Can animals go to heaven?

I think interpretation of scripture is a fascinating subject. I've met so many people who don't even believe in "interpreting" scripture, but just believing what's written. I think, like you have demonstrated, that even in reading English translations, one is reading an interpretation. There is so much to learn! Which is why I posed the question about animals going to heaven. I wanted to be able to look at the question from a different angle. Thank you so much for your input! And boy do you make me miss school... This kind of thing is so interesting to me.

Thanks to everyone for your input! Mdvaden has struck an academic chord with me, but I truly enjoy and identify with all kinds of perspectives on this question. It sure gives a person a lot to think about!

By any chance, were you also referring to "interpreting" as in reference to:

II Peter 1:20 & 21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

??

The word "private" was translated into this version from Greek "idios" meaning "one's own"

What I mean by "interpretation" is how different people have different understandings of the same text. For example, I was always taught in Sunday School that animals don't have souls, but you've pointed out that "living creature" and "soul life" are identical words in Hebrew, and that word is used in describing animals.

What I would love to study more is trying to get to the bottom of what was really intended in the writing-- a lifelong task I'm sure, and then some! I think that too often traditional beliefs get in the way of seeing what is really there. I would love to have a better understanding of the original Hebrew and Greek, which would eliminate the possibilities of inserting one's own interpretation in the words chosen for a translation, especially when there are many English possibilities for one Hebrew word. I also mean understanding culture in Biblical times, which can shed new light on some passages. I want to look at the Bible as a whole and see how pieces fit together to create a full picture, and then go back and look at the pieces in context of the whole picture.

When I said that people don't believe in interpreting the Bible, but that we should just believe what's written, I think that's what the verse you've posted is saying we should do. But what I mean is that everyone "interprets," whether they realize it or not. Everyone decides what they think the text means, and that's interpretation. And since everyone does not agree, we have discussions like this! :) And then hopefully we have something new to think about.

This can be fun reading.

Not only is it interesting to look up meanings of words, as in what the Greek meaning was, but there is also "archaic" usage of words and phrases.

For example, in the bible, there is a verse talking about leading "silly women" captive. In times past, people used that to say women were silly or emotionally weak. But the archaic meaning is "innocent" women.

When the bible has someone saying "go to now" it actually means "come now".

And then there are figures of speech - about 200 of them. One figure is called idiom. It's a customs type thing. One "off the wall" example is when Saul was out to get David in the Old test. Saul went into a cave to "cover his feet". That's the equivilent of our modern euphamism "going to the bathroom". Of course we are not going there to take a bath.

In the old days, when a man sat down to "take care of nature", his robe would drop and "cover his feet" and that's the thought behind that figure of speech.

I've also heard that in saying "Who can prevent me?" it means who can go before me. Things like that can really change the meaning of the text! I find that kind of thing fascinating. May I ask what concordance(s) you use? I would love to find a good aid-- one that explains meanings of original words, and even maybe with extra linguistic/cultural notes. Any recommendations?

First, I use King James, which is not a translation. That's a version of a translation. Not the best translation, but it has some outstanding benefits:

1. It has a massive amount of study material and books that were tailored for it.

2. It retains more figures of speech than any other version. Original figures of speech were God inspired emphasis on what is supposed to stand out. Translators of other versions eradicated many God inspired figures from other versions.

I use Strong's concordance, and Vine's and one by E. W. Bullinger. You may not be into using an interlinear yet. I have a huge assortment of concordances and other books, but 95% of the truth can be ascertained with a few basic books.

Young's is one I used to use, but I just prefer Strong's most of the time.

There must be a myriad of computer programs, but I still use one called PC Study bible from BibleSoft which originated from Washington I think - www.biblesoft.com

They now have a huge amount of potential add ons, but I don't even find most commentaries useful, and one or two versions is all most people ever need to deal with.

I like it because it has Strong's for example. You look up a verse and can find the strong's definition of the Greek word. The program does have the interlinear which displays Greek text (transliterated into English syllables) over English. Or Hebrew over English. The deal is, even if you can't read Greek or Hebrew, all you have to do is click and numbered word above the English and it will give you the definition of the Greek or Hebrew Word.

Then, if you find that - say Greek - word interesting, then make note of the Strong's number. And enter it into the Englishman's that comes with the program. Or just hit the "E" button while you have the Strong's definition displayed. What Englishman's will do - it pulls up every single use of that Greek (or Hebrew) word in the Bible, no matter how it was translated.

Suppose the word is "pnuema" - that's translated "spirit" "wind" "breath" and a few other ways. Use Englishmans to enter the word, or number for "pnuema" and it will bring up every reference whether translated wind or spirit.

The are immense Bible programs out there, but this PC Bible Study is more than plenty for the average person. It's been around for a long time. It's well worth the investment. I have heard that some of those tools are online for free elsewhere, but I don't mind buying a program. I think this one may be in the $50 to $150 range. And I'd say if you get one, go for the minimum - don't buy a jillion commentaries if it's an add on module for more. Get the bible, a few versions, concordance, interlinear, bible dictionary and a few goodies.

By the way, "prevent" is "preceed"

Those who are alive and remain, shall not "prevent" or preceed the dead in Christ at the return. For when the trump is sounded, the dead in Christ shall rise first (and not be preceeded by the living). So Thessalonians is written.

I there not scripture that says "let everything that hath breath praise the Lord"?

I want my babies to be there also, but if they are not I don't think I will notice because I am in heaven. Also I am not going to tell God I am not coming in because they are not there because my other choice would be hell.
My vienna is very sick right now. Please pray for her and me as she is well- words can not explain what she means to me. She should weight around 15 lbs and weighs 8. She is 14. Her kidneys are not working like they need to to filter out the bad stuff. I am feeding her Enfamil and baby cereal and trying to put some weight on her.
The vet said she needs to weigh more and get more nutrition in her.
This is killing me. He also said now it is a matter of qualiy of life. He said she can get around and seems happy.

I want to add thank you Jesus for the time 14 Yrs you have given me and the time you continue to give me.

SO SORRY to hear of your ailing pet.

I stress a bit when our pets get ill too.

Last year, our bird got hooked under the beak with a temporary hook that was in the wall (and the hook was only going to be there for about 24 hours - short term).

Anyway, it's eyes looked glazy and it was very quiet. But we got some antibiotics, and it recovered well.

Then - - - the hole did not close, and was next to where the center of the beak develops, so the hole extended as the beak grew. Eventually, the beak had no center, just a right and left lower beak.

I was sure the bird would starve, but we heard from a friend that had the same happen, that they survive and adapt.

So he is doing well. He is not a very affectionate bird like the others are, but for some strange reason he is one of our favorites. His name is Zack. His mate bird is Hannah. The photos of most of our birds are on the Safe woods for birds page on my website.

Hope your critter adapts and overcomes too.

MD, just wanted to mention that your website's article about the new thermal windows and their affect on surrounding landscaping is great. We're getting new windows, but they are up high and not where they'll affect our plantings. If we replace our picture window, however, that info will come in really handy.