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Date Posted: 02:28:56 07/07/06 Fri
Author: Cathleen
Subject: Re: Gift of Discernment
In reply to: Eric 's message, "Gift of Discernment" on 11:53:42 06/25/06 Sun

Hmmm! Eric, you bring up an interesting debate for those of use who have pets and were raised Christian. Anyone having a pet knows that animals feel pain, fear, and love...Obviously they think and have intelligence! The real question then is what is a soul?
I have come to the conclusion that everything has spirit but what makes man differant is that we have a soul. To me, the differance having a soul makes is simply that as human beings were are the one thing the creator made that not only knows the differance but can choose to do evil or good in this world! In other words, we have a conscience and can choose to ignore our instinct when it tell us we are doing wrong.
Animals were sent as gifts, companions, and teachers to us and as such they are driven by pure instinct to do what they were sent to achieve. If you are lucky enough to have a pet, they can give pure and unconditional love as well but they never dilibrately do harm or choose to inflict pain! If they happen to do so than it was done through instict, not a conscious act to inflict harm.
In closing, just remember what Dennis said...Every religion has a name for God but most agree that he is the creator of all things. Therefore the name one chooses to refer to the Creator is a personnal choice as is our own connection and relationship to him! Ones religion is not ones belief in our Creator, just the means by which we choose to practice that belief! Don't throw out all you learned as a child as I am sure whatever denomation you were raise had some valuable lessons to teach. However, remain open to those who will cross your path in life...make friends where ever you can! You will be surprised at what you can learn about your own spirituallity from people of other faiths. As someone on this site once told me.... when you least expect it, the Creator will send a teacher your way. Maybe there will be many teachers that cross our paths when we are ready for what it is that they can teach us. Just remember finding that connection to the Creator is a journey that can take a life time so be patient! Good Luck!!!

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