Animal Afterlife?

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Hello, Bishop Manchester. Do you think some animals go to Heaven after they die? — Ruben H.

Animals possess a material soul which dies with the corporeal body. We have a spiritual soul which continues after death and does not die. Does this mean that animals will not be present in the afterlife? We really do not have the answer, but from a Christian perspective there are clear hints that God will restore the universe at the end of time. The visible universe is itself destined to be transformed "so that the world itself, restored to its original state, facing no further obstacles, should be at the service of the just," sharing their glorification in the risen Jesus Christ.

As animals belong to the visible universe, it seems possible that they too might share their glorification in the risen Jesus Christ. It might also be possible that God would re-create those animals who have been a pleasure and comfort to us in our earthly journey. I would like to think so, but, of course, we do not finally know in this life. It is something nonetheless for which we can hope.

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