Will Our Pets & Animals Be In Heaven?

[ItalianScallion]

This subject came up today from comments that two co-workers had made similar to that of Will Rogers; That, if their pets would not be in Heaven they wouldn't want to go there. Both had their favorite pet cats die recently.

Ohhh nnoooo! Cats in Heaven??? I'm changing my reservation

I agree on this with Zguy and others that it refers to the time during the Millennial Reign of Christ upon the earth when animals will dwell peacefully together without conflict.

The millenium IS on the other side of life so, if animals are there just like us, they SHOULD end up in Heaven, right? The millenium is the spiritual realm that is after the end of the world...

 

[Starman3000m]

Ohhh nnoooo! Cats in Heaven??? I'm changing my reservation

Ah, c'mon my friend.

You know that Heaven is a place where we will be in a "purr-fect" environment! lol

 

[Bay_Kat]

I saw the title of the thread, but didn't read ALL of the posts.

My niece's son who is 6, is in a Catholic school and he had a very old, sick cat that was about to die. He asked his teacher if the cat would go to Heaven. The teacher told him no, the cat would not go to Heaven because animals do not have souls. He cried for days after this. My niece was livid. Did the teacher do right to tell him this?

 

[Starman3000m]

I saw the title of the thread, but didn't read ALL of the posts.

My niece's son who is 6, is in a Catholic school and he had a very old, sick cat that was about to die. He asked his teacher if the cat would go to Heaven. The teacher told him no, the cat would not go to Heaven because animals do not have souls. He cried for days after this. My niece was livid. Did the teacher do right to tell him this?

My boss is an ex-Catholic (former altar boy) who was taught the same thing about animals not having souls and therefore would not be in Heaven. I think the teacher's comment was rather cruel and insensitive toward that young child.

 

[Zguy28]

My boss is an ex-Catholic (former altar boy) who was taught the same thing about animals not having souls and therefore would not be in Heaven. I think the teacher's comment was rather cruel and insensitive toward that young child.

It may have been insensitive, but the kids parents have also probably done him an injustice by not explaining the purpose of heaven and why the last thing on our minds when we get there will be our former pets.

You won't miss them, no more tears.

 

[Starman3000m]

It may have been insensitive, but the kids parents have also probably done him an injustice by not explaining the purpose of heaven and why the last thing on our minds when we get there will be our former pets.

You won't miss them, no more tears.

Maybe some horses will be there, eh?

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

(Revelation 19:11-14)

 

[Katelin]

I don't think anywhere in the bible will you read that God loves the animals He created. If you read Genesis you'll read that God created everything for man's consumption and use, and some for sacrifice to God. If you read about how the Hebrews scarificed animals it was a very bloody and brutal event. And it went on constantly. The bible speaks about how God loved the aroma of the burnt offerings.

Does this mean God doesn't love the animals He created? I think He loved them for the purpose He created them: to serve and feed man.

I did not reference the "Bible", King James or any other. I commented on my belief, not one based on any religious text or religious training.

 

[PsyOps]

I did not reference the "Bible", King James or any other. I commented on my belief, not one based on any religious text or religious training.

You wrote:

Yes.
They were created by God and God wants them back.
God loves all of His creations, otherwise, why would he create them?

This was in direct response to Starman’s OP, at which I replied to yours.

The thread was started by an obvious Christian. You were not specific about which God so I assumed based on certain preconditions you were talking about God Yahweh; the God of the bible. I gave you my reply based on those facts and MY beliefs.

Perhaps you can be more specific next time so no one will jump to conclusions, thus prompting you to make snide replies in return.

 

[Railroad]

I'm truly looking forward to seeing the many dogs, cats, fish, birds, and even a squirrel, that have been my pets, in Heaven. If they aren't there and I'm mistaken, I won't be heartbroken because there won't be any sorrow there anyway, but I really am expecting to see all kinds of critters we have had as pets and loved, up there with us in eternity.

