A Heaven for Animals: A Catholic Case and Why It Matters

A transformative perspective on animal afterlife bridging theological reflection and moral action

What happens to our beloved companion animals after death? Do they and other animals have a place in the divine plan?

A Heaven for Animals offers a groundbreaking theological rationale for the inclusion of animals in heaven, challenging conventional thinking about the role animals have in God’s plan. Based on Biblical evidence and the doctrine of the Catholic Church, Christopher Steck reveals a radical vision of divine grace that extends far beyond human-centric perspectives, demonstrating how animals are intrinsically part of Christ’s redemptive work.

Accessible to both theological scholars and thoughtful readers seeking deeper spiritual insights, this book provides a rigorous and compassionate framework for understanding the sacredness of all creation and the creatures within it. A Heaven for Animals invites readers to reimagine their ethical responsibilities, suggesting that our treatment of animals should strive to reflect an anticipatory vision of God’s inclusive kingdom-a transformative perspective that bridges theological reflection and moral action.

Christopher Steck, SJ, is the Healey Family Distinguished Professor in Ethical Issues in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University and editor in chief of Theological Studies. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including All God’s Animals: A Catholic Theological Framework for Animal Ethics (GUP, 2019).