The Spirit and “All Flesh”: Developing an Incarnational Pneumatology That Embraces the Nonhuman Creature
Abstract
Abstract This article explores the Holy Spirit's baptizing work on “all flesh,” extending to animals and shaping an inclusive pneumatic soteriology for all nonhuman creatures. While current animal theologies predominantly focus on Christological aspects of soteriology, I leverage Frank Macchia's pneumatological framework to extend “deep incarnation,” expanding our understanding of the Spirit's role in the lives of animals. Transitioning to incarnational pneumatology, Macchia links the incarnation and Pentecost, emphasizing Christ's role as the Spirit Baptizer for the entire creation. The Spirit's active role in the salvation of all creation, including nonhuman creatures, broadens traditional soteriology, presenting animals as Spirit-baptized participants in the unfolding eschatological future.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pentecostalism and Christianity Studies
Religion
Ecology
and Ethics
Theological Perspectives and Practices
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Animal Ethics
- Publisher
- University of Illinois Press
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 5–16
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN