Dooks to one and all. I would like to offer my condolances to all who have recently had their fuzz-butts leave this world for the Rainbow Bridge. The latest two, Charity and Lucky, are now released from the physical bondage of the body and they are free to play and soar throughout the heavens and at the Rainbow Bridge. I would like to point out that in the Old Testament (the Torah in the Hebrew Language) stated that in the beginning God created all things, including mankind. It also states that ONLY mankind fell from grace by sinning against God by eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was by this sin, which mankind attempted to be like God, that mankind obtained the SOUL, and has the knowledge of Good and Evil. Animals, on the other hand have a SPIRIT, for it says (The First Book of the Torah; aka: Genesis) that GOD BREATHED THE BREATH OF LIFE INTO ALL LIVING ANIMALS, FISH, AND BIRDS OF THE AIR (The Hebrew word for Breath may also be translated into Spirit or Wind, and the same is true in the Greek Language, in which the New Testament was written.) Therefore, the animals did not sin, and are NOT subject to judgment by the Creator, for animals live and exist by instinct, and learned behavior. Mankind learns right from wrong as they grow up. Animals react to stimuli supplied by mankind' vision of what is right or wrong. Next, in the NEW TESTAMENT, Jesus said: Your Heavenly Father knows when even the lowly sparrow falls from the sky, are you not more valuable than the sparrow? Even so, The Birds of the air neither sow nor spin, but your Heavenly Father sees that they are fed and sheltered. I ask the question, that if animals are not important to God, then why would God even take notice of the animals. Further, in the Gospel according to John, Chapter 3, verse 16, it is written: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD (CREATION), THAT HE GAVE IS ONLY SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. The animals believe, and so do some people. The animals are saved by the grace of God and God's Power. And I say this because I do not believe that the God who loves mankind so much, and we are sinners, and then reject that which is perfect in creation. And, in Science (Physics) there is a law that reads: ENERGY CANNOT BE CREATED NOR DESTROYED BY ORDINARY MEANS, IT CAN ONLY CHANGE FORM. Since Life is Energy, it too will change form, from the physical that we mortals see, to the spiritual form, which God sees, and that we will see later. Animals will be in the Eternal Kingdom, because God says so, not mankind. In other religions, such as Buddhist, and Hindu, animals are considered sacred, because they have life, and that life should not be taken by mankind. And, I believe that our Muslim brothers and sisters, since they are also descendents from Father Abraham, will also cherish the valuable essence of the lives of animals. Native Americans also respected animals, and gave thanks to the spirits of the animals for giving of their lives so that the tribe might have food, clothing, shelter and tools, and also gave thanks to the Great Spirit for blessing us (I am part Mohawk) with lifegiving gifts from the land, the water, and the air. Believe, one and all, You will see your beloved fur-kids again, when we are called to the eternal kingdom of God, and we will never again be separated from our beloved pets and family. To Bob C: Bob, I am not sure if God will let you use the Heavenly Computer or not, after all, you did aid and abet in the demise of Mrs. Motherboard and Mr. Harddrive. but I am sure, if you ask for forgiveness, it will be granted. Also Bob C, I am praying for you, as are a number of various congregations in Northeast Lower Michigan, that you will soon be cured of the MRSA infection. May the Peace of God, which surpasses all Human Understanding, be with each and every one of you, and may your grief be short, and your loving memories be eternal. Rev. Ronald L. Sims, D.D. & Family: 2 hooman-beans owned and controlled by 2 canines, 2 felines (sometimes 3 - a stray) and all of our fur-kids who are now at the Rainbow Bridge. [Posted in FML 5637]