A seemingly simple question I have been meaning to ask.

[OwnedByFerrets]

How do "we" know that animals (non-humans) do not have "souls"? Are we actually sure that "we" do? Many seem to justify the killing of animals because they are soul-less, but how can this be proven....or even disproven?

[yardwork]

1. It is my spiritual belief that all living creatures have souls.

We are all one with God.

[Donnachaidh]

2. they've never really proven that people have souls

Seriously -- if they cannot prove THAT, how can anyone expect to prove any other life form on this planet has a soul?

[barbtries]

3. i don't think it can be

we choose our beliefs. it's a matter of faith; proof? no. the same is true for humans by the way.

[knitter4democracy]

4. I hate that theory, that animals don't have souls.

I just do. If it's true, then it means that there won't be animals in Heaven, and if there aren't, I really don't want to go.

[HillWilliam]

9. And I won't go anywhere

my dogs aren't welcome. Now or then. I hope they'll advocate for me when I get there.

[knitter4democracy]

11. I have a feeling God likes dogs.

I'd bet that they'd do a good job of getting you in. ;)

[HillWilliam]

12. My most fervent prayer

is "Beloved Creator, help me to be as good a person as my dog thinks I am".

Then I would rawk.

[ZombieHorde]

13. Do you ever miss eating at restaurants, or do they allow dogs in restaurants where you live?

Of course I am not referring to 'helper dogs', such as seeing eye dogs.

[HillWilliam]

15. Well, actually my partner does have

an assistant, so I'm not a good one to ask the question to, though it was a nice try at a blindside :) Our 'dorable Dora goes with us most every place we do. She doesn't make friends -- she makes fans. She's our eldest, the first one that was "ours" between us, and the child of our hearts.

And yes, she definitely has soul and "a" soul.

[peruban]

5. From a Buddhist perspective I believe all life is equal.

Humans just have the capacity to reason abstractly and elevate themselves into a higher plane of existence. I disagree with anyone who says animals have no "souls". I just dare anyone to look into my beagle's adorable brown eyes and tell me he's not just as aware of whats going on around him as anybody else.

People who minimalize the validity of any animal's existence do so to justify the atrocities they know are occurring every minute.

I can't say I'm guiltless, here. Just last night I was in the DU lounge advocating the killing of a mouse and any other vermin that can't coexist with man on a survival basis. I may take pity on the poor beast, but when it comes down to me or them I'll choose them every time. Selfish? You bet. Do I feel pity for the cow who gave its life for last night's cheeseburger? Definitely. What can I say? I am a paradox wrapped in a contradiction wrapped in hypocrisy.

[asjr]

6. I think all the animals I have been owned by

have had souls. Some have given me unconditional love. I feel you need a soul in order to love. One dog in particular will be in my thoughts forever. Hit by a mail truck he managed to crawl to the side of the road even though he was partially paralyzed. I found him there within minutes after the accident. His eyes were on me and he whimpered some. He put his front paw in my lap and I nearly lost it. His name was Roscoe and he was a Jack Russell terrier. His eyes told me he knew he wouldn't make it but placing his paw in my lap made me realize how much he loved. Cats are that way also.

[truedelphi]

8. Sorry that your baby came to such harm.

My keyboard is wet thinking of your moment with that doggie. And all the sad final moments so many have had with their pets on their way to the Other Dimension.

[Silent3]

7. We don't know any such thing...

...but we're great at thinking we "know" whatever comforts us the most, which applies as much to believing humans have souls as it does to whether animals do (because you feel affection toward them) or do not (because you don't want to feel bad about eating them and whatnot).

[cosmik debris]

10. Plants have souls too.

Salad is MURDER!

:)

[ZombieHorde]

14. This is why I get all of my food from my local cemetery. No murder, no guilt.

[OwnedByFerrets]

16. Thank you for all the wonderful replies......

I find it impossible to kill a warm blooded animal. And most other beings. I dont hesitate when it comes to roaches though.

My pets all cross over the Rainbow Bridge, with my grateful blessings of the time we had together.