All Dogs Go To Heaven?
Posted September 28th, 2008 by Murray @ ulblog
Filed under: False, Urban Legends
Tags: email, religion
Do a widely distributed series of photos of church signs really reflect a disagreement between two local churches over the hot topic of whether or not dogs can go to heaven?
“ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN,” the first picture reads, but the second is quick to disagree: “ONLY HUMANS GO TO HEAVEN READ THE BIBLE”.
So begins what appears to be a rather quirky theological debate about the souls of dogs (and eventually of rocks!), carried out entirely on church signs.
But, we ask ourselves, is it real? Did the religious communities represented by Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church and Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church really go to war with each other over whether or not pets can go to paradise?
As it happens, the answer is no, they didn’t…
It was a funny email, one that made me laugh out loud when it bounced into my email inbox a couple of weeks ago. The text went something like this:
| Our Lady Of Martyrs Catholic Church: | ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN |
| Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church: | ONLY HUMANS GO TO HEAVEN READ THE BIBLE |
| Our Lady Of Martyrs Catholic Church: | GOD LOVES ALL HIS CREATIONS DOGS INCLUDED |
| Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church: | DOGS DON’T HAVE SOULS THIS IS NOT OPEN FOR DEBATE |
| Our Lady Of Martyrs Catholic Church: | CATHOLIC DOGS GO TO HEAVEN PRESBYTERIAN DOGS CAN TALK TO THEIR PASTOR |
| Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church: | CONVERTING TO CATHOLOCISM DOES NOT MAGICALLY GRANT YOUR DOG A SOUL |
| Our Lady Of Martyrs Catholic Church: | FREE DOG SOULS WITH CONVERSION |
| Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church: | DOGS ARE ANIMALS THERE AREN’T ANY ROCKS IN HEAVEN EITHER |
| Our Lady Of Martyrs Catholic Church: | ALL ROCKS GO TO HEAVEN |
At first glance it seemed like a charming and harmless little disagreement, the type of which you might have encountered on an episode of The Vicar Of Dibley
The photos themselves seem realistic enough — there’s little doubt that we’re looking at pictures of real church signs. But if the signs themselves look real, it turns out that the words on them aren’t.
The detail that made me suspicious at first was the fact that the pictures of each sign appear to have been taken from exactly the same position in all of the frames.
In an of itself, this detail alone would be hard to pull off without some very careful setting up. Even a slight difference between a picture of one sign and the next picture of that sign would potentially stand out.
Not only that, but the pictures also appear to have been taken at the exact same time of day with, in the case of Our Lady of Martyrs Catholic Church, the exact same cars in the background, on the left, in every picture!
So, we can be reasonably certain, just on these details alone, that the images have been faked. It’s much more likely that the same images are being used for each message. However, to make absolutely certain, we head to the intertubes!
One quick Google search later and the top result returned is a site called “Church Sign Generator“. [1]
As it happens, this is a novelty web site that allows visitors to create their own messages on a variety of ’stock image’ church signs — including images of the signs outside Our Lady of Martyrs and Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Normally the Church Sign Generator web site stamps the images it creates with its web address, but whoever was responsible for the “All Dogs Go To Heaven” strip also covered his or her tracks by removing this clue.
Conclusion
Pretty much an open-and-shut case. Someone discovered the Church Sign Generator web site, created an amusing disagreement between two churches on the matter of dogs and rocks and whether or not they can get into heaven, and an Internet Meme was born!
It’s worth mentioning that we could have attacked this particular project from at least one other direction. If we had been able to establish that Our Lady of Martyrs and Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Church don’t belong to the same community, then the likelihood of a public disagreement of this nature — where claims are being made back and forth — would probably be very slim.
And there you have it! Personally, I don’t know if dogs do go to heaven or not, but I do believe one thing I’ve seen printed on a (fake) church sign:
Footnotes:
| 1. | You can view a PDF screengrab here, in case the site itself is ever taken offline. |
| Return |
October 7th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Thank you. I noticed, too, that the cars on the left never changed, nor did the leaves blow in the trees or the grass move an inch. I also noticed the same framing, the same time of day, etc. I went so as to search the internet to see if these two churches are indeed across the street from one another when I ran across this blog. Too cool, thanks for putting the debate to rest for me.
Great detective work!
