Eavesdropping on a discussion the other day, I listened as the parties argued “Do pets have a place in Heaven?”
There seemed to be four opinions. The first opinion declared that pets did not go to Heaven, so when they died, they just ceased to exist. The second opinion stated that a separate Heaven for all animals existed. The third opinion declared that only good animals went to Heaven, and the bad animals went to Hades.
The fourth (and my personal favorite) insisted that our pets and all animals for that matter went to the same Heaven as humans did.
Please allow me to make my case for number four. First of all, I should mention that I am an avid animal lover. I love all animals and support ASPA, our local humane shelter, and other animal organizations. I have enjoyed the company of many dogs and even a couple of cats over the years. LOL!
Currently, my best friend is “Maggie” a precocious, active, devoted, loving, one-year-old beagle. Her photo certainly adorns above and greatly improves this article. I wanted her to have a biblical name, but I also wanted her to be named “Maggie”, so I got creative. Her name is officially, “Mary Magdalene.” Maggie for short.
Reading scientific articles on animal death is like reading scientific articles on human death. There is talk of decomposing and the chemicals released back into the soil etc. But science “generally” does not believe humans have souls, much less animals having souls.
Science says when you’re dead you’re dead. While that’s true about any physical body, most faiths believe that there is an afterlife. I am a Christian, a man of faith, so I rely on the bible when there is any issue in my life. My faith may be different from yours, but most faiths believe in some sort of afterlife.
Some religions believe in reincarnation, that animals can be reincarnated as humans and vice-versa. Religious leaders and scholars sometimes even disagree within the same faith.
Some Popes like Pope Pious did not believe animals went to Heaven, but Pope Paul VI and other Popes did. My heart was lifted by the Rev. Billy Graham’s statement that animal lovers will be reunited with their beloved critters in heaven.
I also liked Rev. Graham’s response to a letter asking if their pet would be reunited with them in the afterlife. Rev. Graham responded, “God will provide us with everything we need to be happy in Heaven — and if our pets are necessary to make us completely happy there, you can be confident He will arrange for them to be with us.”
We are told in the Bible that there will be a “New Heaven and a new Earth.” We will not be floating around on a cloud in the sky as sometimes depicted by Hollywood. Heaven is described much as the “Garden of Eden” with rivers, trees, animals, and good food.
I am looking forward to that (I don’t mean just the food). Ha Ha!
The Bible supports my hope and belief on this subject in many ways. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the falling together; And a little child shall lead them. Isiah 11:6 KJV Buddhists refer to the “thread of karma,” the chain of life, and a continuity of constant becoming.
It’s a belief that every life form has intelligence and worth whether it is a rock, a dog, a cat, an ant, a plant or a human. “We say that animals are living the same lives that humans live,” explains the Rev. Carol Mudd, a priest at the Zen Center of Orange County in Costa Mesa. “An animal’s spiritual life is the same as humans.”
In Hinduism, dogs are seen as loyal and protective animals, and it is believed that they will be rewarded in their next life for their devotion. In ancient Egyptian culture, dogs were often depicted in artwork and were believed to be protectors of the dead.
Whatever you believe about animals being at your side in Heaven or the afterlife, the most important decision in everyone’s life is for you to consider what your own afterlife will look like. Personally, I am absolutely confident that The Bible is the most accurate book we have of historical events, and it is the breathed word of God.
If you would like to feel confident and at ease with your eternity, Romans 10:9 says that “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
We all are offered eternal life together with no more pain or strife (maybe even along with our pets).
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I enjoyed this so much! I appreciate your wisdom, thoughts, and sharing of all “angles”. Like you, I believe my little rescue pup, Finley, will be in heaven. And like you, even more importantly, I believe in Christ, have surrendered my will to him, and know where I’ll spend eternity. I had never heard Billy Graham’s quote—love it! As I grow in my communion with Christ, and adore all his animals and the created world, I continue to lean on the truth of the Bible and hope to spread the message of his love, grace, and gift for eternity! Many blessings! Maggie—you’re a cutie!! Love her!
Thanks K.L. for reading and thanks for your comments. Because of your great faith and love they brought me great joy!! Bless you.
Beautiful
Thank you for reading and commenting, Anuran & Sayoni!!
