Can an animal have a soul ? Most people think not , but if your reading this blog its fairly safe to say you are not most people . The most types have stopped reading a while ago now . I myself am going to pass on answering this question directly, but I have some observations worth mentioning .
Firstly why are we so quick to end the life of an animal thats suffering ? Why do we not give fellow humans this same treatment when they are so obviously suffering ? We often say that we wouldnt let an animal suffer that way , so why a human ?
If an animal has no soul then why does it rack our conscience so much when we see one suffering , so much so we are willing to do the disturbing deed of ending its life to end its suffering ? Why do we care so much if a soul isnt supposed to be present ?
Why cant we give fellow human beings the same elevated sympathy and chance to escape pain ?
"Why cant we give fellow human beings the same elevated sympathy and chance to escape pain?"
ReplyDeleteMost likely because people follow the mistaken (false) Bible notion that animals have no soul, or else because all people, all cultures, are taught that animals are lesser beings in general, so it's okay to end their lives quickly but not humans. I am pretty sure that every religious tome of all culture sare used to justify that animals are lesser than we are, therefore if they are in pain, we are to quickly twist its neck or whatever method of "quick" killing. Because the worldview is that animals have no equal to humans in spiritual or soul quality, it is easy for feel sorry for them but not to give them another chance. Basically they are more worthless than humans, in "most peoples'" eyes, yet they are legitimate to view as poor suffering and "dumb" creatures.
People are very backwards and only follow tradition and what they are taught. Meanwhile, they don't view releasing another human in pain from suffering as a good thing. How very idiotic. It is even worse for a human when suffering, because cognitively we are more complex.
Sorry about all the typos.
DeleteI think you would be surprised just how much people think of animals in Britain . Sometimes they appear to be more important than humans ( not just equal ) I get the feeling that people in America are less sensitive on many subjects such as hunting or GM foods as well . Over here we debate and debate but America just rams on it seems in a bullish manner in subjects which over here must be ever more closely mulled over , but strangely religion is MUCH more important in the USA it seems , That's a funny old mix you have over there . Of course our views are never quite going to be the same on this subject , but its nice to discuss this with you as I like having my perceptions challenged . All your views are logically thought out . One on Vegetarianism and Moral Relativity was the only logical argument for Vegetarianism Ive ever heard and coming from a Farmer I don't say that easily ! lol
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