Animal souls

[PorcelainHeart]

Do you think animals have souls?

I lost my temper on CF with a popular person who said animals had no souls. I truly believe animals have souls. Am I just crazy?

 

[soblessed53]

Does your Bible support that view? Were animals created in God's image? After God made Adam and breathed breath into him and he became a living soul is the only instance that I know of a created creature being said to have a soul.Of course the Bible says there will be animals in God's Kingdom,but I do not believe there is any biblical support for the belief in the "salvation" of previous,personal pets. Or belief in animals having imortal souls.

 

[RHJ]

They may not have "souls" in the traditional sense of the word, and they may not have been created in God's image, but they still have the breath of life in them (otherwise they wouldn't be alive...), and they were still created by God, and I believe that they go to Heaven.

I can't remember the verse, I think it's in Revelations somewhere, but the Bible clearly states "The lion will lie down with the lamb" and that can only happen in such a perfect place as Heaven.
Besides the fact that most animals are better Christians than most people.

 

[soblessed53]

"Besides the fact that most animals are better Christians than most people. "

Christians? Sorry,but I don't think so, LOL! Are they able to make a life decision for Christ? Did Jesus go to the cross for animals? No animal lives by conscience,or conviction since that is something they don't even posses! There are some people who profess to be Christian that don't have ANY evidence of spiritual fruits,that is for certain,but that is no excuse to hold animals in higher esteem than the mankind God created. Animals are not viewed with such importance in the Bible in one single instance. The Gospel is God's plan for MANKIND not animalkind,LOL!

 

[PorcelainHeart]

I'm sorry, but I think your being a bit rude towards my beliefs. I do believe animals have souls, and no I don't have no GODLY proof of it. So, what if animals can't accept Jesus, neither can mentally retarded people does that mean they have no souls either? We shouldn't think so highly of ourself because we are made of GOD, if we were so good the world wouldn't in the state it is. Yes, I hold animals high on my list, because they are weaker then me and I love them and treat them with kindness. One of the things that I dislike the most is christians who think others beliefs are funny.

 

[RHJ]

Christians? Sorry,but I don't think so, LOL! Are they able to make a life decision for Christ? Did Jesus go to the cross for animals? No animal lives by conscience,or conviction since that is something they don't even posses! There are some people who profess to be Christian that don't have ANY evidence of spiritual fruits,that is for certain,but that is no excuse to hold animals in higher esteem than the mankind God created. Animals are not viewed with such importance in the Bible in one single instance. The Gospel is God's plan for MANKIND not animalkind,LOL!

With all due respect, you totally missed my point. I wasn't talking about only people who profess to be Christians (although I know plenty of "Christians" who praise our Maker way less than the birds). Did I say that I hold animals in higher esteem than mankind? No. And I most certainly did not say that Jesus died for the animals. Certainly animals are not held with "such importance" in the Bible, I know this; but they are still God's creatures. I don't care what may be said, my animals live in a Christian household, they are Christians, although not in the "traditional" sense of the word. Our canary, for instance, sings most loudly when we have gospel music playing. Fluke? Perhaps, but I don't think so as my parents play plenty of music that sounds like gospel, and he doesn't sing near as loud.

 

[PorcelainHeart]

Pets don't need to earn Jesus's love, since he already accept them in open arms. Jesus loves everyone, even non humans.

 

[soblessed53]

I'm sorry, but I think your being a bit rude towards my beliefs. I do believe animals have souls, and no I don't have no GODLY proof of it. So, what if animals can't accept Jesus, neither can mentally retarded people does that mean they have no souls either? We shouldn't think so highly of ourself because we are made of GOD, if we were so good the world wouldn't in the state it is. Yes, I hold animals high on my list, because they are weaker then me and I love them and treat them with kindness. One of the things that I dislike the most is christians who think others beliefs are funny.

May I ask why you even bother to ask in your OP then,Do animals have souls, if your mind is already made up and you do not even want discussion from opposing views? Please explain your purpose for this thread? I simply stated WHY I believe differently than you and then you attack me?

 

[soblessed53]

I just feel this will not even be an issue when we are finally with our Lord.

 

[awashinlove]

The Gospel is God's plan for MANKIND not animalkind

Obviously, as it's humans who are haughty and sinful and depraved. I don't think what Jesus did for us has anything to do with an animal. Frankly, what does a soul have to do with being in heaven, anyway? Not to get into Revelations, but I think it's fairly clear the bodily form is up there. Whether or not animals have souls doesn't really matter, and we can't know. I myself can't see the God I know throwing a thinking, feeling animal - something he divinely created that way - into the hellfire after most live horrid lives down here on earth. We know the nature of God, and that's not it. Their flesh is without sin.

Blessings,
awashinlove

 

[PorcelainHeart]

Soblessed, I wasn't attacking you, and if I did I'm sorry, I haven't been in the right mind lately, people who read my blog know why.

