Hi HP'ers!
I would love to hear some views on this topic for many reasons. The first is to do with something a nun told my mum when she was at school; that animals have no souls so they cannot go to heaven. This has stayed with me because I thought it was a particularly cruel thing to say to a child.
The second reason is that I am constantly dreaming of a dog I grew up with (Sam). I always remember these dreams because I such a strong sense of Sam's presence and it's very emotional. Needless to say I developed a strong bond with this animal (I know I'm talking about him as if he were human!!) and I would like to think that he does have a spirit...The dreams are always similar in that the setting is the house I grew up in, but it's different. It doesn't FEEL like the past. It feels very much like the present and I am aware that I am in a dream, if that makes any sense.
I know I'm just talking about an animal here, but I'm sure that there will be people who can relate to how I feel about this dog. I suppose I would like to think that Sam's spirit is out there somewhere and that my dreams are more than just dreams; I actually meet him once again and give him a big hug...
RE: Do animals have souls?
Hi Jedi
What an excellent topic.
I would love to see every body's opinions on this.
I believe that animals do have souls but I cannot tell you why I believe that.
I do have a link to a website, which I think explains it very well why animals do have souls.
A characteristic of soulish beings is to have mental activity that consist of beliefs, intentions, desires, sensations . . .
you will find it here:- [DLMURL] http://www.str.org/free/commentaries/philosophy/doanimal.htm [/DLMURL]
RE: Do animals have souls?
I beleive they have souls
I even think my GF may have come back as my Mums dog 🙂
Never known a dog to love someone as much as she loves me 😀
RE: Do animals have souls?
Hi All!
Thanks for the responses already! Amber, I have just been to the website and the argument is very philosophical and makes logical sense. It's heartwarming to know that others believe this too. There's just one but I'm not sure about:
Human being souls are made in the image of God and they live forever, they are everlasting. Animal souls are not made in the image of God, and we have no evidence that I can tell that they are everlasting.
I suppose that's because he is coming from a religious viewpoint and I don't really understand it.
Swannymx, I know what you mean about the love animals display. It's unconditional (with some!) and uncomplicated.
Cheers guys!:D
RE: Do animals have souls?
I suppose that's because he is coming from a religious viewpoint and I don't really understand it.
Agree with you on that point...