All Dogs Go to Heaven... Right?

[David Michael Harris]

But who listens

 

[webdog]

Amen.

Also all things will be new. Let's not get too hung up on this.

I also believe that Isaiah says ( 65:17 ) the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.

I don't think that is dealing with not remembering our pets, but in conext dealing with forgiven sin.

It's true, we should not get all hung up over it one way or the other...if our pets are there, it is just a testament to God's love for His children...and if not, I'm looking forward to having new ones. It will be cooling having a pet named "Rex" who is actually a T-Rex.

 

[David Michael Harris]

Bible study is great. That verse in Isaiah probably means a lot more.

 

[just-want-peace]

For a very interesting concept on this (and other ideas of heaven) read HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn.

Agree or not, it's an extremely interesting read!!!!!!!:thumbs:

 

[webdog]

For a very interesting concept on this (and other ideas of heaven) read HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn.

Agree or not, it's an extremely interesting read!!!!!!!:thumbs:

It was an excellent book...and I agree on most of what he states.

 

[Aaron]

In all my reading of martyrs and the reformers, the issue of pets in heaven never comes up. It's usually posed by folks who have had luxurious lives in comparison, and who have set their affections on the things of earth. I can't think of one old Negro spiritual which didn't bemoan the trials and tribulations of this life and express a deep desire to finally be taken to a land of rest.

It's in that spirit that the Scriptures are written, and in which the great spiritualists wrote. I am wary of anyone who even begins to speculate otherwise.

I Googled Alcorn's book, and the reviews gave me the impression of one who is trying to sell heaven to a people who love and are sated in the things of this life, much like restaurant advertisements which attempt to sell food in a culture sated with meat.

 

[Marcia]

In all my reading of martyrs and the reformers, the issue of pets in heaven never comes up. It's usually posed by folks who have had luxurious lives in comparison, and who have set their affections on the things of earth. .

This is pretty judgmental and unfair. So anyone who asks about animals or pets in heaven has had a "luxurious life" and has "set their affections on the things of earth." We're so glad you are above all this so you can point out it to us poor wayward souls who are so earth-bound.

It's in that spirit that the Scriptures are written, and in which the great spiritualists wrote.

Do you know that a spiritualist is a person who believes in contact with the dead?

I am wary of anyone who even begins to speculate otherwise.

I guess we're lucky to have you here.

 

[Jim1999]

In all my reading of martyrs and the reformers, the issue of pets in heaven never comes up.
-----------------------------------------------

I believe there was one priest who was given sainthood because of his love and care for animals..Was it St. Francis? I can't remember just now.

found it: He is known as the patron saint of animals, the environment and Italy, and it is customary for Catholic churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals ...


Cheers,

Jim

 

[Aaron]

Do you know that a spiritualist is a person who believes in contact with the dead?

*oops* Spiritual men.

 

[Aaron]

So anyone who asks about animals or pets in heaven has had a "luxurious life" and has "set their affections on the things of earth."

Usually, as I said. Usually doesn't mean always or anyone.

 

[Marcia]

Usually, as I said. Usually doesn't mean always or anyone.

How do you know this?

 

[FR7 Baptist]

I Googled Alcorn's book, and the reviews gave me the impression of one who is trying to sell heaven to a people who love and are sated in the things of this life, much like restaurant advertisements which attempt to sell food in a culture sated with meat.

I've read parts of Alcorn's book and would have to disagree. I do think that he speculates a lot. Perhaps you could elaborate on your concerns.

 

[MovieProducer]

In all my reading of martyrs and the reformers, the issue of pets in heaven never comes up. It's usually posed by folks who have had luxurious lives in comparison, and who have set their affections on the things of earth.

I have to say I've certainly had a life of luxury. I've eaten at least one meal and been clothed every day of my life. Many haven't. In your judgment I guess that would disqualify me from examining what Paul says in Roman 8 about the resurrection of creatures. I suppose I should just hang up any inquiry into scripture, for that matter. Tell me, have you stopped studying scripture because of your own ease? Have you stopped studying scripture because you've had a luxurious life in comparison to some?

I doubt it.

Solomon was fantastically wealthy, and he searched the scriptures deeply. I don't begrudge those on this board the right to disagree on an interpretation of the scriptures. But every living soul has an obligation to examine the word of God, and I resent your implication that I shouldn't even address them because I've had a luxurious life given by God himself.

If I should wonder whether the living creatures God created will be resurrected, it is only because I seek his mind. That should be the objective of any living man, rich or not.

