Animals and The Bible
Animals, unlike humans, are unable to communicate specifically with language. The bible, however, depicts animal roles throughout its pages. Stories such as the Garden of Eden and Noah’s ark provide insight into the way animals can be seen in the bible. Additionally, many modern theologians have considered the relevance of animals in biblical teachings.
The bible does not speak of an afterlife for animals. A study of creation stories in the bible reveals that animals and humans are inextricably linked to the world of living beings. As such, the bible does not answer definitively whether or not animals go to heaven when they die.
Theological Perspectives
Theologian and Anglican Bishop N.T. Wright argues that the bible speaks of animals as members of the wider community in which humans occupy. In this sense, animals can be seen as part of a larger spiritual unity between all living beings. He wrote: “Inhumanity to animals is an affront to God and an offence against humanity. I have argued in my own theological reflections that care for animals is a natural product of being made in the image of God and having a share in his stewardship over the created order” (2010). This suggests that Wright holds that animals are part of the same divine plan as humans, and thus, should be cared for and respected.
Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas believed that animals are unable to reason and have souls in the same way as humans. However, he recognized that animals were living creatures nonetheless, as made by God and as such should be treated with respect. He wrote: “Animals on their part, since they lack reason, are designated for the use of men, according to the order of God’s providence…”. While Aquinas held that animals should be used for the benefit of mankind, he also advocated that animals should be given respect and common human kindness (Aquinas, 1272).
Contemporary Ideas About Animals and Heaven
In contrast to the beliefs of Aquinas, many modern theologians hold the opinion that animals can experience some form of the afterlife. Theologian Dr. Bruce Vawter states that animals seem to possess the same pre-existence as humans, thus animals should be welcome in some form in heaven. He writes, “Animals, like human beings, exist before, during and after death. Time does not begin or end for them; eternity already belongs to them as part of their own existence” (Vawter, 1972). Thus, Vawter argues that animals may experience some form of heaven.
Donald E. Currie, a professor of pastoral theology at the Princeton Theological Seminary, agrees with Vawter. He argues that animals have souls and should therefore be allowed in heaven. He speaks of the idea of a “circle of life”, in which all creatures created by God, both humans and animals alike, can live in peace and harmony in the afterlife. Even though he identifies this as a personal understanding, Currie acknowledges that the bible does not directly answer whether or not animals go to heaven.
Animals and Judaism
Judaism does not similarly share the same perspective as Christianity and Islam with respect to animals and the afterlife, nor does it accept the idea of an eternal heaven for animals. According to the Jewish faith, animals were created with the purpose of benefiting humans. Unlike Christianity, Judaism does not accept the idea of a shared afterlife with animals.
The Hebrew bible is often interpreted as not providing an answer to the question of animals going to heaven. Rather, the teachings of the bible focus on the importance of acting rightly in relation to animals. The Talmud (a set of Jewish laws) discourages the mistreatment of animals, encouraging empathy and kindness to all living creatures.
Animals and Islam
The Islamic faith follows many of the same teachings of Judiasm, in that Islam similarly places the worth of animals at a lower level than that of humans. Animals are seen as lower forms of life in comparison to humans who, as made in the image of God, contain greater spiritual abilities.
The Qur’an does not directly address the question of whether animals will go to heaven or not. However, it does articulate that those who are deserving of paradise will have the honour of living alongside animals that have led good and righteous lives. The Qur’an alludes to this by saying, “Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow. They shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk” (Qur’an, 4:22).
Animals and Heaven: A Summary
The bible does not provide a definitive answer to the question of animals going to heaven and it is up to theologians and faith communities to discern the interpretation of biblical teachings on the topic. For example, Christian interpretations of the bible uplift the importance of animals, although do not provide an answer to whether animals will experience heaven. Similarly, Judaism and Islam do not definitively answer this question, with the focus being more on the importance of how animals should be treated during their lifetime.
