March 7, 201313 yr I didn't assert anything actually. I assert that everyone should believe as they choose. I choose to reject a notion of Heaven that does not include many of those things that we are blessed with on earth, especially an interpretation which then many extend to, since only man has a soul, that other creatures are merely here for our utilization any way we see fit. Regarding plants...I believe they are important, and a part of environmental responsibility, but I have yet to find any brains and/or conscienciousness whatsoever. Thus I would not lump them in the category with animals. And...as far as animals, an evolutionist could say the brain has developed from back to front. Medusa up to neo-cortex. Man of course having the most developed neo-cortex. So, I can ask a question back. The neo-cortex development of an autistic person is believed to be (and this according to Temple Grandin herself) that part of the brain which is their most likely misfunction. Temple would liken the brain function of an autistic person such as herself as much more closely resembling many animals. This fact then, why she believes she can most closely relate to them. So then if animals do not have souls, does that mean that highly autistic or other mentally challenged people do not have souls and thus cannot go to Heaven? There's a lot to unpack there, so let me just answer your question: no, I do not believe that autistic or mentally challenged people do not have souls. I absolutely do. I don't understand how "Can you explain what you posted to me?" turned into me being the guy who kicks puppies and special needs kids. I, for one, think the writer you link to greatly overstepped his bounds in his interpretation of Catholic teaching. The Catechism is ABSOLUTELY silent on this subject. His opinion is an extrapolation of several teachings. It is not dogma and no Catholic is bound to accept it. As is the case with so many of these highly detailed questions of our last end, we have to trust in the mercy of God. We simply don't have an explicit answer, only speculation. Edited March 7, 201313 yr by Getslow
March 8, 201313 yr There's a lot to unpack there, so let me just answer your question: no, I do not believe that autistic or mentally challenged people do not have souls. I absolutely do. I don't understand how "Can you explain what you posted to me?" turned into me being the guy who kicks puppies and special needs kids. I, for one, think the writer you link to greatly overstepped his bounds in his interpretation of Catholic teaching. The Catechism is ABSOLUTELY silent on this subject. His opinion is an extrapolation of several teachings. It is not dogma and no Catholic is bound to accept it. As is the case with so many of these highly detailed questions of our last end, we have to trust in the mercy of God. We simply don't have an explicit answer, only speculation. Dear Getslow. I certainly didn't intend to paint that picture of you or anyone else in particular. My profuse apologies if that is what came across. Thank you very much for your reply which I value greatly.
March 8, 201313 yr The bible doesn't say definitely that animals go to heaven but it does say..."with God, all things are possible." Matt 19:26. My animals have always been an important part of my life and I feel that they are a gift of God. That is why I like the story of an elderly lady whose beloved dog Fluffy died. She went to her pastor and asked him if Fluffy went to heaven. The old pastor replied, "God in his great love and wisdom created heaven to be a place of perfect happiness. I'm sure that if you need Fluffy to complete your happiness, you will find her there."
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