The Souls of Animals
Copyright (c) 2006 Gary Kurz
Cold Noses Book
www.coldnosesbook.
At some point in our lives, we have all lost precious and dear
pets, or at least know someone who has. Their passing is often
as painful to us as when we lose human loved ones, sometimes even
more so. When they leave us, we like to think that there is a
place for them in eternity. It is important that we feel that
somehow, someway, provision has been made for them.
Unfortunately, when we seek validation for these hopes from those
we look to in spiritual matters, we frequently find that they
hold to the view that animals are for this world only and that
they do not possess eternal souls. We are told that when they
pass, that is the end of the road for them. This only deepens
our sorrow and pain.
I do not subscribe to this view. In fact, I find it to be both
presumptuous and theologically immature. Presumptuous, because
the Bible is clear that God valued the creatures he formed with
his own hands and called them "very good" after creating them,
indicating that their existence pleased him.
Further, the Bible gives indisputable record that God, motivated
by his pleasure and love for his creation, personally and
purposely protects and provides for his creatures from Eden past
through Millennium future. We are told that he clothes the
animals and provides sustenance for them. He directs their
migrations to ensure their safety from the environment. He even
gives instructions on how domestic animals should be treated. In
short, he expresses and employs unending care for his creatures.
This should come as no surprise to anyone as it is in keeping
with his original plan in Eden, which was that animals (like
humans) would live forever. His immutability precludes variance
from that plan; irrespective of the temporary setback caused by
the fall of mankind. It would be presumptuous to think that God
would change his mind on this matter, for his thoughts and plans
are perfect and never in need of correction, change or update.
Continuing, I find the idea that animals have no souls,
theologically immature and lacking. The evidence found in
scripture overwhelmingly supports that animals do indeed have
souls, much like people. I say "much like" because there is a
distinct difference. Animals are innocent creatures that are not
in need of reconciliation and regeneration. Nevertheless, with
this one exception, their souls are very similar to, if not
exactly like our own.
In perhaps the oldest book of the Bible, the Book of Job, verse
10 of chapter 12 tells us "In whose hand is the soul of every
living thing". This is a very profound passage. The initial,
face-value perception is that God is speaking of all creatures,
human and animal. The considered, in-depth study of the
statement supports the initial perception.
The word "soul" is used in over twenty different ways in the
Bible. Invariably, when people come across this word in
scripture, they automatically associate it with redemption, so
much so that in no matter what context it appears, the connection
to reconciliation and salvation is always present in their minds
and unconsciously applied to the interpretation.
In most cases, this is right and acceptable to the rules of
exegesis, but there are times when it is not. Clearly, the
gospel message is not for animals. It is exclusively for people.
It is a reconciliatory outreach from God to people. However, to
allow this truth to cause one to draw the conclusion that animals
therefore cannot have a soul, is to visit a gross injustice on
scripture.
The Hebrew word "nephesh" (soul), appears many times in
scripture and is used interchangeably to describe both the
essence of man and animals. It does not make a distinction
between the two and it does not delve into salvation in its
application. Rather, it addresses the consciousness of the
soul.
This passage in Job is a good example of this. The word soul is
not used in relation to redemption, but rather addresses
providential care. A clearer meaning of this verse would be "in
whose hand is the life or essence of every living thing...".
God is speaking of that part of humans and animals that contains
or houses the "life" he has given to them, that part that
departs the body when the body expires.
When we mesh this thought in Job with Romans chapter 8 and
Revelation 5:9-13, to name a few corresponding passages, the
meaning is clear. The life or essence of every living thing is
in the eternal care of the one who created that life.
However, this word in Job indicates an even deeper thought for us
to consider. We often refer to man (or woman) as a flesh and
blood body with a soul. This is not so. In keeping with the
absolute intent of this word, man is a soul that has been placed
in a flesh and blood body. The distinction is subtle, but it is
immense in effect. This is our essence, that we are a soul, not a
body. The body is temporal, but the soul eternal.
This truth applies to animals as well. They are not creatures
with souls, but are eternal souls given temporary bodies. The
same word is used to describe their essence as it is ours. So
when we refer to their soul, we are merely acknowledging that
animals have essence and that this essence is eternal in nature.
They are innocent creatures whose souls are safe in the hand of
their creator.
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Gary Kurz, helps those grieving the loss of a pet to
understand the Biblical evidence that proves they live
on. His most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and comfort to the reader in a very gentle,
yet convincing way. Visit at http://www.coldnose
for more information, tips and gifts or write to Gary at petgate@aol.
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