what do christians believe happens to animals when they die?

[I am an atheist who was in 2 major christian denominations for about 34 years of my life - and I know the bible better than most theists on YA!]

there is no specific bible chapter and verse which says animals go to heaven. there are verses which seem to suggest they have the same soul/matter nature as the bible says man has..... and some verses which suggest they dont.

generally it comes down to what verses your preacher/chapel/denomination prefers to stress, and which to ignore

remember Christianity is a conglomerate of about 34,000 denominations - and, under that umbrella, you'll find denominations which agree or disagree on almost every point of theology that you care to mention

[edit at Danielle] In genesis both Man and animals are described as 'Nepesh' - this is generally used to represent a 'living soul' - a fusion of body and soul

http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexico...

You dont need to thank the atheist for educating you on your holy book

Many Christians are very fond of dogs, horses and a few other animals, so I see no good reason why God would deny us the pleasure of animals. In heaven and in the renewed Earth, my guess is selected animals will be available to persons who desire them. That does not necessarily mean all animals will be reserected, as that would be excessive due to their short life span. Two Bible verse come to mind. "outer darkness where the worm dieth not" and the lamb and lion shall lie down together and eat straw like an ox.

It is good to remember, though, that the Bible emphasizes the distinction between humans and animals. Humans, not animals, were made ‘in the image and likeness of God.’ (Genesis 1:26) And whereas animals were created with a limited life span, humans had the prospect of living on earth forever. (Genesis 3:22, 23; Psalm 37:29) Jesus Christ said that to enjoy “everlasting life,” we must exercise faith and take in knowledge of God—things that animals are incapable of doing. (John 3:36; 17:3) Moreover, the Bible compares those unworthy of a resurrection to the “unreasoning animals [that are] born naturally to be caught and destroyed.”—2 Peter 2:9-12.

By the way, animals are souls (Genesis 1:20, 24;Leviticus 11:46; and Numbers 31:28.)

To have other questions answered, please review the following link: http://www.jw.org/en/video-why-study-the-bible/

In the bible says they have no spirit, they die and dont resurrect. Its Gods creation to accompany humans and to purpose the eco system on earth as an essential for humans to survive instead.

Read genesis 1:20~29, here explains the purpose for what animals and vegetation was created.

animals go to heaveb too bible