We are often advised to read the signs of the times. One sign today is the dechristianization that is taking place in traditional Christian countries. The Gospels formed the culture of Western civilization and of a large part of Asia and Africa as well. That influence still remains with the presence of large numbers of believing and practicing Christians in these lands.
However, a secularization process is also taking place which repudiates much of the value system of Christianity and its cultural forms and replaces them with a different system of thought and outlook. And also some customs inspired by Christianity persist, but they are often infused with a secular meaning. An example is the celebration of Christmas which for many is symbolized by the roly-poly, jolly Santa Claus with his elves and reindeer instead of by the Christ Child.
Other examples are found in the moral truths of Christianity which have in large measure been repudiated, often with the encouragement of secular scientists. What was taken for granted decades ago in regard to moral laws is now changed. We see this in the wide-spread acceptance of abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, homosexual life styles, same-sex marriages, etc. — practices which were universally condemned in the past as violations of Christian morality.
Other examples come to light from time to time. Perhaps the latest is the attitude toward pets manifested by some people. Let me be clear. I grew up with a pet dog; I like pets, especially dogs and cats; and I would not want to see the exclusion of pets from peoples’ lives. But perhaps secular trends have influenced too much some people. I came across an article by Father John Flynn recently that noted a new study, released shortly before Valentine Day, which claimed that 20 percent of adults would rather celebrate Feb. 14 with their pet rather with their “partner.”
The study is only one of a number of indications of how people are trying to “humanize” their animals. We know that pets in America are pampered. Spending for pets in 2009 totaled $45.5 billion. That amount includes not only payment for food but also for CAT scans, root canals, cancer surgery, anti-depressants and psychiatric care for pets. And increasingly pet owners want to be buried with their pets (or vice versa) and often will include on their pets’ tombstones words of endearment like “My little girl” or “Mommy and Daddy miss you.”
Among some cultural leaders there is a movement to include pet animals among “persons.” Peter Singer, the Australian ethicist now teaching at Princeton University, published 30 years ago a book claiming that higher animals should be classified as “persons” because they are capable of suffering, have some consciousness, etc. He also claimed that some humans should not receive that designation, such as those who are in a comatose state or pre-born and young children. Singer has been the philosophical leader of many animal rights groups. According to him, an adult gorilla has more dignity and rights than a human infant. (He is willing to grant personhood to mammals but draws the line at fish and insects. It is consoling to know that Texas cockroaches are not persons.)
Our Christian tradition has always seen human beings in a privileged light, as made in the image and likeness of God, uniquely persons with inalienable rights. Losing sight of that truth leads to the present tendencies to humanize animals. To make animals human is to make humans animals.
It is interesting to note that in recent years I have been asked more than in the past whether animals go to heaven. I have to say the answer is “no.” They have no immortal souls. It could be possible for God after the resurrection of the dead to give us pets but I do not think he will. And we will not miss them.
Seeing God face to face will fill us with such joy and happiness that we will not suffer in the least for the absence of our former pets — nor for the absence of relatives and friends who did not make it to paradise. God alone will suffice.
Father John A. Leies, SM, STD, is president emeritus of St. Mary’s University and was formerly head of the Theology Department there.