How can anyone claim that animals don't have souls?

Question

I just saw that another user said that (and got Best Answer for it), and I can't see why anyone would say that. Animals (at least mammals) have such distinctive personalities! If they don't have souls, we don't either!

Well, that's my opinion. What's yours?

Answer 1

Everyone likes to think they are special. And every species has a sense of "us" and "them." We help out those we think are like us and take advantage of those that are different. So lots of people like to think that our species is somehow different or superior. Sure we humans talk about 'right' and 'wrong' but we act just like animals when it comes down to it.

It's sort of a slipperly slope though. It's hard to know where to draw the line for 'souls' and 'no souls'. Does my dog have a soul? Sure. I can see it in his eyes. I think it's wrong to do painful experiments on animals because they feel pain just like us and I don't think we are any better in a moral sense than the animals. But, I have no problem killing mosquitos or ants. And I'm really fuzzy about what rights something like a lizard or a clam should have... Do they have souls? I'm not sure. You feel that mammals have souls. But what about birds? Birds can be amazingly smart. Search the web for Alex the parrot and you'll be impressed by what that bird knows.

Answer 2

First of all, the word "soul" is oh-so-ambiguous.

Secondly, you're right, we don't either. What exactly do you MEAN by "soul?"

Thirdly, if you're trying to imply that animals should have human rights just like we do...there's a major problem with that. They're not human. They have no concept of rights. They have no concept of right or wrong; they merely know good and bad. We didn't finally crawl to the top of the food chain by eating protein-laden meat to have people like you instill some type of holy protection on frogs.

Answer 3

Jayelle 3,

I'm totally with you.
To think they do not have souls
shows the arrogance of humans.

Animals have been proven to extremely
bright (id dogs recognizing specific medical
conditions, drugs, others) and they most
definitely have distinct personalities.

This question should be placed under
zoology.

Animals have souls!
Be well.

Answer 4

I have heard the animals like humans have this in common. Body and Souls, But humans have spirts that animals don't have. Thats what keeps us different.

Answer 5

If animals have souls then how come they're capable of killing their own kind. I mean, really, is a lion going to go to Hell for eating his dinner. Or a dog who attacks someone because they don't smell right.

Answer 6

Your right. Are we to assume that Jesus and the disciples only slept when the bible mentions that they did sleep? Of course not. So I completely agree with you, just because they bible doesn't mention it one way or the other doesn't mean they do or don't. And to be honest with you, I'm expecting to see my past pets there, so they will be there or it wouldn't be perfect. I'm with you. They will be there

Answer 7

I know my animals do and they are a lot smarter than most people I know. They can mimic us and parakeets can talk but man cannot fly. Man would die from the elements where as animals can survive many conditions on Earth.

Answer 8

Animals do have souls. Their souls are simply not immortal. No doggie heaven!

Answer 9

YEP- I agree with you!!! My chihuahua Lacey has a wonderful, and unique personality- I know she has a soul, whether anyone wants to believe it or not! :)

Answer 10

Well I for one know they have souls because I have seen them on other planes than here, so there's at least one on your side.