Grace Community Christian Church

 

Archived Things Above

Do Pets Go to Heaven? (6/6/93)

"Do pets go to heaven when they die?" I doubt the parent exists who hasn't faced this question from their child's tear-streaked face. I remember well when it was our turn.

We were saying good-bye to Xerxes, the friendly short-haired guinea pig who had journeyed up with us from Philadelphia to Prince Edward Island, Canada. He'd been a wonderful companion & conversation piece for the girls (as well for all the piano students, neighbor kids & kids of company.) Even adults grew attached to him. Aside from the nocturnal banging of the water bottle & squeaking when he was hungry, he was a quiet fellow whose greatest ecstasy was to be scratched under the chin. I myself would occasionally find myself talking to him, & even rubbing noses.

Theologically, I suppose one could make the argument that animals are dumb & have no soul; therefore, when they die, they're gone for good. Poof! No Guinea pig heaven; no kitty-cat heaven; no iguana heaven. No little baby-bird-that-fell-out-of-its-nest heaven. No goldfish heaven. Just nothingness. I mean, why would God want to populate Heaven with stupid little animals? I certainly can't fault you if you feel that way.

But emotionally, that's a good question. Why wouldn't God want to populate Heaven with such creatures? And if they're so stupid, why do they give us such joy? Why are they such good companions? Why do we get so attached to them? I don't know about your pet, but Xerxes never ever let any of us down. Never talked back. Never complained. Never lied. Never broke a promise or even swore. All he ever wanted was fresh food & water, an occasional carrot, & a little attention. The same can't be said for too many of us.

We buried him on a Tuesday evening in the back yard. And in our sniffling little family prayer circle, we thanked God for the gift of friendship. And yes, we also thanked Him for the hope of the resurrection. Because the way I see it, if God is able to save humans, who rebel against Him ceaselessly, then bringing back to life furry critters that only ever gave love, & wanted to be loved, is just a stroll in the park.


Jim Dewar --