My wife wants a Maine Coon if we ever get a cat. And I have to admit that such a cat would be pretty spectacular. The only problem with getting a cat is that I have hopes to spend stupidly high amounts of time with my cousin, who is pretty allergic to cats. I don't really like the hairless types much, either.
I also have this thing where I love animals but I don't really care for having pets. My family had pets when I was younger, but they all died/disappeared/were re-homed by the time I was fifteen, and I've never really wanted one again since. I got a bit attached to the ones we had, and knowing the stories of all their endings saddens me a lot. I also go to know how much work goes into having a pet, and I don't really want to put that much effort into something that, ultimately, is categorically incapable of loving me back.
You see, I don't believe animals have souls. Not that I don't believe heaven will be bereft of animals. I believe there will be all sorts of creatures in the place I'll be after the end of time, but I just don't think my dogs Buddy or Midnight will be among them. They aren't people. There's nothing immutable about them. Nothing to preserve.
Actually, I feel rather strongly on this issue. Maybe it was that one girlfriend I had who believed the opposite that fashioned this rather vehement streak in me. Maybe it's my pain at the loss of my pets. Maybe it was my upbringing (I will be the first to say that my parents were always loving to their animals and never spoke with bitterness about their status as not-people). But there, that's a thing about me that you may not have heard about. You probably haven't heard it because it's never come up, or because I keep to myself because there are those out there who would string me up by my small intestine if they heard me say that animals other than humans don't have souls. I really rather wouldn't have that conversation.
I mentioned earlier that I love animals. And I do. Because while rocks and blue skies and lakes are pretty enough, those things can't touch the heart-swelling (or panic-inducing) beauty of living things, be they trees or German Shepherds or giant squid. Earth is full of these wonderful creatures who should be respected and protected. Just not at the cost of human life.
That's where I draw the line. Never, when a human's life is weighed against the life of any other creature, should the other creature's life take preference. Not unless that creature is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to be a sentient being with an immortal soul. For me, that is one definition of the sanctity of human life. It's also my big beef with utilitarianism.
The idea that the few be sacrificed for the many never really sat well with me. Yeah, there's Christ. I have feelings about that, too. Not heretical feelings. Just "Sometimes I wish there was a better way" feelings.
Now, though, I think I'm getting into deeper territory than this blog was intended for. If you're interested, hit me up about truth and right and God's plan some time. Preferably not during Finals week. Once I have my writing degree would be nice.
Right this instant I'm going to eat some bacon and watch Star Trek: Voyager with my wife.
Shrug out.
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