The Pope Versus

I guess this is what I get for going to catholic schools my entire life; being stuck in morality class. It’s 2:15 and my class doesn’t get out for another forty-five minutes. I can only imagine what we’re going to talk about today. Maybe some discussions about how to make a baby the “correct” way or maybe just listen to you lecture like always. Oh, sweet. We’re talking about what is considered to be a soul. Blah blah blah, I understand we all have souls. Every living thing has a soul. Wait, what do you mean animals don’t have souls? Ok, that’s just plain ridiculous.

What do you call the reason for different personalities? You can’t tell me that you look at your dog, your faithful companion who would basically do anything for you, and just flat out think, “Poor thing, you’re sweet, but you don’t have a soul.” There is no way. Since according to the Church, things that don’t have souls don’t go to heaven, does that mean dogs don’t go there? You’re crazy. Haven’t you ever heard of the movie “All Dogs Go to Heaven”? It’s a movie for a reason. Now I understand it’s a cartoon and clearly a child’s movie but answer me this; if heaven is supposed to be paradise, but in paradise I imagine my dog there, would she be there? You have no answer? But you’re supposed to know everything. I know you’re not the Pope, but I’m not just about to go to the Vatican, stand in line forever, just to ask the descendent of St. Peter if dogs will be in paradise. I already know what he would say anyways; “Oh dear child, you’ll find out” Thanks Holy Father, that’s what he just told me.

I guess it’s like faith, we can’t tell if there is an actual God or not, yet we all believe that He is there. So I guess I’m just going to have faith and believe that all animals go to a certain place in the afterlife, whether it is heaven, limbo, or hell. How do you explain why we can clearly tell an animal is expressing an emotion? How do you explain the reason my old dog Rhea used to tuck me into bed every night or why Molly, my sheltie, gives me a hug every time I sit on the floor? It’s instinctual for them to do that…really? No. Those actions are ways of expressing love which is a sentiment, a soulful sentiment. Emotion comes with having a personality and personality comes from learned and naturally given traits. Now I can see your argument, so let’s just agree to disagree, okay? Do forgive me though because I chose to believe in what the Angel Whippet from “All Dogs Go to Heaven” said, “All dogs go to heaven because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind.” Peace Out.