 

[webdog]

In all my reading of martyrs and the reformers, the issue of pets in heaven never comes up. It's usually posed by folks who have had luxurious lives in comparison, and who have set their affections on the things of earth. I can't think of one old Negro spiritual which didn't bemoan the trials and tribulations of this life and express a deep desire to finally be taken to a land of rest.

It's in that spirit that the Scriptures are written, and in which the great spiritualists wrote. I am wary of anyone who even begins to speculate otherwise.

I Googled Alcorn's book, and the reviews gave me the impression of one who is trying to sell heaven to a people who love and are sated in the things of this life, much like restaurant advertisements which attempt to sell food in a culture sated with meat.

First, put down the work of the reformers and pick up a Bible. That is what Dr. Alcorn bases his view of Heaven from.
Second, I have read it and you can't be more wrong about it. Third, because one has a pet and loves it does not mean they have "set their affection on the things of this earth." What a ridiculous statement.

 

[Martin]

In all my reading of martyrs and the reformers, the issue of pets in heaven never comes up.

==Well, obviously you have never read John Wesley. He was not a reformer, or a martyr, but he was a great man of God and he made very clear statements on this matter. I would also point out that he lived anything but a life of luxury. I'm also not sure why you think the reformers and the martyrs are somehow above other Christians.

It's usually posed by folks who have had luxurious lives in comparison, and who have set their affections on the things of earth.

==I'm not sure how that is even a valid statement. The discussion is about the fate of loved ones. No, they are not human and they are not on the same level as humans. However people truly love their pets, sometimes like family (2Sam 12:3). Wondering what happens to those loved ones upon their death is not being "worldly" anymore than wondering what happens to other loved ones upon death. Maybe you should take the time to think about other people's situation before you pass judgment upon them.

Btw, we all live luxurious lives.

I can't think of one old Negro spiritual which didn't bemoan the trials and tribulations of this life and express a deep desire to finally be taken to a land of rest.

==Again, I'm not sure what that has to do with anything here. Sound like a strawman argument.

It's in that spirit that the Scriptures are written, and in which the great spiritualists wrote. I am wary of anyone who even begins to speculate otherwise.

==Yes, the Scriptures talk about being heavenly minded and focusing on the Kingdom of God (etc). However the Scriptures also deal with life here and now.

I Googled Alcorn's book, and the reviews gave me the impression of one who is trying to sell heaven to a people who love and are sated in the things of this life

==Since you have not read Alcorn's book I think it is a bit careless for you to make such a claim about Alcorn or the book. That is even more true when I consider how wrong your assessment of his book is. Maybe you should take the time to read it before casting aspersions.

 

[Martin]

I believe there was one priest who was given sainthood because of his love and care for animals..Was it St. Francis? I can't remember just now.

==I would point to William Wilberforce. He was an evangelical Christian who helped end slavery in England and who cared a great deal about animals (ending abuse, etc). I don't know what his view of their afterlife was, but he certainly cared for people and animals. He put people above animals like he should but he realized that animals were created and loved by God as well. I suppose our friend Aaron would accuse both Francis, Wilberforce, and Wesley of being worldly.

 

[just-want-peace]

Alcorn states up front that a lot of his conclusions are open to question, but that they are HIS own understanding of the scripture, and not set in stone.

To deny any person this right is simply being sanctimonious, judgmental, and narrow-minded when they can give a logical explanation for the specific conclusions. He also says that a lot of his conclusions are inferred and not specific, thereby open to other interpretations.

Best of all, he uses the Bible for his views, and if one can put behind him what he "knows" (handed down from others, but never proven) from back when, then his views come into focus.

In any case there was (is) nothing doctrinally wrong that I've seen, so if you don't like the idea of living on a new earth, then prepare for your eternal asignment of playing your harp and singing praises.

Personally Alcorn's ideas make far more sense that what I believed for so long - as stated in the last paragraph.:godisgood:

 

[Jim1999]

I guess I am worldly too. I used to advise young ladies waiting to marry, to observe how her future husband treated his mother and his dog and that is how he will treat you.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Aaron]

I've read parts of Alcorn's book and would have to disagree. I do think that he speculates a lot. Perhaps you could elaborate on your concerns.

I have no concerns. I just made a statement of fact about the impression I have of the book according to the reviews.

 

[Aaron]

First, put down the work of the reformers and pick up a Bible.

The Bible says nothing about pets in heaven either. Christ did not come in the likeness of doggies, kitties and birdies.

Third, because one has a pet and loves it does not mean they have "set their affection on the things of this earth." What a ridiculous statement.

That's not what I said.