Then God said,

"I give you every seed-bearing plant

on the face of the whole earth

and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.

They will be yours for food."

Genesis: 1,29

If abusing the creation, killing animals, eating meat are so well-established in the western culture and in the practical attitudes of a lot of Christians, it is necessary to acknowledge that these attitudes do not correspond to the Christian message and the original will of the Creator.

Man has received a particular task in the Creation, the task of being Dominus, (master), just like Jesus has been Dominus for humanity: so, it is a dominion that, far from being an abuse of power, is characterised by service and being image and likeness of Love.

This book summarises the ethical, biblical, theological and magisterial reasons of the Christian vegetarianism and takes for examples the lives of the Saints who, through the centuries, have given testimony of their charismas of compassion towards animals.

Marilena Bogazzi is a teacher, sociologist, specialised in design of social and educational policies. She is the co-founder and president of the Association Catholic Vegetarians (Italy). She participates in volunteering projects with the aim to protect the lives of men and animals.

Stefania Angerami is a teacher and translator. She has a master's degree in foreign languages and Literatures, she is specialised in psychopedagogical methods, and she is interested in animal rights issues and vegan culture.