`Author:` by Ken Stone `Availability:` > [!info] > ## Summary Ken Stone’s Reading the Hebrew Bible with Animal Studies explores the role of [[Animals]] in biblical texts, drawing on the interdisciplinary field of animal studies to critique and expand our understanding of how [[Animals]] are portrayed and conceptualised in the Hebrew Bible. The book challenges traditional anthropocentric readings by highlighting the ways [[Animals]] are depicted as both symbols and living beings within the biblical narrative. Stone examines how [[Animals]] are often marginalised or instrumentalised, but also how their presence can disrupt and complicate human-centred interpretations. Contributions of [[Donna Haraway]] and [[Jacques Derrida]]: Stone’s work is deeply influenced by thinkers like Haraway and Derrida, who contribute significantly to his analysis: 1. [[Donna Haraway]] Haraway’s concept of companion species—the idea that humans and animals are co-constitutive, shaping each other’s identities and histories—is integral to Stone’s critique. Haraway’s emphasis on relationality helps Stone uncover the interdependence of humans and animals in the Hebrew Bible, even in texts where animals are ostensibly subordinate. For instance, Stone explores the ways biblical narratives reflect an ongoing negotiation of human-animal [[Relationships]], rather than a simple hierarchy. 2. Jacques Derrida Derrida’s deconstruction of the human-animal [[binary]], particularly in his essay The Animal That Therefore I Am, informs much of Stone’s theoretical framework. Derrida questions the ethical and philosophical [[Boundaries]] humans draw between themselves and animals, which Stone applies to his readings of biblical texts. This allows him to challenge anthropocentric interpretations and to explore how the Bible’s portrayal of animals reveals deeper tensions about dominion, vulnerability, and the shared experiences of living beings. Key Themes in Stone’s Book: • The symbolic and material roles of animals in biblical stories, such as sacrificial systems and divine communication. • The ethical implications of interpreting animals merely as metaphors for human concerns. • How animal studies can bring fresh perspectives to longstanding theological debates, including the interpretation of creation, the fall, and covenant [[Relationships]]. • A critique of biblical texts that reinforce human dominance over animals, while also exploring moments where animals resist or disrupt human control. Stone’s engagement with Haraway and Derrida allows him to position the Hebrew Bible within broader philosophical and ethical discussions about animal agency, subjectivity, and the human-animal relationship. This approach provides a nuanced reading of scripture that invites readers to reconsider the roles and significance of animals in both ancient texts and contemporary interpretations. ## Key Takeaways ## Quotes - ## Notes `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Books index]]