 

[Katelin]

You wrote:

This was in direct response to Starman’s OP, at which I replied to yours.

The thread was started by an obvious Christian. You were not specific about which God so I assumed based on certain preconditions you were talking about God Yahweh; the God of the bible. I gave you my reply based on those facts and MY beliefs.

Perhaps you can be more specific next time so no one will jump to conclusions, thus prompting you to make snide replies in return.

You misquoted me.

The OP asked for thoughts on a quote by Will Rogers, which I did reply, giving my thoughts. My remarks were not snide, they are my opinion and my thoughts. I tried to state where my point of view came from, and that it was not based in religious teachings from one specific book.



I said,

"Yes.
They were created by God and God wants them back.
God loves all of His creations, otherwise, why would he create them?

Egyptians mummified cats as they were blessed and held in a position of honor!"

There are, as you know, many groups of people with many varied beliefs, but most believe in "God". The Egyptians did, in their polytheism manner, and held the cat in high esteem, going so far as mummifying them and placing them in tombs. Does not indicate that a belief that cats will go to the after life, (aka heaven)?
Why do we have to narrow our concept of heaven just to Christians or the Bible, of which there are many versions through out the Christian and non Christian community.
My church uses the King James version, but I do not limit my learning to that one version.
I would had thought that I did not need to specify which "God" is which.

Sorry you thought I offended you by not being specific enough on a question posted in the "Religion" (not Christian) category.

 

[PsyOps]

You misquoted me.

The OP asked for thoughts on a quote by Will Rogers, which I did reply, giving my thoughts. My remarks were not snide, they are my opinion and my thoughts. I tried to state where my point of view came from, and that it was not based in religious teachings from one specific book.

There are, as you know, many groups of people with many varied beliefs, but most believe in "God". The Egyptians did, in their polytheism manner, and held the cat in high esteem, going so far as mummifying them and placing them in tombs. Does not indicate that a belief that cats will go to the after life, (aka heaven)?
Why do we have to narrow our concept of heaven just to Christians or the Bible, of which there are many versions through out the Christian and non Christian community.
My church uses the King James version, but I do not limit my learning to that one version.
I would had thought that I did not need to specify which "God" is which.

Sorry you thought I offended you by not being specific enough on a question posted in the "Religion" (not Christian) category.

How could I have misquoted you since I quoted you verbatim?

You weren’t specific about which God; though you mentioned ‘God’. You even capitalized ‘God’; typically known to be done by Christians when referring to their ‘God’. I gave you my take based on which God I THOUGHT you were referring to. As I said, if you weren’t referring to the God (Yahweh), then being more specific would have helped folks not come to the wrong conclusion.

Yet, now you tell us you are a Christian since you go to church and use a Christian bible. Can you tell me, in context, what is different between the King James Version and the New International Version or the New American Standard bible in reference to animal sacrifices and how animals have been used and regarded by the Hebrews/Jews? Can you tell me with what I provided in my post #19 where I got it wrong in the King James or any other version?

Nevertheless, I gave you the Christians/Jewish answer. If it doesn’t apply to you then it doesn’t apply to you; but if you are Christian it does apply to you. Your love for animals (and I love animals too) doesn’t change what the bible says about animals. And there is no mention to animals having a soul or have salvation or going to heaven.

 

[Katelin]

How could I have misquoted you since I quoted you verbatim?

You weren’t specific about which God; though you mentioned ‘God’. You even capitalized ‘God’; typically known to be done by Christians when referring to their ‘God’. I gave you my take based on which God I THOUGHT you were referring to. As I said, if you weren’t referring to the God (Yahweh), then being more specific would have helped folks not come to the wrong conclusion.

Yet, now you tell us you are a Christian since you go to church and use a Christian bible. Can you tell me, in context, what is different between the King James Version and the New International Version or the New American Standard bible in reference to animal sacrifices and how animals have been used and regarded by the Hebrews/Jews? Can you tell me with what I provided in my post #19 where I got it wrong in the King James or any other version?

