Predation and hunting would appear to be an essential feature of the natural world. Many animals hunt each other, and many humans hunt animals. Indeed, prehistoric man hunted to survive. Today, of course, things have changed. Hunting is not a necessary activity, but a sport and avocation. Those who hunt always have the choice to buy vegetables or frozen pizza at the grocery store.   

The evolution of hunting into a sport is certainly one reason it sometimes comes in for criticism today. Since killing animals is unnecessary, animal rights advocates argue that killing them is unjustified. Others are turned off by what they see as the cruelty of hunting.

In this episode of BaerTalk I talk with two hunters about how Christians should think about hunting. Bracy Hill is a senior lecturer at Baylor University and the editor of God, Nimrod, and the World: Exploring Christian Perspectives on Sport Hunting. Jeremy Stirm is a theologian with a Ph.D. from Baylor University and a military chaplain. Not surprisingly, both men defend hunting and find meaning in it, but they also talk thoughtfully about it, about our relationship to the animal world, and our responsibilities toward nature.

Listen below or on iTunes, Spotify, or whatever you use to listen to podcasts.

Categories: PODCASTS

Tags: conservationism, environmentalism, hunting, wildlife