 

[WittyBanter]

I think pets have souls. Look into their eyes and you will have the answer you are looking for. They have feelings and they love - as much as any person, many times moreso.

 

[eterntyinanhour]

I think pets have feelings. I don't really know if you could say if they go to heaven or hell when they die. There is really no telling. Perhaps pets are sent from heaven above to help us. I know if I'm ever upset, going outside and telling my dog my problems always helps me. It's crazy, I know, but she looks at me as if she understands. Maybe she doesn't, but perhaps she feels that I am upset.

 

[soblessed53]

Soblessed, I wasn't attacking you, and if I did I'm sorry, I haven't been in the right mind lately, people who read my blog know why.

I apoligize as well Marmaladegirl.I am sorry that I didn't word my beliefs in a gentler manner. Although I do not believe the same,I must remember that this is a very deeply emotional issue for some. I tend to be pretty blunt in expressing my views,and I truly am sorry if I hurt your feelings or anyone's. I hope you are feeling better now that Rita is over and I hope that you didn't suffer loss. God Bless.

 

[PassthePeace1]

Of course animals have souls, they are living creatures...not rocks! I think the question that is really being raised is if they have everlasting(immortal souls). Humans are the only beings made in the imagine of God, so we were held accountable for our sins, which is why we need salvation thru Christ. Animals aren't capable of sin so they don't need salvation, but I don't think that means they won't go to Heaven.

I remember reading of some near death experinces, where people saw the deceased pets. However to tell you the truth, I really don't give it too much thought...I figure whatever God wants and plans is good enough for me, so who am I to say one way or another...however having said that, if pushed in a corner I would say, they probably do.

Animals In Heaven - Proof That Animals Go To Heaven

Peace be with you...Pam

 

[firestar]

I truly believe that they do have souls.

 

[eterntyinanhour]

Of course animals have souls, they are living creatures...not rocks! I think the question that is really being raised is if they have everlasting(immortal souls). Humans are the only beings made in the imagine of God, so we were held accountable for our sins, which is why we need salvation thru Christ. Animals are capable of sin so they don't need salvation, but I don't think that means they won't go to Heaven.

I remember reading of some near death experinces, where people saw the deceased pets. However to tell you the truth, I really don't give it too much thought...I figure whatever God wants and plans is good enough for me, so who am I to say one way or another...however having said that, if pushed in a corner I would say, they probably do.

Animals In Heaven - Proof That Animals Go To Heaven

Peace be with you...Pam

Oh I concur!!

 

[encouraging loves animals]

The may not have soul like us but they do get upset and feel the pain. I only just be able to gain my dogs trust. she was told of with smack around the muzzle when younger-i disagree with this treatment, it made her high strung, and still tempermental. i think a sharp No SHOULD BE enough.

I used my own versian of Monty Robbets to calm her down.

I don't look her in the eye when i am please with her, she likes that.
When i annoyed with her i glare at her and say No and chase her off.
When she settle down, i ask her to sit and i'll give her a pat.
She calmed down alot because of it. and her flighty nature is not so bad now.
it worked wonders on her.

 

[Lycana]

God definitely cares for and loves the animals. Psalm 104:

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.


11 They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

12 The birds of the air nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.

13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. 14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for man to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:

I believe animals know about God:

Psalm 104: 21 The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.

25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.


26 There the ships go to and fro,
and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

27 These all look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.

28 When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.

29 When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust. 30 When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.

All these verses tell me that animals rely on God to provide for them. They are aware of the one who created them. Therefore I believe that animals that die on earth do go to Heaven.

 

[ceedaisy]

I think pets have souls. Look into their eyes and you will have the answer you are looking for.

YES YES YES, I have always said this. And of course they have feelings! How else can you explain when pets try to love on you or stay by you when you are upset? Not all pets, but quite a lot. If they didn't feel, they wouldn't care enough to be by your side. Do they have a soul that goes to Heaven? I want to say yes and I want to say no. I have no answer. But I know when I look in those eyes there is something so soulful you can't miss it. We are to have anything our hearts desire in Heaven and if I look past being in God's presence long enough to think about my pet family I will have them with me again if they aren't already. I also see it this way; God created animals before He even made Man. In the Bible, the order of how things are done or the order of things named is very relevant. So does this indicate animals have a one up on us? And animals were created for us, for our pleasure. God also had Noah save them. This indicates He gave most animals a second chance along with humans. He could have made us vegetarians!

But like I said, I do not know if they have an eternal soul, but I will always treat them like they do. They are the artwork of our Lord, his creation, just like all of nature. I love to look and watch the Lords world. Take a moment to "stop and smell the roses" and really see what God has given us. I will treat God's gift with utmost respect and love to the best of my ability.

Also, sin was brought up. I thought with the fall of man and sin developed man it also swallowed up everything else, from plants, to animals, and then into the earth. In fact giving us thorns and weeds and the animals killing other animals for survival. Anyone else comment on that?