Seeking to awaken Christians to the place and plight of animals in the 21st century, The Friends We Keep gently but astutely introduces the situations animals face today - as companions, as animals in sport, as animals raised for food, and as creatures in the wild - and simultaneously retells a myriad of fascinating, often surprising, and instructive stories from the long, rich history of Christianity. We see and experience animals as Christians have for generations - as beloved companions to the saints, as unfortunate prisoners in the arenas of Rome, as sentient and compassionate recipients and givers of hospitality, as essential characters in important narratives in scripture, and as good and worthy beings in God's creation. Once upon a time, it seems - not too terribly long ago - animals held an important place in Christianity.