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What happens to our pets when they die? And how do the various religions view life after death for our animals? These are questions that often arise when we are faced with the loss of a beloved pet. In this article, we will explore the diverse religious perspectives on the afterlife for animals, offering comfort and understanding to those grieving the loss of a pet.
Losing a pet is not just losing a companion; it’s losing a cherished member of the family. The bond we share with our pets is unique and deeply emotional. They offer us unconditional love and companionship, becoming an irreplaceable part of our lives. The depth of our grief when we lose them often reflects the strength and length of that bond, as well as the significant role the pet played in our lives, both emotionally and practically.
When faced with the loss of a loved one, the concept of an afterlife or energy transformation can be a powerful source of comfort. It allows mourners to create a narrative around death, offering a sense of purpose and continuity. As a licensed mental health counselor, I find understanding a client’s beliefs about the afterlife provides a resource in making meaning of the loss. While most religions have well-defined views on human souls, their stances on animal souls are often less clear.
Religious interpretations and personal beliefs can fill the gaps, providing a framework for understanding and coping with pet loss. The various beliefs surrounding this topic are diverse and enlightening, sharing many similarities and few differences. Below are listed some of these differences by religion, offering a broad perspective on the matter.
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church has no official doctrine regarding pets’ fate after death; however, Pope Francis has provided a comforting perspective. In 2015, he stated, “Eternal life will be a shared experience of awe, in which each creature, resplendently transfigured, will take its rightful place and have something to give those poor men and women who will have been liberated once and for all.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Jehovah’s Witness doctrine teaches that there is no life after death for animals. The doctrine explains that animals do not have the capability to take the necessary steps required of humans to obtain salvation. They believe that animals are part of God’s creation and are meant to be enjoyed and cared for during our lives. The doctrine is based on their belief that the Bible does not mention animals’ afterlife.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS)
The LDS church does not have a detailed official doctrine on the afterlife of animals. There is a belief in the restoration of all things being created; for some, this implies animals as part of this restoration. LDS doctrine teaches that animals have spirits, and some leaders have shared ideas that some animals are in heaven.
Islam
There is no clear, unified guidance within the Quran, and Islamic doctrine states that animals have life after death. Islamic posits that animals have souls and will be judged and held accountable for their actions. Islam doctrine teaches that animal souls are unique from human souls, and they’re not held to the same type of moral accountability as humans. Islam beliefs teach compassion and respect for animals and are considered a part of God’s creation and play a role in his plan.
Buddhism
Buddhism views animals as part of the cycle of rebirth influenced by their karma and deserving of compassion and respect. Karma is the fate after death, determined by one’s actions, and can result in rebirth in various forms. These forms fall within six realms, including the “lower” realms of hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, and the “higher” realms of humans, demigods, and gods. Since karma dictates the realm one is reborn into, when an animal dies, it has the potential to become human as it enters the next cycle of rebirth. Or a human could drop to a lower realm and become an animal.
Hinduism
Hinduism’s doctrine closely aligns with Buddhism’s view of animals in that they share similarities regarding these various life cycles. Yet, the key differences are in Hinduism’s understanding of the animal’s spirit and all beings’ progression. Hinduism sees animals as part of the cosmic journey, moving through various life forms. In contrast, Buddhists see animals in the lower life cycle realm and believe progressing to the higher realms is significantly more challenging.
Judaism
Judaism does not have a detailed, unified doctrine on the afterlife of animals, and beliefs can vary among different Jewish traditions. It does teach that animals are part of God’s creation and should be treated with kindness and respect. It is believed that animals have a type of spirit, yet it is not the same kind of soul that humans have. Humans have a divine soul, and animals do not. When animals die, their souls expire.
Protestant
Protestant beliefs about animals in the afterlife vary among denominations and theological perspectives. However, there is a general respect for animals as part of God’s creations and a range of views that reflect hope towards the belief that they will reunite with those furry creatures in the afterlife. Martin Luther once stated, “In Paradise, there was complete harmony between man and animals; one day again, that harmony will be restored, and all creation will be made anew.” New creations—man and animal—will live together in peace.
Lutheran
The Lutheran Church’s doctrine does not provide a specific teaching on pets’ afterlife. Yet, like most religions, it emphasizes treating animals with care and compassion and relying on them as a source of comfort. Their doctrine further explains that part of the tragedy of sin is that animals suffer alongside humans. Additionally, there will be a new life after this life, with new animals.
Different religions offer a spectrum of beliefs about what happens to animals after death. Some believe in an afterlife for pets, while others hold that their life ends with their physical form. Regardless of the specific belief, having faith in an afterlife can bring comfort during the grieving process of a beloved pet. This faith allows many to find solace in the idea that their furry friend is at peace or even reunited with them in a spiritual existence.
