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“And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, that eats any manner of blood, I will set My face against that soul that eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people.
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood (…) for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life.” (Leviticus 17:10-11)
God clearly states that the blood bears the soul (life) of animals, but why would He care so much about it? What kind of souls are we talking about here?
[Pause for thought: I wonder why the Catholic Church taught people, for so many years, that animals had no soul. Why would it contradict the Lord?]
God’s concern (about the animal soul) could be an indication that this type of soul is at the same level as the human soul.
Human souls are of Angels
Humans and animals have souls
Therefore animal souls are of Angels.
But what kind of Angel would accept to incarnate an animal?
This question takes us to Buddhism and Hinduism.
These two spiritual paths defend that animals are the reincarnation of people who, in a previous life, committed heinous crimes thus acquiring bad karma.
God says the blood of animals atones the soul “by reason of the life”. He is referring to atoning our soul, which could mean that sacrificed animals revert their bad karma by cleansing us from ours sins (i.e. by being put to death, they’d be performing a good deed for once); however God could also be referring to atoning their own souls which, in turn, could mean that criminals incarnating animals burn off their dreadful karma by being slaughtered themselves.
Could God, in Leviticus 17, be telling us that Buddhists and Hindus are right?
Image: The Sacrifice of Isaac by Caravaggio
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Dissecting Society™ welcomes all sorts of comments, as we are strong advocates of freedom of speech; however, we reserve the right to delete Troll Activity; libellous and offensive comments (e.g. racist and anti-Semitic) plus those with excessive foul language. This blog does not view vulgarity as being protected by the right to free speech. Cheers
Bonjour Max,
ReplyDeleteDernier post sur "le vingt et unième siècle sera spirituel"...
Je reviens, bises
My understanding is that the scripture you mentioned has more to do with the symbolism of the blood of Christ that would be shed as an atonement for mankind. That being said, our religion does believe that animals have spirits. They are given for the use of man, but we have a sacred responsibility to them. We don't believe that a person should hunt just for sport. If they kill an animal, it should be for the intent to use the meat. I believe we will be judged by how we carry out this stewardship we have been given. Those who abuse animals must surely be punished in the hereafter!
ReplyDeleteHi Max, (you're going deep through spirituality....thats a good thing!!) If I may, I would rather comment the search for answers. As always as a personal opinion, I think that lots of info came through the years by all human cultures, hence its natural that religions have deep similaritys.
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it,and independently from any religion for itself, we are part of the universe as energy as a minimal dot sand in the desert sea. Why do human think they're so special? To give an higher meaning of living (emotionally speaking)? Universe is perfect, we are part of the universe, though we can't change it, and that makes us perfect too,(entropic as the universe) because independently from our actions an Higher Balance will always be achieved.
All the best
Gallardo
Interesting post as usual, but I've never really thought about this...so I don't know what to comment. I'll be back to read other people's comments, though he he he...*excited*
ReplyDeleteHi Max,
ReplyDeleteProvocative? You most certainly are!
Have you ever noticed that children whom are vicious to animals end up by being villainous? I wonder why? Probably Hindus and Buddhists are right to acknowledge that animals, to God, are creatures of interest as well.
Good article, I loved it!
Ciao Max,
ReplyDeleteMany people will say that arroz de cabidela, arroz de lampreia, sarapatel, coq-au-vin, chouriço de sangue (which are all cooked with blood) are not sinful for Jesus Christ liberated them, and plus they are awfully delicious.
On the other hand Hindus and buddhists utterly disagree of such behaviour for as far as they are concerned the blood of those animals have spiritual meaning...
We strongly believe as on Exodus 7:19 and 12:7 God was sealing His pact with the Jewish People; thus the specified ban on Leviticus 17:10-11 is solely addressed to His chosen people: Israel.
Max, thank you for such beautiful article: you are back indeed...this is great!
This is way above my little head!
ReplyDeleteI guess my way of interpreting it would be that we need to respect all living "things" around us. We need trees, we need cows, we need insects etc. Everything and everyone has a purpose.
I don't support extremist "animal's rights" movements because I think I believe it's okay to eat animals to survive. Sure, now in the Western world we can get away with being vegan, vegetarian etc. but our ancestors (and a lot of people in this world) don't have this "luxury". But you can eat animals and still respect them.
Bonjour Sérénity :D!
ReplyDelete"Dernier post sur "le vingt et unième siècle sera spirituel"...Je reviens, bises"
J'y serai!! Et j'attends, ma chére!
