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Post by degas on Jun 26, 2007 22:41:44 GMT -5
I'm going to do some research on those four legged little buggers. this question has been on my mind for a while - Do dogs go to heaven? indeed does any animal get ressurected and ascend into heaven? i'll get back to you guys once i dig up some info... what prompts me to take action is i found this book today at the book store... just happened to be there...  so far it's a good read  |
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Post by degas on Jul 1, 2007 1:40:11 GMT -5
To say that dogs don’t go to heaven is vain of us humans – god created animals too. But also to say that they do go to heaven would suggest that all animals do as well. Or do dogs that are loved and give love to their masters only go to heaven? Beethoven has salvation and Cujo does not type deal. But I really like the notion that all living things go to God. That one fits the best.
Here’s a couple of things to think about…
Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verses 18-20
18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.”
19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity.
20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.
Pope John Paul II:
'Animals Possess A Soul'
Pope John Paul II declared in a public audience
in 1990 that "also the animals possess a soul and
men must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren".
He said, too, that they are the "fruit of the creative
action of the Holy Spirit and merit respect," and are
as near to God as men are."
The Pope went on to say that, "animals have the breath
of life and were given it by God. In this respect, man
created by the hand of God is identical with all living
creatures. ... The existence therefore of all living creatures
depends on the living spirit/breath of God that not only
creates but also sustains and renews the face of the earth."
Responding to a dying old woman's inquiry
James Herriot, the late British author/veterinarian noted:
"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty
and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of
humans. You've nothing to worry about there."
He goes to note regarding animals
joining their masters in the afterlife:
"I do believe it. With all my heart I believe it."
James Herriot "Dog Stories"
chapter The Card Over the Bed
A DOG FOR JESUS
I wish someone had given Jesus a dog
As loyal and loving as mine
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.
As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog
Would have followed Him all through the day
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away
To face death alone and apart
With no tender dog following close behind
To comfort its Master's Heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn
How happy He would have been
As His dog kissed His hands and barked its delight
For The One who died for all men.
Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine
The old pal so dear to me
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone
Knowing they're in eternity.
Day after day, the whole day through
Wherever my road inclined
Four feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.
Written By: Rudyard Kipling (side note - the author has the same birthday as me so I thought that was cool)
Sometimes he sits at your feet looking into your
face with an expression so gentle and caressing that
the depth of his gaze startles you. Who can believe
that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!"
Theophile Gautier
The poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still the master's own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonour'd falls, unnoticed all his worth,
Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth,
While man, vain insect hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Lord Byron
Inscription on the monument of his
Newfoundland dog, 1808
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Post by degas on Jul 1, 2007 1:46:55 GMT -5
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Post by Veta Bowers on Jul 10, 2007 21:12:30 GMT -5
Cool topic of study, Bob! Keep researching!
I agree that since God created them, it is definitely possible for animals to go to heaven. I won't claim to be sure one way or the other, but I know it is possible.
I don't, however, believe that it is necessary to witness to animals. I think that humans are sinful and need Jesus, not animals. I think that whether or not animals go to heaven and have souls and all, humans are set apart as those made in God's image, those that sin, and those who can be redeemed. Not animals. Jesus didn't die for your dog, he died for men.
Neway, keep it up.
Love,
V
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