This is kinda long but I really would like your opinions....
As a minister I belong to a few different discussion groups about Biblical issues and the topic of animals came up. A question was posed as to weather or not animals have a soul. This was my reply to a fellow minister who said the saving of animals was not something God commanded of us and that animals have no soul. He further went on to say that my work rescuing animals was NOT my Christian duty. Well, as I am well known for, I had a lengthy reply......
(Jawlaw I know you will like this one for sure.)
Animals have a soul in the sense that they possess life. A common Hebrew word translated life (soul) is nephesh. Nephesh is used for the life or breath of both animals and man (Gen. 1: 20, 30; 19: 17). Life is that state that is the opposite of death. It is a state of animation, breathing, and awareness. Men and animals alike possess a soul in the sense of breath (nephesh). However, in the sense of possessing a part or element that lives forever, as man possesses, animals do not possess an eternal spirit (cp. Matt. 25: 46). The animal simply and totally returns to the dust, the spirit of man continues to exist (Eccl. 3: 21, cp. 12: 7).
The fact that animals do not possess an eternal soul in the sense that man does, does not de-emphasize their value as companions to man. Yet they do in fact have an eternal soul. Pets can and do become an important part in the lives of millions. Also, in man's charge over the animal kingdom, it behooves man to protect and not abuse the animals (Gen. 1: 26-28).
In Genesis 1 we find the creation of all things. It is during this chapter, in the Bible, that God sets the relationship between man and animal. In verse 28 God gives to man authority over all that was created on earth. Man is to take care of and use the earth. Man is to have the authority over all that was created. This means that man is to ensure the control and protection of all that God had created. God did in fact create animals.
In Genesis 9 there is a change between man and animal. Up until this point in history animals were not used as food. However, God now puts certain animals in the diet of mankind. God also puts fear into the animals, so that they fear mankind. Again animals are used as to fill the needs of men. However, God continues His command in verse 2 to watch over these animals.
Animal cruelty should not take place if men truly have this command in proper perspective. We are to control the numbers of animals so disease and sickness do not kill them off, we are to use the animals for our needs, we are to control animals in a manner in which they are not harmful to humans, and finally we should protect them from over-killing and abuse. Animals were created for you and I to enjoy, so protecting a remnant for others to enjoy is also proper. Proverbs 12:10 tells us, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."
God did create animals as a part of His creative process in Genesis. God created the animals and said they were good (Genesis 2:25). Therefore, there is no reason why there could not be animals on the new earth (Revelation 21:1). There will most definitely be animals during the millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25).
God cares for the animals (1 John 4:16). "Look at the birds flying around . . . your Father in Heaven takes care of them" Matthew 6:26 "He gives animals their food and feeds the young ravens when they call." Psalm 147:9
ANIMALS IN HEAVEN
A controversial question is whether it is God's plan for animals to be in heaven or not. Many Christians believe that heaven just would not be heaven without animals. Certainly I believe that the Creator of millions of different species of animals, birds, insects and fish is a God who loves variety and prizes His creation. I cannot believe that Heaven will only be populated by angels and saints. From a careful study of the Bible I have become convinced that Heaven will be richer in vegetation and animal life than the most paradise-like part of earth could ever be. Where people get the idea of harps and clouds from, I don't know. God has a far greater plan than we can imagine.
"This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head." Ephesians 1:10
When the revealed Word of God teaches us that God's eternal plan is for "all creation" to be brought together under Christ then it includes all wildlife too. When God says "everything", He means everything - animals included. When He says that they will live for "age after age", "forever", this means eternal life. Only one place will last forever, and that is Heaven. So this in fact does suggest that animals have an eternal soul. However Animals did not fall from grace humans did. So this would explain why animals souls are not in need of saving.
That great book of worship in the Bible - the Psalms - reveals that all God's creation have contact with God (Psalm 93). All God's creatures praise Him (Psalm 145:10). It is only mankind who needs forgiving and saving and teaching as to how to worship (Psalm 36 & 51), the animal kingdom worships God continually and naturally.
The last book of the Bible presents the final climax of the ages when all creation faces the Creator. First the four living creatures (the animal-like angels around God's throne as described in Ezekiel) praise God, then the twenty-four elders, then the redeemed people of God, then the angels (Revelation 4:6 - 5:12), until finally the great scene is described when all living beings present their worship to Almighty God.
"And then I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea - all living beings in the universe - and they were singing: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour, glory and might, forever and ever'." Revelation 5:13
In the first chapter of the Bible, God made mankind responsible for His animals (Genesis 1-28). All animals are God's animals (Psalm 50:10) and we are answerable to God for our treatment, care and protection of them.
"For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by Him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad, in his bodily life." 2 Corinthians 5:10
The Bible says that God has fixed a day in which He will judge the whole world with justice (Acts 17:31). It is well to remember that although man was created in the image of God, the whole message of the Bible is that all mankind has fallen into sinful rebellion against God. "They are quick to hurt and kill; they leave ruin and destruction wherever they go. They have not known the path of peace, nor have they learnt to fear God . . . Everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence." Romans 3:15-17, 23 On the other hand, the Bible indicates that all animals are acceptable in God's sight. They never degenerated into rebellion against God. While all human beings need forgiveness and salvation, all animals are already in a right relationship with God. We should remember this and be humbled.