Bisous
Hi D! :D
ReplyDelete"My understanding is that the scripture you mentioned has more to do with the symbolism of the blood of Christ that would be shed as an atonement for mankind."
It is natural that a Christian would believe in this, yes...
"That being said, our religion does believe that animals have spirits. They are given for the use of man, but we have a sacred responsibility to them."
*Nodding in agreement*...
"We don't believe that a person should hunt just for sport. If they kill an animal, it should be for the intent to use the meat. I believe we will be judged by how we carry out this stewardship we have been given. Those who abuse animals must surely be punished in the hereafter!"
Amen to that!
D, thank you so much for your input :D!
Cheers
Ciao G! :D
ReplyDelete"(you're going deep through spirituality....thats a good thing!!)"
*Bowing*!
"If I may, I would rather comment the search for answers."
Please do, my friend.
"The way I see it,and independently from any religion for itself, we are part of the universe as energy as a minimal dot sand in the desert sea. Why do human think they're so special? To give an higher meaning of living (emotionally speaking)? Universe is perfect, we are part of the universe, though we can't change it, and that makes us perfect too,(entropic as the universe) because independently from our actions an Higher Balance will always be achieved."
Loved it!
G, it is always a delight to hear your opinions: thank you! :D
Cheers
Hey Amel :D!
ReplyDelete"Interesting post as usual, but I've never really thought about this...so I don't know what to comment. I'll be back to read other people's comments, though he he he...*excited*"
It's ok, gorgeous! lol oh yeah, other people's comments are great, you should come back and read them :D!
Amel, my darling, thanks for having dropped by :D!
Cheers
Hey Dux :D!
ReplyDelete"Provocative? You most certainly are!"
Moi *angel face*? LOL....
"Have you ever noticed that children whom are vicious to animals end up by being villainous? I wonder why? Probably Hindus and Buddhists are right to acknowledge that animals, to God, are creatures of interest as well."
Yeah, they become psychopaths! I reckon Buddhists and Hindus are right: there is some kind of truth there (specially when I start thinking of my dog)...
"Good article, I loved it!"
Thanks, I am glad you loved it :D!
Dux Probus, thanks a million for your input :D!
Cheers
Ciao C.C :D!
ReplyDelete"Many people will say that arroz de cabidela, arroz de lampreia, sarapatel, coq-au-vin, chouriço de sangue (which are all cooked with blood) are not sinful for Jesus Christ liberated them, and plus they are awfully delicious."
Disgusting dishes *nodding*! I never liked them!
Oh yeah, Jesus liberated them although he never actually said it in any of his speeches....people tend to forget that Jesus was Jewish and that he followed the Law.
"On the other hand Hindus and buddhists utterly disagree of such behaviour for as far as they are concerned the blood of those animals have spiritual meaning..."
*nodding in agreement*....
"We strongly believe as on Exodus 7:19 and 12:7 God was sealing His pact with the Jewish People; thus the specified ban on Leviticus 17:10-11 is solely addressed to His chosen people: Israel."
I agree. But it could be asked: if Jesus was Jewish and he followed the law (and he never abolished this dietary law)...wasn't this also addressed to Christians (as cousins of the Jewish people)?
"Max, thank you for such beautiful article: you are back indeed...this is great!"
You are most welcome, darlings *bowing*! LOL yes, I am back :D!
C.C, thank you ever so much for this comment: loved it :D!
Cheers
Hey Zhu :D!
ReplyDelete"This is way above my little head!"
You'll see that it is not...
"I guess my way of interpreting it would be that we need to respect all living "things" around us. We need trees, we need cows, we need insects etc. Everything and everyone has a purpose."
Amen!
"I don't support extremist "animal's rights" movements because I think I believe it's okay to eat animals to survive. Sure, now in the Western world we can get away with being vegan, vegetarian etc. but our ancestors (and a lot of people in this world) don't have this "luxury"."
I don't support those movements either. I totally agree with you!
"But you can eat animals and still respect them."
Absolutely!!
Zhu, you made a terrific comment (you see, I told you it was not over your head): thank you very much :D!
Cheers
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have you back.
Animals do have souls. Have you ever seen an owl? I swear they all look like Salvador Dali.
"But what kind of Angel would accept to incarnate an animal?"
Maybe the angel was an animal in a former life? I think as soul we have been everything, or working towards having every human and non human experience. I don't think animal souls are inhabited by old humans, though the similarities are astounding.
Soul has various missions that refine it into purity. This is certainly food for thought or at least dinner party conversation.
