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Close Topic OptionsPets In The Plan Of Salvation
Pets Plan Salvation - Mormon Doctrine Studies - Posted: 2nd Aug, 2006 - 10:02pm
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Post Date: 1st Jul, 2006 - 11:58am / Post ID: #
Pets In The Plan Of Salvation
Where do animals fall into God's plan? I know that many are for eating, but what about those that comfort us? Is that their only purpose? Where do their spirits come from? I've always had so many questions on this subject that I haven't been able to find answers to. What are your thoughts?
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Salvation Plan The Pets
The fact that pets benefit humans in so many ways is a clue, I think. They don't just comfort us, but they *love* us, in a manner that many humans don't seem to be capable of. It's been proven in certain studies that people live longer if they have pets. We've all read the news stories about family pets, particularly dogs, who have exhibited courageous acts of heroism with their families, sometimes even sacrificing their own lives to save a person they love.
I don't really know what their place is in the Plan. I've read that spirits that are unwilling (or unable) to come to earth as free agents choose other estates such as animals or great trees, etc., although I can't confirm that in scripture anywhere (that I know of).
All things are created spiritually before they are created physically. Pets certainly are important to us, and I've met some great spirits. 
Pets In The Plan Of Salvation Studies Doctrine Mormon
dbclayton, I found the following. It is not official Church doctrine but food for the thought:
| QUOTE |
| They [animals] will be resurrected and placed in their appropriate places in Heaven. As the fall of Adam affected animals, (see Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:22) so also through the atonement will the animals be heirs of salvation in their respective spheres. Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants Vol. II, p.38 We also learn from this revelation and the word of the Lord in other revelations that in the eternities the animals and all living creatures shall be given knowledge, and enjoy happiness, each in its own sphere, in "their eternal felicity." These creatures will not then be the dumb creatures that we suppose them to be while in this mortal life. Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants Vol. II, p. 69 |
The Prophet Joseph Smith stated the following in regards to those people who do not believe in the salvation of animals. In this quote he is referring to Revelations 5:13-14.
| QUOTE |
| Says one, "I cannot believe in the salvation of beasts." Any man who would tell you that this could not be, would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beasts giving glory to God, and understood them. God who made the beasts could understand every language spoken by them. The four beasts were four of the most noble animals that had filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect: they were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from, and I do not know; but they were seen and heard by John praising and glorifying God. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 291 |
Salvation Plan The Pets
Hugh W Nibley teaches us that animals are part God's plan in preparing and testing us for exaltation.
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| A favorite theme of Brigham Young was that the dominion God gives man is designed to test him, to enable him to show to himself, his fellows, and all the heavens just how he would act if entrusted with God's own power; if he does not act in a godlike manner, he will never be entrusted with a creation of his own, worlds without end. So there is risk involved: "The rule over the world is in the hand of God," says Ben Sirach, "and at the right time He sets over it one that is worthy"; but if that rule is ever exercised in an arbitrary or arrogant manner, it is quickly taken away and given to someone else. "If you fail in your duty," God tells Adam, 'the beasts over which you ruled shall rise up against you, for you have not kept my commandment;" and all creatures are quick to recognize the hand of the oppressor and impostor. |
We also learn from this same article that we will have our animals with us in the Heavens.
| QUOTE |
| "Always keep in view," Brigham Young exhorts us, 'that the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms-the earth and its fulness-will all, except the children of man, abide their creation-the law by which they were made, and will receive their exaltation." We are all going to move together into the eternities, and even now look forward to "heaven, the paradise of God, the happiness of man, and of beast, and of creeping things, and of the fowls of the air; that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal; "¦ the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, and also the spirit of beast, and every other creature which God has created" (D&C 77:2). What an admonition to proceed with reverence and care! It is only because the Latter-day Saints are ignorant of these things, according to President Young, that God has not already cursed them for their brutal and callous treatment of God's other creatures. Hugh W. Nibley, "Man's Dominion," New Era, Jan.-Feb. 1981, 47. |
I love this doctrine because it makes clear that man is accountable in their cruel behavior toward animals, which is only right. Also, I love the thought of having animals with us through the eternities.
TOPIC: Pets In The Plan Of Salvation