Posted on 12/13/2014 2:52:13 PM PST by NYer
(RNS) When Pope Francis recently sought to comfort a distraught boy whose dog had died, the pontiff took the sort of pastoral approach he is famous for — telling the youngster not to worry, that he would one day see his pet in heaven.
Paradise is open to all of Gods creatures, Francis said reassuringly.
When The New York Times went with the story, along with input from ethicists and theologians, it became gospel truth.
Television programs discussed the popes theological breakthrough, news outlets created photo galleries of popes with cute animals, and others used it as a jumping off point to discuss what other religions think about animals and the afterlife. At America magazine, the Rev. James Martin wrote an essay discussing the theological implications of Francis’ statements and what level of authority they may have. It was all very interesting and illuminating, but based on a misunderstanding.
A number of factors probably contributed to this journalistic train wreck:
In most accounts, Francis comments were also set against statements by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who insisted that animals did not have souls. That apparent contrast fit a common narrative pitting the more conservative Benedict against the ostensibly liberal Francis.
That may be true in some areas, but probably not when it comes to animals.
Adding insult to injury, the Times article cited St. John Paul II as saying in 1990 that animals have souls and are as near to God as men are. But that, too, was a misquote, as media critic Dawn Eden explained at the website GetReligion.
On the other hand, there should have been warnings signs: Francis has frowned at the modern tendency to favor pets over people, and he has criticized the vast amounts of money spent by wealthy societies on animals even as children go hungry.
In addition, the popes huge popularity has led to at least one other instance of myth-making: news reports last year said that Francis was sneaking out of the Vatican at night to feed the homeless around Rome.
The pope personally debunked that rumor in an interview last March, saying the idea has never crossed my mind and that depicting the pope to be a sort of superman, a type of star, seems offensive to me.
Maybe hell have to give another interview to deflate this latest story, and to offer his real thoughts on pets and paradise.
BTW, prayers warriors our grand-nephew, one of the Marines is leaving for deployment. We know not where. Thanks for the prayers in advance.
Well, I’m glad that’s straightened out. It was an embarrassment to think he said it...
Exactly, although I hope that beloved animals will be allowed. If not, we are very blessed for the time we have with them in this life.
Who Let The Dogs Out?, Woof, Woof Woof Woof!
“Meanwhile our country is going to Hell, the Mohammedans are coming from us. Really dog going to heaven or not is our greatest concern?”
I don’t know, but if dogs DO go to Heaven, guess who it will REALLY pis$$ off!!!!!! Needless to say, I like the idea.
No priest ever will tell a distraught little child that their dog is not going to heaven. They just are not going to do that. But as adults we should be able to handle the possibility that something that is not capable of reason will have no need of heaven.
Well, what does the Bible say regarding animals in Heaven?
Romans 8
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
According to the Word of God...Your dog, cat, hamster, canary, etc., is in Heaven.
Remind me of rap song who let the dogs out LOL!
I like this explanation: http://bswett.com/1968-05Fluffy.html
There are a lot of lazy, stupid journalists out there, and some of the laziest and stupidest work the religion beat.
>> “According to the Word of God...Your dog, cat, hamster, canary, etc., is in Heaven.” <<
.
What god do you worship?
Gaia?
..
Thank you for posting the story of ‘Fluffy the Wheep.’
I guess you didn’t read my entire post.
>> “Not sure if our specific pets go to heaven but the Bible is very clear that animals are with us in eternity.” <<
.
Scripture please!
.
Your eisegisis fails to make your dreams come true.
Try again, no cigar.
And from what theological seminary did you get your degree?
My question to all Christians is this -
Exactly who will reside on the NEW earth?
Where did the notion originate from that all faithful Christians will go to heaven?
Isaiah 11:6 says this -
International Standard Version
“The wolf will live with the lamb; the leopard will lie down with the young goat. The calf and the lion will graze together, and a little child will lead them.
I don’t believe there has been a period in the history of the world where this has occurred, so it must fortell the future.
Now, check out Isaiah 65:20 - 21
20”No longer will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, Or an old man who does not live out his days; For the youth will die at the age of one hundred And the one who does not reach the age of one hundred Will be thought accursed. 21”They will build houses and inhabit them; They will also plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22”They will not build and another inhabit, They will not plant and another eat; For as the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, And My chosen ones will wear out the work of their hands.
The preceding verses come after Isaiah 65:17, which references creation of a new heavens and a new earth.
Isaiah 65:22 must also fortell the future since it is not referring to homebuilders, but those who have been judged as righteous.
Not sure how anyone could think animals could go to heaven after reading Isaiah 11:6
I do not believe that there will be many theological seminary grads, maybe none at all, on the sea of fire and glass.
God’s word is clear, so they go to be with their own kind at seminary: Unbelievers who trash the word.
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