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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Do animals have souls	Faith	Thursday, August 2, 2007
Question: I ask this question respectfully, and with great curiosity. I have read countless articles that discuss how closely we are related to some primates (notably chimps) in terms of DNA. It is also amazing to me the kinds of behaviors that have been documented lately such as these animals being witnessed fashioning "tools" and hunting with them. Even more disturbing, is a documentary I watched that discussed aggressive behavior of these animals toward human men, women and babies when humans have invaded their jungle homes. Yet, I have also seen video footage of apes and monkeys "caring for" other pets, performing tasks for disbled humans and demonstrating what appears to be love and cognitive thought. I find it quite fascinating. One article even commented that for years scientists said the only thing that distinguished man from animals was the ability to make and use tools. Since we now know apes possess this intelligence and ability, what does this mean in terms of them having a personality, a spirit, a soul? Genetically, it is now said that a chimp and a man are more closely related than a chimp and a gorilla. In fact, man and chimp are now on one side of the "tree" and the gorilla is on anothe branch altogether. I guess I am asking, at what point in our evolution/creation did God draw the line and say we are now "man" and therefore accountable in his eyes?
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear Faith: This question does not concern Spiritual Warfare so it has been moved to the Faith and Spirituality Forum. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Do animals have souls

Faith

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Question:

I ask this question respectfully, and with great curiosity. I have read countless articles that discuss how closely we are related to some primates (notably chimps) in terms of DNA. It is also amazing to me the kinds of behaviors that have been documented lately such as these animals being witnessed fashioning "tools" and hunting with them. Even more disturbing, is a documentary I watched that discussed aggressive behavior of these animals toward human men, women and babies when humans have invaded their jungle homes. Yet, I have also seen video footage of apes and monkeys "caring for" other pets, performing tasks for disbled humans and demonstrating what appears to be love and cognitive thought. I find it quite fascinating.

One article even commented that for years scientists said the only thing that distinguished man from animals was the ability to make and use tools. Since we now know apes possess this intelligence and ability, what does this mean in terms of them having a personality, a spirit, a soul? Genetically, it is now said that a chimp and a man are more closely related than a chimp and a gorilla. In fact, man and chimp are now on one side of the "tree" and the gorilla is on anothe branch altogether.

I guess I am asking, at what point in our evolution/creation did God draw the line and say we are now "man" and therefore accountable in his eyes?

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Faith:

This question does not concern Spiritual Warfare so it has been moved to the Faith and Spirituality Forum.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.