Do only humans have souls that go to heaven or hell, or does it apply to all forms of life?

Frederick Foresight · Jun 16, 2023

To be clear, I'm an atheist, so I don't believe in a deity or an afterlife. But I'm curious to know if believers think all of God's creatures have souls and an afterlife, or if such luxuries are limited to people. And if the latter, then why?

newwurldmn · Jun 16, 2023

Frederick Foresight said:
To be clear, I'm an atheist, so I don't believe in a deity or an afterlife. But I'm curious to know if believers think all of God's creatures have souls and an afterlife, or if such luxuries are only limited to people. And if the latter, then why?

No. And humans who died before Jesus was born all went to hell.

semperfrosty · Jun 16, 2023

Frederick Foresight said:
To be clear, I'm an atheist, so I don't believe in a deity or an afterlife. But I'm curious to know if believers think all of God's creatures have souls and an afterlife, or if such luxuries are only limited to people. And if the latter, then why?

Hey Fred,

Did I ever tell you the one about the dyslexic,agnostic,insomniac?

He lies awake at night wondering if there really is a dog.

maxinger · Jun 16, 2023

Do only humans have souls that go to heaven or hell
--->
Do ALL vertebrates have souls that go to heaven or hell?

Vertebrates include
mammals (including humans, cows/pigs/deer/sheep we eat ...)
birds
reptiles
amphibians
fish

Frederick Foresight · Jun 16, 2023

newwurldmn said:
No. And humans who died before Jesus was born all went to hell.

I know I'd be pissed off.

Frederick Foresight · Jun 16, 2023

maxinger said:
Do only humans have souls that go to heaven or hell
--->
Do ALL vertebrates have souls that go to heaven or hell?

Vertebrates include
mammals (including humans, cows/pigs/deer/sheep we eat ...)
birds
reptiles
amphibians
fish

Which raises the question about invertebrates.

ph1l · Jun 16, 2023

The definitive answer:
https://mycatholic.life/catholic-question-and-answer/q-do-animals-go-to-heaven/
Q. Do Animals Go to Heaven?

So the answer is…”yes,” “maybe,” “not exactly,” and “you can hope!”

Bugenhagen · Jun 16, 2023

Probably the other way around. Everything but humans do.

Frederick Foresight · Jun 16, 2023

So far, it seems that the people who posted to my thread are fellow non-believers. But I would really like to know the views of staunch believers. All posts welcome, but where are the believers among us?

cesfx · Jun 16, 2023

semperfrosty said:
He lies awake at night wondering if there really is a dog.

Like this?