After finding out that "Hell" was simply a physical location outside of Jerusalem where garbage was put and people contagious with diseases (leprosy etc.) or people who needed to be punished were sent, I see the concept of Hell has been twisted.
I also learned from Indiginous beliefs that every being goes to the spirit world after dying, some call ot Heaven, but that has connotations again of the reward and punishment system so many churches teach, which is very divisive.
Thanks Tamara! I liked reading your comments. I use the word Heaven because I think it helps most (not all) understand the concept of afterlife. Many do disagree about the meaning of Hell. I do strongly believe that there must be a difference in good and evil both during life and after. Bless you for your thoughts.
Great post on a question. As a doggo fanatic myself, I totally get the desire to picture our pups frolicking in some heavenly meadow. Of course, everyone has their own beliefs, and that's totally cool! The main thing is, like you said, to find what brings you peace and confidence about your own eternity. Give Maggie an extra scritch behind the ears for me. :-)
Ha! I will Renan. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!!!
Those eyes, Dennis! !!! Soo cute of course she goes to the same heaven. Case in point and so do mine!🩷
She certainly uses those eyes to her advantage!! LOL Thanks so much Cindy for reading the article and also for your sweet comments.
Love your post, Dennis
While science might not have the definitive answer on animal souls, it's clear the bond we share with our pets goes beyond the physical. It's hard to imagine them just...poof! gone forever.
Yep, science thinks they have quite a handle on "life", but arguments abound in the scientific community on life, death, and the thereafter. We need science and it has made all our lives better. Otherwise, I hope it's obvious I am comfortable in my faith, just as others are in theirs. It could be said that intolerance is the root of evil instead of the love of money. (But money is probably a tight second) Thank you Ritish for taking the time to comment!! “Namaste”
I agreed, Dennis. I think that's part of what makes these discussions so interesting, even if we don't always have definitive answers. It's a chance to explore different perspectives and beliefs, and ultimately, find what brings us comfort and peace. Anyway, thanks again. It's been a good one!
Thank you very much Ritish!! I am so happy to have found you and this platform to share our beliefs, thoughts, and ideas. Here, we all set an example of respect for one another!!
It's truly a pleasure to have you here Dennis 🫂 We're all lucky to have people like you who contribute to such a positive and respectful atmosphere. I can't wait to see what we achieve together!
You're more than welcome to invite your friends or family to join this community.
During my lifetime and I am 80 now. I have known and loved many animals particularly dogs and cats. Many have loved me - more than the humans around. In fact some LOVED with such undivided intensity as a Christian I could clearly see and feel the Presence of God in their loyalty and protection. I have come to believe if GOD HIMSELF is LOVE and there is a place in His KINGDOM to come for immortal souls some Divine Plan must be in place also for all animals other than humans with self will to provide eternity for those who have been given this special Gift of LOVE to bless this earthly world. ARGUMENT 4 sits comfortably with me.
Thanks, Faye, for your amazing and faithful thoughts!! I wish I could add those beautiful words into the post. God bless you.
I too am "absolutely confident that the Bible is the most accurate book we have of historical events, and it is the breathed word of God." My confidence is not blind faith, but based on many proofs, including hundreds of archaeological finds that authenticate numerous passages of scripture (and NONE that disprove the Bible), the historical record outside the Bible that corroborates its accuracy, the numerous prophecies fulfilled with absolute accuracy (at least 300 about Jesus alone), the stories of lives completely transformed by Christ, and more. Those who seek to know will find the evidence overwhelming that the Bible is true! As for pets in heaven, Romans 8:19-21 also gives indication that they may indeed have a place in heaven: "For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay" (NLT).
Thank you so much Nancy!! It's wonderful to hear from a fellow believer and kindred spirit! You are spot on!
Loved this piece so much I've decided to follow your blog. I've always liked Billy Graham but your comment from him makes me like him even more. I think if him and I had met we would have had lots in common.
I'm definitely with you on this. And as you know I also try my best to adorn my post with photos of my dog.
Aww, those eyes. ❤️
Very interesting and thought provoking post Dennis. I believe the pets or dogs we spend time with, once they die, well I believe only the Lord God knows where their souls go, I as a man have no idea what happens after these creatures die.
Also, I am surprised that a Blogger like you took the time to write a very interesting post like this, you are quite creative.
Moreover, I believe there is a heavenly place for these animals because God created them, that is what I believe🙏