, interact, and observe life in various forms everyday, but how often do we approach our relationships with those beings with godliness? Dr. Ashley Cooper is a doctor of ministry and a community chaplain who asks us to take a closer look at our godly connection with animals in this engaging work of practical theology.
The most practical piece of all this comes down to you: You don’t have to foster animals like Dr. Cooper to nurture a holy relationship with them. It can be in the smallest daily decisions and in acknowledging that this creature is alive here on this planet with you. When you treat them with kindness, respect, and attentiveness, you strengthen your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
See, it’s the Holy Spirit that links humans and animals on earth. It’s the same spiritual feeling you get when you treat another person with kindness, when you recognize that you’re both here in God’s world and that you’re meant to share it.
Dr. Cooper’s study on the holy link is enhanced by personal stories of her myriad experiences with animals—from traveling to nursing homes with her beloved donkey Winston to building a meaningful relationship with a mouse in Kuwait. It’s in these personal stories where The Holy Link… is at its most impactful. The personal stories shine in illustrating Cooper’s point but also in inspiring readers to put faith first and to feel the warmth of creaturely connection. I don’t think anybody’s leaving this book without the notion of wanting to hold their dog a little closer or to listen more attentively to their needs.
“To stay active in God’s work, we must sometimes refine our nets.”
Not only do I fill my everyday life with animals as much as I can, but I’ve read plenty of books on animal therapy. The difference it can make to pet or just spend time with an animal is vast, and the spiritual connection is real and genuine in every room. And this book might discuss this spiritual connection better than any of the others. It’s about being present and hearing the things that go unspoken—the moments that are holy and true.
“The presence of animals is linked to improved health outcomes and greater independence for many people, underscoring a partnership built on trust, affection, and mutual benefit.”
The godly connection between animals and humans being linked by the Holy Spirit is a moving, sound idea. However, the point is driven home so early and so often that the book becomes repetitive once you fully grasp it. As separate essays, these are all strong, impactful pieces with useful research, quotes, and information, but since we already covered similar topics in previous chapters, the knowledge doesn’t feel as new or as gained as the first time around. The personal experiences carry and differentiate each piece, but there are fewer of them than there are arguments for the point.
Theologians and animal lovers will appreciate this intelligent, well-researched study on the holy connection between humans and animals.
What did you think?