Saints of Feather and Fang: How the Animals We Love and Fear Connect Us to God

by Caryn Rivadeneira

From sheepdogs to wombats to coyotes to jellyfish, animals serve important biological roles in the world. But those who love animals know there's more. We know our connection to other creatures is more than fur, scale, or feather deep. In Saints of Feather and Fang , writer and lifelong animal lover Caryn Rivadeneira looks at the ways that animals--from the pets who share our homes to the mysterious creatures of the deep--serve as spiritual guides for our hearts, minds, and souls. Christian scripture teems with mammals, birds, and reptiles, and research on animals' sensory responses suggests that we not only care for our beloved animals but they, at times, care for us. A therapy pony who visits stroke victims, a rescued pit bull who shows restraint, hedgehogs that scurry down highways made just for these stories offer entrée to tender, whimsical, and deeply theological reflection on creaturely delight, instinct, curiosity, adaptation, fear, and awe. In them we discover and connect with the God who beckons, rescues, and shelters us with stretched-out wings.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Nature, Christian, Religion

174 pages, Hardcover

Published April 19, 2022

About the author

Caryn Rivadeneira is the author of seven books--for both children and adults. Her most recent titles include Grit and Grace: Heroic Women of the Bible and The Story of Noah’s Ark (both SparkHouse Family). Caryn serves on the worship staff at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and is a proud member of INK: A Creative Collective and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Caryn lives in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with her husband, three kids, and one rescued pit bull.

Reviews

[Lesa Engelthaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for our times. True to the character of the author (who rescues pit bulls), the book is deeply spiritual and healing AND yet, filled with spot on -- much needed today -- humor. And oh yes, the main characters are every gorgeous, lovable and slimy animal we love and fear. Saint Francis would be so proud. Highly recommend!

[Glenys Nellist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, thought provoking and wonderfully easy to read, Saints of Feather and Fang is a delightfully refreshing exploration of the world's creatures, the God who created them, and how the two are connected. Just a glance at the sub-titles gives us an indication of Caryn Rivadeneira's creativity. Who wouldn't want to read 'The Lord is my Sheepdog,' 'Building Hedgehog Highways,' 'Where the Crows Lead,' or 'Consider the Donkeys?' If you are a lover of animals and God, you're in for a treat.

[Gina Dalfonzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review here: https://dearstrangethings.substack.co...

[Michelle VanLoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never thought much about why I love animals (except for snakes, rats, and stinging insects!), but Caryn Rivadeneira's delightful, insight-filled book helped me reflect more deeply about what animals tell us about God and ourselves. Most of my reflections about animals prior to reading Saints of Feather and Fang were pretty general: "Look at the variety of creatures God made!" or "Thank you, God, for the comfort and fun of a pet."

Rivadeneira's book reflects her deep admiration for animals (even snakes) and long-time advocacy for her beloved and oft-maligned pit bulls. But it does much more, as it connects creation to Creator in unforgettable ways. Her writing is engaging and inspiring, and points readers to the ways in which animals are speaking to us about the goodness of God. With chapters on rescue, adaptability, fear (snakes are highlighted in this one), curiosity, redemption, and more, this extended meditation filled me with gratitude to God for the ways his creatures can connect us to him.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this thoughtful book. Full of ideas to process, interesting animal stories, and spiritual insights, all in an easy to read format, broken up into manageable sections. We may recall that animals are in the Bible, but this book really highlights how often and the prominent role they play in scripture.

[Kelley Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caryn has written a delightful reflection on animals we traditionally love and occasionally fear—all pointing to the creative, loving One who put us together. How in the world does a bat point to God? Or a snake, even? With her own fun, personal stories woven in, Caryn offers a world of insight into how all God's creatures are lovely and worthy of love. Even humans.

[Sonja Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. This is simply one of the most unique books I've ever read, and from the very first page I knew I was in good hands. Even though I can't relate to the author's love for pit bulls or her fear of bats (a bat in my cabin at summer camp was a great excuse for cute male counselors to come save the day armed with tennis rackets), I smiled my way through Caryn Rivadeneira's tale of the ways God reveals Himself through his creation.

I volunteered to receive a review copy from the publisher because I often write on a similar theme in a "Creature Feature" for a children's devotional magazine (Keys for Kids), and my first novel was a faith-driven tale of an owl and a mouse. I love thinking about God revealing himself through his creation. I expected an insightful work that would hopefully bring my own faith closer to God; I had not expected a relentlessly surprising, funny, and vulnerably insightful book. From her ponderings of Psalm 148 (which is the epitaph in my novel), to her reflections on biblical sea monsters and Swedish tomte (gnomes) while visiting her ancestral home of Sweden, my ancestral home, and much more, I felt like this author had somehow written this book just for me.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one who pauses to watch the katydid cross the sidewalk, this book spoke to my creature-loving heart. In this reflective and gentle book, Caryn Rivadeneira invites the reader to pause and consider what the animals might have to teach us about God.

[Jacob Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rivadeneira's "Saints of Feather and Fang" captured my attention because the title seemed to carry with it a sense of curiosity and weight. My attitude towards pets has always been critical and lacking compassion and sympathy and I thought this would be a great book to help me understand God's beautiful design with His creation.

Upon reading this book, I came away feeling disappointed. From the start, the writing felt choppy and lacked substance. Although there were Scripture references, the context was not explained and seemed to be used to support the writer's own opinions.

The author's aspect on Heaven and the animal kingdom seemed interesting. While she believed animals would be present in Heaven (though Scripture never promises that) they would be perfect in their instinctive(ness) and would be allowed to use their fangs, claws, sight, for perfect use.