October 16th, 2008 at 11:56 am
You are probably right concerning the sign.
For the ‘question’ posed in the sign refer the book HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn.
October 16th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I THINK THAT IF YOU DON’T LIKE DOGS THAT’S OK, BUT COMPARE A DOG TO A ROCK IS UNCONCEIVABLE.ANY LIVING THING HAS AN ENTITY AND GOD MADE IT WITH A PURPOSE. SO I DO BELIEVE THAT ALSO DOGS CAN GO TO HEAVEN TOO BECAUSE THEY USUALLY GIVE JOY AND SUPPORT TO ITS OWNER NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS .
October 16th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Hi Mysti — you’re very welcome! Thanks for the positive feedback, it’s always appreciated!
October 17th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Nelson,…just for noting, comparing a rock to a dog maybe offensive to you because we see animals as “best friends” and playful kid-like frisbee catchers, and I love animals as well, have had many dogs all my life…but with rocks, we see them as something we sit/walk on. In that relation, I understand your offense.
However, I think the comparison above (even though a funny joke) is not about emotional/social ties, but the fact that both dogs and rocks don’t have souls. That’s all that was being compared.
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:45 pm
It is easily recognizable as a fraud because the shadows of the trees are exactly alike in each frame.
Now to answer the theological question from the source book:
Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
We also know the Lion will lay down with the lamb and the children will play at the snakes den.
I haven’t looked into the rocks-sorry
October 24th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Pastor Jack
You left out a very important verse that specifically refers to beasts
Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 (KJV)
I said in my heart concerning the estates of the sons of men, that, God might manifest themand that they might see me that they themselves are beasts.
For that which befalleththe sons of men befalleth the beasts: even one thing befalleth them: As the one dieth so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so a man has no preeminence above a beast; for all is vanity.
All go unto one place: all are of the dust and all turn to dust again.
We won’t have to worry about the rocks . At the time the lion will lay with the lamb that will be the time the Lor Jesus will dwell among men on the new earth.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Pastor Jack
You left out a very important verse that specifically refers to beasts
Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 (KJV)
I said in my heart concerning the estates of the sons of men, that, God might manifest themand that they might see me that they themselves are beasts.
For that which befalleththe sons of men befalleth the beasts: even one thing befalleth them: As the one dieth so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so a man has no preeminence above a beast; for all is vanity.
All go unto one place: all are of the dust and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man goeth upward and if the spirit of the beast goeth downward to the earth?
We won’t have to worry about the rocks . At the time the lion will lay with the lamb that will be the time the Lor Jesus will dwell among men on the new earth.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Having had several cats in my lifetime, I know they have spirits given them by God, and those spirits will not die. So I recently wrote an essay on Why Your Pets Will Go to Heaven, basing my argument on the Scriptures (Gn 1:31, Col. 1:16-17, Ps. 104:30, Rom 8:32, etc.) . So I’m sorry to see this was a hoax! But I’m grateful to the Pastor for his comments, which bolster my case.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
What is Jesus and the riders in the book of Revelation coming back on if there are no animals in Heaven. If I recall correctly they are coming back on you guessed it HORSES. It would not even surprise me if He even has a stable and who knows even other animals.
April 1st, 2009 at 11:07 am
Thank you so much for clearing this up. Satan is very busy destroying the work of God throughout the Christian community. I will pray for all churches everywhere to be united with Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Forgiver of Sins and the Only way to heaven.
Thank You Again
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
Matthew 16.18: And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. (NRSV)
So, at least some rocks do go to heaven; or, if they don’t, we are all in big trouble . . .
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:44 pm
I would love the idea that our pets go to heaven, too … but I have read the verses that have been mentioned here in the last several posts, and from those scriptures I can find no more hope than I already had that it would be so. Most of them simply refer to God being the Creator of all living things or something very similar. As it relates to this particular discussion, so what? Yes, He is Lord over all Creation and gave all creatures “the breath of life” … that does NOT mean He gave those any creatures other than humans a soul. I’m not saying He didn’t, I’m not saying He did, all I’m saying is that the aforementioned verses do nothing to prove that He did. Please stop trying to twist verses into pretzels in order to get them to say what you WANT them to say!
May 4th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Someone needs to take an entry level biology class if having a soul depends on whether or not one is an animal. Humans are animals and I don’t think even God would dispute that.