Nevertheless, I gave you the Christians/Jewish answer. If it doesn’t apply to you then it doesn’t apply to you; but if you are Christian it does apply to you. Your love for animals (and I love animals too) doesn’t change what the bible says about animals. And there is no mention to animals having a soul or have salvation or going to heaven.

I said,

"Yes.
They were created by God and God wants them back.
God loves all of His creations, otherwise, why would he create them?

Egyptians mummified cats as they were blessed and held in a position of honor!"

You managed to cut off my reference to the Egyptians as an example of a religious group that acted in the belief that cats would go to the afterlife, (heaven).
I would go one to cite others cultures and religions that feel the same way, but I did not think it was needed, and still don't.

I believe animals go to heaven. Period.

 

[PsyOps]

You managed to cut off my reference to the Egyptians as an example of a religious group that acted in the belief that cats would go to the afterlife, (heaven).
I would go one to cite others cultures and religions that feel the same way, but I did not think it was needed, and still don't.

I believe animals go to heaven. Period.

How does mummified animals and holding them in a place of honor equate to whether they go to heaven or not?

That being the case though, if you are a Christian you would reject such thinking. As a Christian do you believe animals go to heaven? If you do, can you cite a Christian reference (as a Christian) where our bible states this?

 

[Katelin]

How does mummified animals and holding them in a place of honor equate to whether they go to heaven or not?

That being the case though, if you are a Christian you would reject such thinking. As a Christian do you believe animals go to heaven? If you do, can you cite a Christian reference (as a Christian) where our bible states this?

Why do I need to defend my thoughts by citing a resource?
The question was any thoughts on a quote from Will Rogers, the OP did not ask for citations from any religious texts, only thoughts.
Why do you seem to have an issue with this?
Where does it say I have to reject the actions, beliefs and practices of other cultures? (ie:, per you, "non Christian"?)

 

[PsyOps]

Why do I need to defend my thoughts by citing a resource?
The question was any thoughts on a quote from Will Rogers, the OP did not ask for citations from any religious texts, only thoughts.
Why do you seem to have an issue with this?
Where does it say I have to reject the actions, beliefs and practices of other cultures? (ie:, per you, "non Christian"?)

First of all, this is just a discussion; so you don’t have to defend anything. I’m not necessarily disagreeing with you; I’m simply pointing out what our bible tells us about salvation and that animals don’t seem to be included.

Second, the OP didn’t NOT ask for any particular input. I provided mine based on what you posted. Just as you have your take on this, I have mine. As Christians, don’t we still have to recognize certain facts of our faith? I was just throwing my thoughts at you to consider.

Lastly, if other cultures/beliefs run contrary to our faith we MUST reject them. It may make us feel better believing dogs go to heaven, but if it isn’t true, then what have you really accomplished? To me it’s just like infant baptism. Some folks believe infant baptism is necessary in order to ensure the child is saved. There is nothing biblical about this at all. It’s my opinion that this just makes the parents feel better about making sure their child (in the event of death) goes to heaven.

Salvation (going to heaven) is a conscious choice we have to make on our own. No one can do this for us. Can animals make this decision? Perhaps they are without sin and don't require a savior as we do. Salvation is something provided to humans. Does this mean animals wont go to heaven (or some form of heaven)? I have no idea; but the bible doesn’t speak to this. Throughout history animals have been USED for a bunch of different purposes to suit man’s needs. That even includes companionship. I believe that’s why they were put here. Beyond that, it’s a complete guess as to whether they are saved or not.

 

[luvmygdaughters]

Many have heard the following saying:




While Will Rogers was sincere in the cited quote, there are some who believe that animals will have no part of Heaven because "they have no soul". Others believe that animals will partake of the new creation when God establishes a new Heaven and a new earth and cite Scripture about the wolf and the lamb "getting along". (Isaiah 11:6, 65:25)

Thoughts?