Unfortunately, my disappointment with this book was compounded by the writer's negative perspective of young earth theorists. She mentioned that those who believe in such a theory must accept a God who "tricks" scientists and human kind. This is not only an immature way of thinking, it also demeans those who hold such a belief.

Overall, the book lacked purpose and depth, and although it presented some good thoughts, it failed to provide adequate support or resources.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saints of Feather and Fang is a treat to read, and there are far worse ways to spend time than hanging out with Caryn Rivadeneira and her animals. She has some interesting thoughts on pets, wildlife, and the natural world, and the books points us to some big thoughts about God.

At the same time, it's a pretty breezy read. Its segments are thicker than those of a devotional, but it has a similar feel (just with better storytelling). Rivadeneira's writing is accessible and casual, and the book works as general encouragement and as a series of prompts on deep topics (rather than deep analysis on any one of them).

It's utterly enjoyable, but it can feel a little light and a little scattered. For animal-lovers, it's easily worth a read.

[Zuzanka]

Nie mogę jej ocenić, wynika to z kilku powodów. Po pierwsze, tytuł przetłumaczony na polski jest bardzo mylący - nie wskazuje na to, że książka jest w skrócie o Bogu. Liczyłam na lekturę o zwierzętach, o tym czego możemy się od nich nauczyć, a nie tematykę religijną. Nie mogę oceniać książki, jeżeli kompletnie rozmijam się z tym co mówi, myśli, czy w co wierzy autorka. Fragmenty faktycznie o zwierzątkach bardzo przyjemne, ale cała reszta raczej słaba. Momentami bardzo infantylna, autorka przedstawia bardzo cukierkowy stosunek chrześcijan do zwierząt. Rzeczywistość jest dużo bardziej rozczarowująca. 

[Kristin Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Interesting. Insightful. Hopeful. A helpful and encouraging perspective of God's intention for creating and integrating animals into life with humans. And how animals can connect us with God.

Rivadeneira helps the reader to ponder Biblical scriptures that refer to animals, and consider natural conclusions that may have been overlooked due to familiarity.

I think this book will be a comfort to anyone who loves animals and has felt loved by them, even if the reader does not agree with all her perspectives.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author says in the beginning, something like, “As a kid, I never played with Barbies or dolls. Just animals and stuffed animals.” Hello, it’s me. 🙋🏻‍♀️

This was exactly what I needed to read right now. Of course, a lot of this is the author’s intrepretation of the Bible and therefore not 100% proven fact, I think it’s unarguable that God has love and an eternal plan for ALL of His creation.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like many authors before her, Vivadeneira, in the middle of her book begins to talk about her heterodox views. When you have to sway from what the bible says that is not a Christian view. Still, I did enjoy much of her book, enjoying the animals and what they teach us. I especially enjoyed the chapter named “Delight.”

[Wiktoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chociaż moja relacja z chrześcijańskim Bogiem i z chrześcijaństwem ogólnie jest raczej burzliwa, to książka przyniosła mi dużo komfortu i jakiejś takiej radości. Bardzo ciepła, chociaż porusza też trudne tematy. Nie była to może porywająca lektura, ale czegoś takiego potrzebowałam po odejściu mojego ukochanego psiaka.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am surprised that this book got lower ratings. It is not a science text but is a nice book for reflecting on the effect and purpose that God-created animals have in our lives. She does not see animals as being God’s image bearers, as people are, but rather shows how they reflect who God is, as shown in her quote from Job in the Epilogue. Reading the Epilogue alone is inspiring.

[Shirley White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book at intervals, reading to fill a bit of unscheduled time when I didn't want to do
more challenging reading, whether scientific or political. Though I do not thoroughly embrace the author's theology. I appreciated her loving and embracing take on "God" and the courage it gives her to take on the challenges and joys of life.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I sit here, with the dog warming my feet, I needed Caryn’s words, delight, and wisdom.

[Catrina Berka · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books cobbles together stories from the animal kingdom with scripture but the lessons and parallels feel contrived not insightful. I didn’t make it past the 3rd chapter.

[۰ ۪۫ Maja Haber ۪۫ ۰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nie było złe, ale spodziewałam się czegoś lepszego.

[EM Ka]

Cudowna!! Dla każdego miłośnika zwierząt. ❤️
Bardzo polecam.

[Senga Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kolejny mylący tytuł "Boscy przewodnicy. Jak zwierzęta uczą nas życia" - książka zdecydowanie nie o zwierzętach - a o miłującym każde stworzonko Bogu. Miejscami infantylna, mocno wybiórcza jeśli chodzi o cytaty z Biblii, wybór cytatów pod tezę. Mimo wszystko, choć chrześcijaństwo nie jest tak łaskawe dla zwierząt jak pisze autorka to wolę jej cukierkową wersję od rozczarowującej rzeczywistości. Zdecydowanie bardziej, trzeźwo, rzeczowo i merytorycznie także pod względem teologicznym jest w "Boskich Zwierzętach".

[Oma · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the author writes how God reveals His greatness and goodness through animals.

[Grace Groters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delightful read! The author weaves together anecdotes of her experiences with animals, fascinating scientific information about the animals she describes, and reflections on what animals can show us about God. The tone is playful and full of wonder. I would describe myself as someone who enjoys animals but saves my true nerdiness for plants, but not being as much of an animal lover as the author did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying the book. I've been thinking about it often since I finished reading it several weeks ago because it was such a refreshing look at interacting with the world and with God.

(I was provided and advanced reader copy of this book but all opinions are my own.)