May 20th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I, too, thought the email was hilarious. Thanks for researching veracity. And for the record – all dogs DO go to heaven. I cannot imagine a heaven that doesn’t include animals. Scripture says “My mansion has many rooms…” Perhaps one room is reserved for our animals? I like to think so.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I just recently got this email about All Dogs Go To Heaven—and thought I would look to see what has been said about it. I am grateful for the biblical passages mentioned here concerning the beasts and where they go when they die. I had been in this discussion before, with another truck driver (I am a truck driver) as I believe that all animals go to heaven. I really upset that driver. He was studying to be a minister, and does not believe that animals have a soul. I happen to believe they do. God created everything with 3 elements, and I believe all creatures were created with a body, a soul, and spirit and of course blood is our life line. The Bible was meant for sinful man—and that is why the Bible is not specifically clear as to the animals. The animals do not sin–the Bible is clear on who was born with sin—man–humans. We are the ones who need the Bible for guidance and teachings etc. Animals only kill for their food. They do not over-kill, they do not kill for pleasure, and they do not kill out of hatred or anger. Any one who can read and understand the Bible, should be clearly able to see and understand, and know that the Bible is meant for sinful humans. And just cause it isn’t in the Bible, does not mean that something does not happen or occur. Thank you for listening to my thoughts and comments. Charlene
May 26th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
My faithful and loving companion of 15 years died this weekend, and personally I don’t want to go to Heaven if my dog isn’t waiting there for me. He was unfailingly good-natured and selfless, and more deserving of reward in the afterlife than a lot of humans that I know.
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
[...] you want to see the full series of signs and what appears to be true about them, check here. [...]
June 3rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
above my pay grade. I’ll let God decide.
June 5th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Here is the answer from Bro. William Branham:
Someone said, “There’s no animals in heaven.” Now, that’s just all you know about the Bible. Where is them horses that come down and took Elijah up? Where’s that horse that the Son of God come and riding on a white charger, dipped in Blood? When’s the wolf and lamb going to feed together, and the ox and the lion eat straw together? Where’s that going be at? See? If there isn’t there? Sure, they’re there. God loses nothing. Certainly, they’ll be there.
June 8th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I talk with my Lord Jesus Christ every day … he has assured me that my faithful one and only true friend, Tiger, will be with me in Heaven …. I will die believing and trusting in the Lord to see that His promise is fulfilled …. hoping Tiger and I can pass together to meet our Saviour !! Thank you Jesus … we love you now, always have and always will …. despite what false prophets try to make us believe … get thee behind me Satan !!
June 14th, 2009 at 6:49 am
In response to JB, read Genesis 1: 29-30. (King James) If you do a study on the phrase “wherein there is life”, you will find that it translates to “a living soul”. Oh how arrogant human beings are!
July 7th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
As a Catholic growing up in Chicago, I went to St. Anne’s. When I was 6 and our dog died, I lit a candle for her. Our deacon asked what I was doing, I told him, and he was affronted that I would expect a mere dog to be in heaven, that “man was created in God’s likeness” and that heaven was available only to “man”. Being a good little catholic schoolgirl I figured that if she wasn’t in heaven, that she was in hell, I solemly advised him that when I died, I wanted to go to hell to be with my dog… Our Pastor, Father Schreiber passed by and heard a 6-year-old who wanted to go to hell… He hurried up to us (I remember being intimidated) and asked what was going on, our deacon described our conversation. I remember his reaction very well – it has stayed with me for over 30 years: “April? Do you understand that you are going to school to learn the ways of the world so that you will be prepared to be an adult?” (I nodded yes) “Well, Deacon … here is studying to be a priest, and he hasn’t finished yet. Just like you haven’t learned math or science, he hasn’t learned that all of God’s creatures go to heaven. Your dog is waiting for you with God, and both will see you many many years from now.”
That’s as much as I know. It’s always been good enough for me.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
It was really funny and I forwardered. Sorry, it’s not true.
We Presbyterians do have a sense of humour.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
I am so glad this a hoax, I am a dog person and believe my dog has a soul along with personality! As I do believe god loved animals too, if he did not he could have picked and choosen which ones not to put on the ark! Take that to whomever took the time to make these crazy signs!