I know I have had a lot of short posts lately, but I have been really busy and trying to still post every day. So here's one more short post...
I understand all of the theological arguments that explain why an animal wouldn't be able to go to heaven. Having no soul seems to be the biggest issue. But the thought of eternity without the pet I love so much, and get so much joy from seems unfair. I also know that when we are surrounded by the immediate and immense glory of the presence of God, we won't think of anything but praising him, it will be all we will want to do. We won't have time to think about pets we loved but can no longer be with. But in my flesh-nature focused-on-the-present life I simply cannot fathom that the loss of something I love so much could be permanent.
(I feel I should state that I have not recently lost a pet, but the topic has come up in my mind for other reasons)
Friday, November 14, 2008
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Do animals really not have souls though? I dunno, I know the bible says that (I don't actually know where, I'm not good with the bible verses) but the bible says a lot of things. I suppose it would make a difference where in the bible it says that (old vs. new testiment)and how literally one thinks the bible should be taken... but animals manifest what I would think to be evidence of a soul: attachment, personality, fear, pain, most animals seem to acknowledge death, and higher animals even exhibit mercy. Likewise, the Torah (i.e. Old Testiment) also instructs us to treat animals with kindness and mercy. And that's from wrathful Old Testiment G-d who isn't huge on the mercy thing.
ReplyDeleteBut, if the New Testiment, most specifically Jesus, actually says "animals don't have souls" and you (the royal you) believe the bible as literal... well, then I guess there isn't much interperatation to be had, unfortunately :(