Do you believe Dogs( Animals) have souls?

Question

A question for (mark185)

Answer 1

I hope you don't mind if I answer this question in a couple of ways...

First, I just want to say that I believe that the measure of a human beings goodness can be observed by the way they treat those they have dominion over (I think there's a quote about that somewhere, can't remember). With that in mind, it is possible that animals are the ultimate test of our humanity, in a religious capacity or not.

From a biblical point of view, most people will go to their pastor about this one and will be told no, because animals are here to be our companions and food. However, there are little passages in the Bible that definitely imply the existence of a soul in animals (Job 12:10: " ...In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

I was raised in the LDS church, so I will also include what they have to say about it:

Moses 3:19 - And out of the ground I, the Lord God, formed every abeast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and commanded that they should come unto Adam, to see what he would call them; and they were also living souls; for I, God, breathed into them the breath of life, and commanded that whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that should be the name thereof.

I think the Native American Indians has the best philosophy - they understood they had dominion over the animals and were humbled by it - not taking more than they needed.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Hm. I wonder why somebody would downrate an answer simply because they disagree with it. I'm pretty sure the question asked for opinions, there's really no reason to downrate anybody. I'm a Christian, so my take on animals and souls is from a Christian point of view. As far as I'm concerned animals do have souls, or if they don't they still share a place in God's heart as beloved creations. Many places in the Bible suggest that animals have souls or that they have an afterlife. The book of Revelation cites that animals will recognize Jesus and praise God. The book of Psalms cites that animals will share a place in God's eternal kingdom. The Bible doesn't come out and explicitly state whether they do or do not have souls, though I may have just as easily missed it if it does. But many animals--dogs, dolphins, whales, gorillas--are unquestionably intelligent right down to scientific fact that porpoises and whales communicate via actual language, canines can understand and perform relatively complex tasks and ideas, and gorillas can be taught rudimentary sign language. Is this evidence of a soul? To me it is. To me the soul defines our self-awareness and consciousness. Not all creatures seem self aware but that's not to say they aren't, science just has yet to prove whether or not they are. Yes, I think my dog has a soul.

Answer 3

I think so myself. Otherwise, how do you explain their differing personalities? If they had no souls, they would just be carbon copies of each other, showing no difference in temperament at all. I also believe that any animal that experiences your love and very clearly returns it, must have a soul.

When my Rottie died, his mother refused to leave him. We had to leave his body in the barn for a couple of days, until we could have him cremated. During that time, she refused to eat or drink, and never left his side. I physically carried her into the house, but the first time I let her out again, she was right back there. She faithfully sat beside him for two days. When we placed his body in the car, she followed all the way out the driveway. And as soon as we returned without him, she walked around the car, looking for him, very obviously grieving.

You can't tell me that a dog who can experience emotions like that, doesn't have a soul.

Answer 4

If animals don't have souls that is to bad, since humans are animals.

Yes, I believe that all living things have karma (what you would call a soul, as well as other things).

Answer 5

Yes, if we have souls then dogs sure do. Dogs souls are probably bigger than ours, they don't know envy, jealousy, hate or cruelty dogs are everything every human should be, the only dogs that are bad are the ones that have bad owners, every dog has the potential to be a loving, loyal & compassionate=)

Answer 6

Yeah Every single animal has a different personality and they are all different just like humans so I would assume that they have souls if we do.

Answer 7

I don't know about all animals but dogs and cats DEFINITELY have souls and YES they do go to heaven.

Answer 8

I don't think so. I believe humans are the only ones with a soul because God created us to be HIS friends. He just created the animals for us to eat and have as pets. God also told us we are the highest form of life (besides Him) and we are to rule over the animals.

Answer 9

ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT A DOUBT! They are way better souls than us. They love unconditonally, they do not destroy the planet or each other. And they know right from wrong way better than us humans.

Answer 10

of course! animals also need respect cause their NOT just ment for eating and being pets. they have souls, spirits and are beautiful creatures that we love dear.