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Post by muleslax on Nov 17, 2008 22:08:32 GMT -5
This morning I woke up to find that a kitten I'd rescued at birth about 10 months ago was laying dead in my neighbor’s front yard. I couldn’t have found her the night before to let her in and I’d assumed the worst, sadly the worst was true. I thought maybe that she had been attacked by some other cats in the neighborhood, however a couple hours ago I found, from a vet, that she had been run over by a car, which angered me because of my ignorance. Also, I found myself mad with the driver, whoever it was, though I knew I shouldn't have been. She was smart and had never crossed the street before, but I guess something scared her into doing it the last night. I usually don’t think about what happens to animals when they die, especially not cats, which I used to not exactly like. But when Yoda died last night I felt much anguish in her death. Having raised her from when I found her half-dead at a street, even if it may seem overly dramatic about something as small compared to the a human life as a kitten‘s, I still can’t believe that I’ll never see her again, and that she was only 10 months old. But what bothered me the most was that her short little life hadn’t had any meaning to anyone but me and God! She never saw anything in her life besides the inside of my house, the yards, and a trip to a ranch when I took her with me. Is she in Heaven, hell, or what? What happens to animals when they die; are there any Biblical references on the topic? I’d heard before from someone that they just don’t have souls… but, truly, I find that hard to believe? The occurrence has left me depressed, thinking of how I’ll never see her little white paw gently resting on top of my palm while she lay asleep. It also bothers me how it could have been so easily prevented if I’d only taken precautions. Although loosing a little friend is always very emotionally painful, I know God’s ways are righteous and always have a purpose. But for just for the peace of mind, at least, I can only ponder about what I've said earlier: what happens to animals when they die? Where is Yoda’s soul now?
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Post by Ryan Dozier on Nov 18, 2008 2:06:29 GMT -5
First, I must say I am deeply sorry to hear the tragic news of your cat it is always hard when ones animal that is apart of the family has passed away. Concerning your question first I must point out you have assumed the thing that is being debated by saying" Where is Yoda’s soul now?" I would ask how do we know animals have a soul? This issue is debated in Christian circles. But It must be resolved in Scripture not Philosophy.
The Scriptures speak of mankind being set apart from all other animals being made in the image of God (Gensis 1:26). What does image mean? We now it does not mean a body so what is it refering to? I think it is has something to do with us having an immaterial soul. We are made in the image of God. God is a Spirit John 4:24. So God made mankind with a soul (or spirit) in the likeness of Himself. Notice I am not saying we are the same as God or that our Spirit is the same as God is. I am saying God is an immaterial Spirit that made us like Him in that we have immaterial spirits (or souls if you perfer this term better).
I hope I did not confuse you.
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Post by Ryan Dozier on Nov 18, 2008 2:09:34 GMT -5
Therefore, only Humans have souls. If anyone would like to challenge me concerning my conclusion simply correct me in Scripture.
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Post by muleslax on Nov 18, 2008 18:14:47 GMT -5
Alright then, I now understand that only humans have souls. However, does that mean that animals, like atheists think happen to us, just rot in the ground? Do they have no consciousness? Are you saying they can’t think… or feel emotions like love, hate, and fear? Some of the dogs I’ve owned have quite obvious personalities; I know that animals would not go to Heaven or hell, but… what happens to their… minds, or whatever it is that gives them their personalities? I just can’t see how an animal, a very smart animal, that is, is no different then a rock or tree?
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Post by Paul A. Kaiser on Nov 18, 2008 23:10:22 GMT -5
Here is a good article in regards to animals posessing an "immortal soul"... Stand to reason has some great information! www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5206So I would say that animals do have souls the question is are they "immortal"? To this, like Koukl, I would say they are not... I am sorry to hear about your kitten. Death is a terrible reminder of the fall of man but also a powerful means to help us look to Christ! |
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Post by muleslax on Nov 19, 2008 20:17:33 GMT -5
Alright, now I understand that animals have non-everlasting souls. Does that mean that Yoda, quick and simply, has no longer any existence in any part of any of God's creation? You mean to say that there once was a living, mindful, soul of my cat, but now it’s completely gone and nonexistent? That’s even harder to swallow then Ryan’s response!
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