Traversing the Gap between Religion and Animal Rights: Framing and Networks as a Conceptual Bridge

Historically, Judeo-Christian doctrine has been used to justify the mistreatment of nonhuman animals through the “dominion” view of human superiority. Linzey and others have questioned this perspective, suggesting that critical tenets of religion, and particularly Christianity, support the ethical treatment of other animals by defining dominion as stewardship. This article considers how framing and networks help explain the complex relationship between religion and support for animal rights. We offer ways in which social networks and framing might inform the beliefs and behaviors of religious individuals who support animal rights as well as the strategies of the animal rights movement intended to appeal to such individuals.