I'am not a devoutly religious person, raised a catholic, but attend church very infrequently. That being said, my dog, Nikki, should be in heaven IMHO. She was so much better at being loving, forgiving, trusting, unselfish and pure of heart and mind than most people I know. Again, just MHO.

 

[Katelin]

First of all, this is just a discussion; so you don’t have to defend anything. I’m not necessarily disagreeing with you; I’m simply pointing out what our bible tells us about salvation and that animals don’t seem to be included.

Second, the OP didn’t NOT ask for any particular input. I provided mine based on what you posted. Just as you have your take on this, I have mine. As Christians, don’t we still have to recognize certain facts of our faith? I was just throwing my thoughts at you to consider.

Lastly, if other cultures/beliefs run contrary to our faith we MUST reject them. It may make us feel better believing dogs go to heaven, but if it isn’t true, then what have you really accomplished? To me it’s just like infant baptism. Some folks believe infant baptism is necessary in order to ensure the child is saved. There is nothing biblical about this at all. It’s my opinion that this just makes the parents feel better about making sure their child (in the event of death) goes to heaven.

Salvation (going to heaven) is a conscious choice we have to make on our own. No one can do this for us. Can animals make this decision? Perhaps they are without sin and don't require a savior as we do. Salvation is something provided to humans. Does this mean animals wont go to heaven (or some form of heaven)? I have no idea; but the bible doesn’t speak to this. Throughout history animals have been USED for a bunch of different purposes to suit man’s needs. That even includes companionship. I believe that’s why they were put here. Beyond that, it’s a complete guess as to whether they are saved or not.

So I take it, as you MUST do things, that you believe in the "letter" of the some version of a Bible, not the "spirit".

I believe animals go to heaven, you don't, end of discussion.

 

[Dondi]

I don't know specifically if pets will be in heaven, but I do know what the bible says about all creation in general:

"For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." - Romans 8:20-23

Vs. 20-21 talks about the deliverance of 'the creature". Most places in the bible the word "creature" refers to non-human entities (whether animals of spiritual beings as in Ezekiel 1:20).

But although there are some places that do refer "creature" to human (Mark 16:15, II Cor. 5:17), I do not believe it is the case in the above passage, because of the statement in bold, "Not only they" refers back to the creatures delivered from the bonds of corruption. This is not to say that they will be delivered from sin (since animals don't sin), but from the curse of death associated with sin. "But ourselves also" are in addition to the creature and refers to those who have that firstfruits of the Spirit, i.e. saved humans.

The animal creatures referred here will be experience the same redemption of the body, from death that is the bondage of corruption, just as humans will, as the whole creation groaneth.

Ergo, animals will be resurrected.

 

[PsyOps]

So I take it, as you MUST do things, that you believe in the "letter" of the some version of a Bible, not the "spirit".

I believe animals go to heaven, you don't, end of discussion.

You're the second person to throw this at me. If I decide I'm done discussing I'll quit. If you don't want to continue that's fine. But if you don't accept certain tenets of the bible then I can’t say for sure what you are in terms of ‘god’ is concerned.

I don’t believe in any ‘letter’ of any version of the bible. I’ve talked extensively in here about not holding a strict literal interpretation of the bible as some do. For instance I don’t see the genesis account literally. I believe it a parable.

I’m not saying dogs (or any other animal) don’t have a place that God takes then to when they die, but I can tell you that bible doesn’t talk about this; but it does talk about animals being put on this earth for our use; one of those uses for sacrifice and food. From that standpoint I can’t determine about them having a soul as we – humans – have.

 

[Retrodeb54]

Can't split hairs on all this technical stuff but...I have to believe that they will be. If I make the trip and only see relatives and acquaintances I will demand a transfer and get off the bus.