Animals and the Soul

Yes. I believe animals have a soul. They have been given the breath of life from God. But they do not have a spirit. They have no concept of God and no way to communicate with Him. That is God's gift to humans only.

Having said that, I know what you're going through. It is very painful, but it is not wrong to do it. It's better to end your pet's suffering. I had to put down my dog 5 months ago. God will give you the grace to accept it.

:1_grouphug:

 

As much as I love my animals, and I have rescued dogs all my life, I am convinced they do not have a soul, except as it combines with spirit. As with man, I believe in soul/spirit rather than a triune essence.

The difference between man and animals is the filling of the Holy Spirit in man's soul resulting in salvation.

Will there be animals in heaven? I don't think anyone has a definitive answer. The scripture does use the illustration of animals behaving differently, such as the lamb lying down with the lion in the afterlife.

Parting with a pet is always tough for me. My last dog to die laid on a blanket in my study all night and I sat with him, talking to him all night. He gave his last breath in the morning. It took me days to get over him.

My heart reaches out to you as you face the same demize. God bless and give you strength.

Cheers,

Jim

 

It is theologically difficult to build a case for soul-filled animals. Humanity is the only group within creation to possess an eternal nature which the soul speaks to. Animals dont possess that nature or ability.

I say this as compassionately as possible being the proud owner of an amazing beagle.

Only humans go to heaven.

 

Arbo,

We too are dog lovers. Scripture does indeed seem to be silent on the matter as to whether we may be granted the joy of being reunited with our beloved pets, I will simply "hope" with anticipation that God may grant this.

My wife and I have never been granted the privilege of having children, so our dogs have been much like children to us. I know the pain and hurt. I know how real and deep it is.

Blessings

 

Well, I Don't Know About Others, BUT....

.....My pet family members have heart and soul. And I believe that they will somehow be joined with the creator when they leave this life. It does say that the lamb shall lay down with the lion. There will be animals in eternity, and I think that the little ones He has blessed us with here on earth is a sneak preview of what we have to enjoy in heaven.

That is my view, and my opinion, and I'm sticking to it! I've seen and sensed too much goings on between our pets and our pets with us to think anything different. I believe God put them here to show us love, teach us love, and experience the wonders of nurturing His little furry creatures.

If animals on earth were not important, why did God have Noah save both genders from every species known to mankind kind? After all, he is God. After the flood, He could have easily snapped his fingers and created new animals, but He chose to save the animals like the humans, and that says something about their importance in His creation.

ARBO, I understand what you are going through, and there are some other options available other than taking your best friend to the vet. You can now conduct an in-home hospice, and have your vet help you peacefully put your dog down in the confines of the home and around those that loved him for ten years. I have found this option to be more gratifying comforting when a pet is about to pass. They remain in the environment they grew up in and learned to love as their home, plus their loved ones are right their to comfort them as they pass. Think it over. It may be a good choice for you and your friend, as it has been a good choice for us with the past few pets, we've lost.

You and your wifey will be in my prayers. Shalom, and may He comfort you in this time of personal loss! :tear:

Pastor Paul :type:

 

Arbo,

My wife & I are very big in animal rescue & we have 3 dogs (2 that are blind that we saved) & they are like our kids. I haven't seen scripture that claims animals have souls but I do comfort my own concerns with Genesis 18:25 "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? "

 

And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. (Genesis 1:24)

The Hebrew word for "creature" is "nephesh" which is the same word that is used for "soul." God gave to man a soul "nephesh". Animals don't have a spirit, that which is able to communicate with God, but they do have a soul, the essence of life. Two things that make man different from animals is that, first he does have a spirit, and second that he is made in the image and likeness of God. But that would not negate animals from having souls.

 

I lost my "best buddy" last August 28th. It was HARD. My sister gave me a book I think would help you. It's:

 

I'm not sure either but maybe Christians will be united with favorite pets as part of their "reward". I for one would gladly give up a gold crown or two to be reunited with a couple of my dogs.

 

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

Jim...

That brought a tear.

I am a big animal lover. Have been my whole life. I have a dog I love so much and cant put it into words. A truly amazing little dog. (Jack Russle terrior)

I dread the day when we make that last trip in the car.

As far as animals in heaven, we know for sure that there are Lions, Sheep and Horses there, so I believe its fully reasonable to look forward to God blessing us with a reunion with our dearly loved animal pets.

 

I'll Second that...

There are quite a few pets that I'd gladly give up a gold crown for. Not that I wouldn't value the crown, but, His entrusting me with the pets I've been blessed to have has been a reward here on earth!

Thank you Father for each pet you sent my way. They have all taught me so much about myself, and helped me to become a much better person.

Their love has been a lot like Your Love Father. They never seemed to carry unforgiven in their heart for my shortcomings, and never did they turn me away for my ugly moments, unlovable moments.

Pastor Paul :type:

 

Rightiousdude2....

Good grief, Paul, that was absolutely beautiful, brother. Tremendous.

Did you just post that "off the cuff", or is it a quotation from somewhere else?

 

Eccl. 3:19-21 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all [is] vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?


Who knows? I do not believe even the wise man knew.

 

Is the white horse that Jesus returns on symbolic or is it real? I believe that it is real. Where does this horse come from? I believe that it came from the same place that Jesus came from.

 

Can somebody explain to me Soul vs Spirit?

 

Brothers & Sisters..... I call to your attention the fact that each day animals are needlessly killed & or made to suffer by Mans apparent disregard for their feelings & wellbeing.

Last week my neighbor went on vacation & left her dog inside for another neighbor to look after but only cracked open one window so the animal was alone & suffering in stifling heat. My wife heard the dog howling & whimpering & forced the other neighbor to address taking the dog out & bringing him to here own home that has AC. By then, the dog was dangerously distressed & vomiting.

Also the local farmers fair ..... we have roving patrols (together with the SPCA) to find animals left in hot & sweltering cars all day in parking lots. The owners are fined & in some cases, they had to break into cars to give water.

These are common occurrences unfortunately....so are puppy mills, the killing of puppy's & kittens (I have too many horror stories to even begin) Horse slaughter etc

There are also homeless animals in every neighborhood waiting for a loving home. If anyone likes Bull Dog Breeds, my wife can hook you up. I encourage everyone who has the means & the ability to be a voice for the voiceless.

Thanks