Pope’s condolences renew theological debate about animals By reassuring a grieving young boy that his beloved pet dog would be waiting for him in heaven, Pope Francis has reignited the theological debate of whether animals have souls in the eyes of the church. “One day, we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ,” the Pope reportedly told the boy during a recent appearance in St. Peter’s Square. “Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.” Francis’ remarks came in stark contrast to his predecessor, Pope Benedict, who was adamant that animals don’t have souls. They were also met with mixed reviews from theologians, including Laura Hobgood-Oster, professor of religion and environmental studies at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, who said she expected the pope’s comments would prompt a backlash from religious conservatives. “The Catholic Church has never been clear on this question; it’s all over the place, because it begs so many other questions,” she was quoted as saying in the New York Times. “Where do mosquitoes go, for God’s sake?” But Francis’ stance was applauded by many animal rights activists, including Sarah King, director of Christian outreach and engagement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who said, “We are really hoping that the pope’s words encourage Christians all over the world to direct kindness and mercy toward animals. “The Bible is really clear that all of creation will be reconciled to God,” King said. “A world on earth as it is in heaven — as we say in the Lord’s Prayer — is a vegan world and the kingdom of God throughout the scriptures is clearly marked by nonviolence and peace between species.” Also pleased with the pope’s remarks was local animal rights activist Laura Ray, who holds biweekly PETA demonstrations in Boston. “I agree with him whole-heartedly,” Ray said. “I believe animals have all of the same feelings and emotions that we have and I would say they have souls as well. I think it’s fantastic that he recognized the emotions and souls in animals.”
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 03:57:08 +0000