Why do people say that animals don't have a soul?

Question

What is a soul? Is it not just the "spark" of life? Or is there more to it? I don't want just religious answers. I am interested in the secular view point as well.

Answer 1

Let me answer your question with a few more questions: Do you consider yourself different from an animal in an intellectual sense? Do you think that an animal is capable of knowing the difference between right and wrong? Do you think an animal is capable of acting through altruism, or does it simply work on its "hard-wired" programming? Do you think an animal has religions, or a concept of philosophy, or plans for the future? I think those things are all functions of the soul. If you think an animal does those things, then maybe it has a soul. If you don't think so, then I'd have to say that while it's an important part of the world, it's not a creature that possesses a soul.

It's my belief that a soul is what differentiates us from animals, and that all the things above are functions of it. Whether we got it from God, or whether it's an inherent part of OUR physical structure, I'm not qualified to answer.

Answer 2

I think the reason why most people believe that animals dont have a soul, is because the Bible has had such a major influence in one way or another on most of our lives.

The Bible says that animals will not be awarded the fruits of heaven, and those one Earth who have sinned, will forever suffer eternal damnation with them.

I think the Bible has and is misinterpreted all the time by various people. I personally am sure that even animals make it to heaven. I mean - there are so many animal lovers out there - what would an eternal paradise be like without animals?? S*it-house!

A soul is also a thing that every person has their own opinion on. In my opinion, a soul is just another word for 'part of the brain' that allows you to feel love, guilt, empathy, etc.

So, in other words, I dont think we are the only animals on Earth with soul - it has been studied and proven that apes feel love, dogs feel love towards their owners, swans feel love to their monogamous partners...

Answer 3

Actually this is a really good question. I was brought up to believe that a person is born with a soul and that is your spiritual guidence. When you die, your body is left behind, but your soul lives on forever, either going on to heaven or hell.

I have to add in a bit more too, My dog had to be put to sleep 1 year ago tomorrow and I have to say that when I was loading him into the car that last time, he looked at me, into my eyes and pretty much told me it was time. I think this has to do alot because of the connection we have to animals and that we feel for them so much, same as I feel they feel for us. The do know right and wrong, but just as humans do the same.
I never really thought about an animal having one. Nice question though....

Answer 4

Animals don't have "ETERNAL souls".

Mankind was created right inbeteen animals, and the divine. It is our quest to shed animistic behaviors and become more divine so that the totality of humanity can thrive (Star Trek).

Since mankind was created in the image of God we have the special capability to fortify our souls with marriage, burying the dead, and other divine acts beyond animal capabilities.

Christianity even unites us further saying that ALL Christan's (those Baptized in Christ) make up the body of Christ. This force is so intense that we can pass it to our furry friends in small amounts. Look at the difference between a wild dog (who hasn't been exposed to human's) and a house dog ... well, we see our grace flowing over into the house dog ... that's how powerful God's force in each of us is. The flip side is we can fill the doggie with the worst of mankind; especially when we train the dogs for fighting.

Answer 5

i believe the "soul": is the essence of a person's personality. animals also have personalies, so why can't they have souls? heaven isn't just for humans. there were scientific studies in the 1st half of the 20th century ( around 1920's 1930s) where it was documented that at the moment of death, a person looses 3/4 of an ounce in weight. scientists have all kinds of explainations for this or is it the soul leaving the body? don't know. for my beliefs: there is a soul and animals also have souls.

Answer 6

I don't know why some people say that, but I know that animals do have a soul. I had my cat for almost 17 years and he communicated with me. He always knew how I was feeling, and I knew how he was feeling. He was also a great judge of character about guys when I was dating. I hope I see him again someday in the afterlife. Animals definately have feelings & emotions.

Answer 7

animals lack the intelligence to comprehend and make decisions. they are instinctive. kill the bird (cat), drink water, sex, sleep. every day for the rest of it's life. some animals, like dolphins, have a very high IQ, for an animal. i guess a soul could be described as emotion. without emotions you are but a machine.

Answer 8

I think we just have life, not a soul. If humans do have souls, then animals do also, so do trees and bacteria.

I am hoping that we don't, because I've eaten enough burgers to fill cow heaven with souls, and may have to pay for it in cow purgatory one day.

Answer 9

There is no such thing as a soul. There is no such thing as the "spark" of life for that matter. Things like viruses are arguably both alive and not alive. There is no magical quality that you can point to and say that is what determines life.

Answer 10

Dogs (and cats and all living beings) DO have souls. That is the part of the personality and spirit of each individual - whether it be homo sapien or otherwise. If you are really close to any animals at all, though, you know this.