In the light of the clear teaching of Scripture concerning creation and mankind's responsibility for it, we should treat animals with the love and concern of those who must give an account of our conduct to God. We must recognise that the welfare and protection of animals is an essential part of our Christian responsibility. While some animals are to be our food others are not. They are meant for other things. So in light of what God's word says I do so believe it is my christian duty to care for these animals. While one cannot minister to an animal one can minister to others about the treatment of these animals. Part of being a minister is to educate others on biblical teachings.
Thousands of dogs and cats are destroyed every day because human beings are not fulfilling their obligation to obay Gods instructions. Animals do in fact have a soul however their soul is not in need of saving. God did not place these animals here to die horrible unnessary deaths. Each and every creature has it's purpose and each and every creature is precious to God. For he created each and every one. Certainly he did not create these animals for us with the intention of us starving them to death or destroying them simply because we can. That is not the power God has given us over them. God has asked that we act responsably and to care for them. That is what I intend to do.
-- Edited by Pitsanddobes at 03:51, 2005-04-04
__________________
This too I shall live through.
For like the Phoenix, I shall rise from the ashes and soar through the sky having been reborn. http://pitbulls-dobermans.tripod.com
I think they have a soul. Lets say they didn't. Would they be able to show the emotion that they do? I know Oscar is very sensitive and when I am upset he lays with me and all. But this is sort of deep for me. I am not good with the deep stuff.
Yes, they do have a soul. I suppose some have a more obvious one than others. I don't pay attention to what old books say. Mostly those guys were pushing their own point of view the same way that anyone does now, but back then nobody had paper and the entire town would turn out to have one book read to them. It beat remembering stories, by word of mouth, but then it was adulterated according to local politics and so on, just the same. Some of the new materials are much more insightful and better written than old stuff. Neat thing about the computer, is we will eventually have a world wide forum to blend native beliefs from all countries. Should make some progress on theology, and study of spirit or soul when more cultures put their beans in the pot. Will make one fine stew, I bet... "Where Eagles Fly", by Kenneth Meadows was one that had a lot of different belief systems tied together. I think that you need to read a whole lot to get a good idea of what is going on, seems that no one person, or belief system ever comes close to grasping the enormity of the entire, where the corporeal and spirit realms co-exist
how could they not have souls?! They have emotions just like us. If they dont have sould than neither do we. They get mad, happy, sad, depressed, emotionally hurt, dissapointed, lonely, have sympathy, etc...
I completely believe animals have souls. I know they become spirits because i have seen them. My beliefs bring animals around me for many reasons, spirit guides for the most part. I see an animal, things happen. I see a hawk, a big change happens. For example, my hubby and i were visiting a friend in Colorado. Next to his house was a huge oak tree. We were talking outside and suddenly heard a ton of noise in the tree. We look up and there are hundreds.....yes hundreds of hawks in the tree. Not long after that, our friend was killed in a car accident. Next, we see a bunch of hawks, we meet someone who talks us into moving to Arizona (best choice we made). We start looking at houses here in AZ. and can't decide on one. My hubby sees a hawk circleing a house and he says "that's the one we will buy". We have been in it almost 2 years. Owls signify death. We see an owl, someone dies. Hummingbirds signify happiness. We see them on days when we are very happy. Coyotes signify being tricked. We see them right before someone dupes us. The point is, we believe animals have a soul and become spirits after death. And that in life, they can guide us. Maybe this doesn't explain exactly what you meant in your topic but i thought i'd share it. These are just my beliefs.
Oasis, owls do not symbolise death. Owls are attracted to strong psychic emanations, such as those preceeding death. It may also be attracted to the birth of an exceptionally gifted, psychic child, or just someone that uses more energy in that way, thus their association with witches and sorcerers. Only superstitious beliefs regard them strictly in the negative. They are a tremendous power animal, and I always feel blessed when I have the honor of seeing one. Also, like snakes, they rid the enviornment of destructive vermin, like mice, rats and others, keeping the enviornment in balance. My favorite astral partners are those spirit guides, what a rush they are to be in the company of!
Kitty's mom- In Native American beliefs owls do symbolize death and therefore rebirth. I did not say it was bad, i just said what their message usually brings. Animals have different meanings in different cultures. Death does not always mean negative. I am not superstitious and don't feel that my beliefs are.
get what this minister just said to me in his reply....
"Stewardship of the animals is far from the only thing that God has dictated in what is theologically referred to as "the dominion mandate" (Gen 1:26 and 28). You might just as easily make a case, Rev Renee, that plants have souls (in the way that you have loosely defined "soul"). As such, you would have a "christian duty" to save the "souls" of plants, as well as animals.
"While I certainly believe it my Christian duty to properly steward God's creation, that is an individual duty and a family duty. I think you're going to have a tough case asserting that saving animals, and their alleged "souls" is a legitimate function of the church of Jesus Christ."
OMgosh can you believe him? How rude! This minister went on to get REALLY rude and there is no point in posting that. But I mean it is almost like he is offended and down right mad I used the Bible and Gods word to prove my point. LoL Then again he is the type of minister that believes women should not be ministers and should be silent. Like that would ever be possible with me.
__________________
This too I shall live through.
For like the Phoenix, I shall rise from the ashes and soar through the sky having been reborn. http://pitbulls-dobermans.tripod.com
This too I shall live through.
For like the Phoenix, I shall rise from the ashes and soar through the sky having been reborn. http://pitbulls-dobermans.tripod.com
