Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Monday, September 28, 2009

Heavenly Questions



Image from Artistic Threadworks

Do animals go to heaven?

I'm sure anyone who has loved and lost a pet has considered this question.

There are some who argue most effectively that they do. There are others that argue quite vehemently that they do not.

The only thing we know for sure is that none of us knows for sure. We each can only have an opinion on the matter.

For me, I can't imagine that God would create creatures, charge us to care for them, allow us to become attached and yes, even love them, and not let us see them again in whatever form He chooses in heaven.

After all, isn't heaven a place of happiness and joy? And aren't animals a large part of providing happiness and joy for humans? If so, how could they not be a part of our afterlife?

Nowhere in the Bible do I read that God only cares for humans. It does say that "His eye is on the sparrow". In fact, the Book of Job tells us, "...the soul of every living thing is in the hand of God."

I believe that animals, even as they have a place in creation, also have a place in heaven.

And I'm not alone. Here are a few observations from far greater thinkers than me.

"Be comforted little dog, thou too in the Resurrection shall have a tail of gold."--Martin Luther

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there before any of us."--Robert Louis Stevenson

"Shall we, because we walk on our hind feet, assume to ourselves only the privilege of imperishability?"--George Eliot

"I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness in heaven. If it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there." The Rev. Billy Graham

My friend, Peggy, sent me information on some thoughts regarding this issue in a devotional by John Lawler. I think he expresses the belief of most critter lovers quite well.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely treatise on this subject, Pat! I believe animals have souls of undefined depths--and certainly they will have eternity!

Anonymous said...

I have been greatly comforted in recent days by various friends who have assured me of their deep conviction that my spotty baby is even now romping in meadows alongside their own departed companions.

Anonymous said...

I believe in this too. I've always told my girls that our pets are waiting for us and until then are happily playing with others till we meet again!

Ann Summerville said...

In All Creatures Great and Small a book by James Herriot, the Yorkshire vet, he spoke to an old lady who was afraid she would not see her animals again when she died. He told her that if having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude then she had nothing to worry about- good point.
Ann