Thanks for jumping back in feet first. :D
Soul Cheers!
Très belle représentation de "Caravage" pour un texte tout aussi spirituel...
ReplyDeleteMax, tu es fascinant !!! Kiss ;)
Hi! It is my understanding that the words in the Bible were put there by God’s earth bound representatives and not God.
ReplyDeleteSo, who really knows if animals or for that matter any other non-human creature can reincarnate, go to heaven after death or indeed have a soul; although I suspect they do.
But maybe, just maybe, we’ll find out one day when we come knocking on the pearly gates of heaven.
Take Care,
Peter
I'm glad I managed to add something to the discussion them! Looking back, what I said made some sense, somehow, but I was tired that night and I was like...er... brain dead?!
ReplyDeleteI think that all of life is precious and "meant to be," and I truly believe that as much as humans have souls, so do the animals.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible has had so many hands in it, and so many versions, which raises the questions of authorship, subjectivity and authenticity.
Also, it's hard to know what is meant by certain passages, in the context of a totally different time from that in which the Bible was written.
Hey Zhu,
ReplyDeleteLOL brain-dead? Then I would love to have read your comment when brain-alive ;)!!
Brain-dead or not, I always love your comment :D!
Cheers
Hey Peter :D!
ReplyDelete"It is my understanding that the words in the Bible were put there by God’s earth bound representatives and not God."
Oh no, you are talking about the New Testament. The Torah was given to Moses by Hashem (God).
"So, who really knows if animals or for that matter any other non-human creature can reincarnate, go to heaven after death or indeed have a soul; although I suspect they do."
I get the feeling they do.
"But maybe, just maybe, we’ll find out one day when we come knocking on the pearly gates of heaven."
:D true that!
Peter, thanks a million for your input, mate :D!
Cheers
Hi Lady A :D!
ReplyDelete"So happy to have you back."
:D thanks, girl! It is good to be back, I missed you guys!
"Animals do have souls. Have you ever seen an owl? I swear they all look like Salvador Dali."
ROFL ROFL poor Salvador Dalí...but you are right: they look alike!
"Maybe the angel was an animal in a former life? I think as soul we have been everything, or working towards having every human and non human experience. I don't think animal souls are inhabited by old humans, though the similarities are astounding."
I agree. LOL...you are right again: some people do look like parrots.
"Soul has various missions that refine it into purity. This is certainly food for thought or at least dinner party conversation."
So true! LOL this subject is too fiery for a dinner party - plates might fly! LOL
"Thanks for jumping back in feet first. :D"
You are most welcome, darling :D!
Alexys, my dear friend, thank you ever so much for your amazing input :D!
Soul Cheers
Salut Pierre :D!
ReplyDelete"Très belle représentation de "Caravage" pour un texte tout aussi spirituel...Max, tu es fascinant !!! Kiss ;)"
Caravage est simplement fantastique, je l'adore. Merci, ma chére, tu est trés gentille :D!
Pierre, merci d'être venue (ta présence apporte de la lumière a MAX) :D!
Kiss
Hey Lynda :D!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you here :D!
"I think that all of life is precious and "meant to be," and I truly believe that as much as humans have souls, so do the animals."
*applauding*!
"The Bible has had so many hands in it, and so many versions, which raises the questions of authorship, subjectivity and authenticity."
That is why I read its original (the Torah, I mean).
"Also, it's hard to know what is meant by certain passages, in the context of a totally different time from that in which the Bible was written."
If one dedicates enough time to studying it and allow the spirit (God's Essence in us) to speak out; one can reach a plausible explanation. The important thing is not to be affected by dogma (which is a bit hard, I know).
Lynda, thank you so much for your input (always a pleasure) :D!
Cheers
Max I am catholic, but I don't believe in sacrificing anything. It just seems to me too violent. I don't know why would we even start teaching children about violence, Matthew is already puzzled looking at the Jesus on the Cross, lol. Max you got some good points here girl. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHey Anna :D!
ReplyDelete"Max I am catholic, but I don't believe in sacrificing anything. It just seems to me too violent."
I understand your point of view...
"I don't know why would we even start teaching children about violence, Matthew is already puzzled looking at the Jesus on the Cross, lol."
LOL indeed, it is a very violent image: Jesus on the cross; isn't it?
At the same time I think children need to know that violence is out there...it won't go away, so they might as well learn it from young age.
"Max you got some good points here girl."
Thanks, girl! You know you spoil me (and encourage me) ;)...
Anna, thanks a million for your comment: loved it :D!
Cheers