Mormons, What is the nature of pets / animals when they die and in heaven? Do they have spirits?

Answer 1

The spirit within every living being is the same. I shall explain the same by a simple analogy. When I was a kid... I had a soul atman within me. Gradually I became a child and finally a graduate. The same soul atman within me still existed... or was it changed? I entered a profession and settled down in life. I had a family. As time passed by my children also grew up. Now I had crossed 50 years of my life. The soul atman still existed in me... was it changed?

At any stage of my life... the soul atman within me was the same. Similarly, in the cosmic system we need to understand that it is the soul atman within that has manifested the body. It is on its cosmic journey of 8.4 million manifestations (a total earthly journey of 96.4 million years). It starts its journey initially manifesting the form of an amoeba (single cell formation). It further evolves into multi-cell formation.

The journey of life for the soul atman within continues. As manifestations after manifestations pass... the life evolves from multi-cell formation to insect life, then plant life and finally animal life. From the first manifestation as an amoeba to the form of animal... this soul atman within has already passed a series of 7.3 million manifestations. The soul atman in all the 7.3 million manifestations remains the same. Only the bodily form keeps on evolving... life after life!

Next this animal form further evolves into a human being. In the human form alone we have 1.1 million manifestations. It is only as a human being... the highest manifest stage in the cosmic life cycle that the soul atman within shall reach the last leg of cosmic life... the 8.4 millionth manifestation. Thereafter it shall gain enlightenment (kaivalya jnana) and finally salvation (moksha). In the 8.4 millionth manifestation... this soul atman shall liberate forever from the cycle of birth and death and gain entry into the kingdom of God (aka Baikuntha in Hinduism).

Right from the form of an amoeba to the form of a human being... the soul atman within was always the same. As the impurities... the dross within the soul atman reduced... it evolved into the next manifestation. In the 8.4 millionth manifestation... the dross within having removed completely... the soul atman within regains its pure pristine original form. It is then it goes back to the kingdom of God... the abode of God... a point of no return! More on animals and soul - http://www.godrealized.org/do_animals_have_a_soul.html

Answer 2

Everything that was made physically was made in the spirits first so. Plants, Trees, Grass, Cats, Dogs, Human all have spirits. Which means that there will be plants and pets in heaven also, if there is a heaven.

Answer 3

Everything was created spiritually before it was created physically, so yes, animals have spirits. My guess is that during the Millennium we will still be privileged to have pets and will know even better about how to take care of them as part of our stewardship over the creations of the earth. I am hoping to see a few pet parakeets and sheep dogs myself and some horses my grandpa used to have, when it comes time after the Resurrection, as well as actual family members and all the people who will be resurrected. I suspect, since my grandpa (now deceased) used to be a sheepherder, he is still helping out with the care of sheep and horses as needed up to the Resurrection. Did you need more documentation? This is just off the cuff.

Answer 4

I believe all animals, and every living thing for that matter, have a spirit. I believe during the millenium and in the different Kingdoms, there will still be animals, plants, everything we enjoy now but probably on a much more perfect "plane".

Answer 5

Humanity has passed through progressive stages, from mineral to its present form, but it has always remained distinct; possessing qualities that exceeded its current state. Humanity was created with latent spiritual abilities (e.g. association with the soul) that have now become manifest. From the first we have been under the care and guidance of God, possessing of a soul. While we have had many different physical forms, we have always been distinct from the various kindgoms of creation (such as that of the animal kindgom).

Answer 6

WE do believe all creatures have a spirit before they came to earth, but our church did not mention much of the future of the animals, so I would not gave you a non official comment, any speculation is guessing.

Answer 7

Of course they have spirits, and when they die, they go right to heaven, because they are perfect for they can't sin, and are not the sons and daughters of God.

Answer 8

I believe they do.