Quote:
Originally Posted by Traveler
I believe it is important to recognize the difference between animals and people and not get either mixed up. G-d gave man dominion over animals and has commanded man to love his fellow man as himself. It is most foolish to seek dominion over other people and have love and compassion for animals. We can and should have compassion over animals but not the same love and compassion we should have for children and neighbors.
To be honest I am disappointed with the value some have for their children when they consider animals as like members of their family. I grew up with deep respect for my childhood dog that saved my life. But that relationship is not the same as my eternal partner and wife to whom I am married to for eternity nor my children and parents to who I am sealed to for eternity.
I would also point out that it is man that is fallen not animals. Animals need no salvation or saving ordinances – they were not excommunicated from the garden of G-d nor have they violated G-d’s commandments.
The Traveler
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There are some people in this world who hold the value of animals to be equal and in some cases greater than the life of a human. That is not at all what I am talking about here though.
I certainly am not trying to elevate a dog or cat to the same position as my children, parents, etc. But these loyal and lovable creatures as their own personality and bond with us. They do become just like family but that does not mean they are equal to that of my children or even close.
Again I totally understand where you are coming from because I have met people who do value animals over or equal to humans but that is not what I am talking about here.
What I want to know is if the dogs from my life can be with me in Heaven and I believe from what we have found in this thread the answer is yes.