A Dog’s Purpose

Sequel: “A Dog's Journey” (2019)

“A Dog’s Purpose” opens with the thoughts of a newborn puppy as he asks the very profound question, “What is the meaning to life?” This is a question he will ask himself several times throughout the movie, as we follow him through life and death, and then life again, because, you see, soon after he closes his eyes for the last time in one life, he finds himself opening them at the beginning of another one, as a new dog. Josh Gad (“Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast” 2017) is not only the canine voice of the main character, but of the film itself, since it is told entirely from the dog’s point of view.

The year is 1962, and 12-year old Ethan (Bryce Gheisar) and his mom rescue a puppy they find dying of thirst in a locked car. Soon, as an adopted member of the family, we get a first-hand look into how life appears, as seen through the eyes of the family pet. Always innocent and simplistic in his observations, he ultimately looks to brighten the lives of those around him, and, for the most part, he succeeds.

Although the dog will also experience life as a brave K9 police dog, the lovable tiny companion to a lonely college girl, and the big neglected watchdog to a poor couple, he will remember his most meaningful experience as the time he spent belonging to the boy Ethan. A film intended for families, however, there are elements that are, surprisingly, not for all audiences.

Objectionable Content

Language: The Lord’s name is taken in vain twice, once whispered by the mother, when they find the trapped puppy (“Oh G*d”) and later when someone exclaims, “Oh my G*d,” but no other swear words are said. The tone of the language can be harsh at times, for example, when Bailey messes up the dad’s home office and the dad yells repeatedly at Ethan to clean it up, or when later one of Ethan’s high school teammates mocks his dad in order to provoke Ethan. There are also a few scenes of Ethan’s dad and mom verbally fighting in the background, and, one time, it gets a little rough, and Ethan yells accusingly at his dad, which small children will find disturbing.

Violence: There is a scene of Ethan as a high schooler punching a teammate, his dad shoving his mom aside too hard, a kidnapping, a young girl falling into a reservoir and almost drowning, and a graphic scene where a central character is shot and a lot of blood is shown. A house is set on fire, and someone gets badly injured as a result. A veterinarian euthanizes a dog and, although this, as well as his other deaths, are tastefully depicted by the closing of the dog’s eyes as he goes to “sleep,” this may require some uncomfortable explanations for parents of younger children.

Sex/Nudity: There is brief kissing between Ethan (K.J. Apa) and his high school girlfriend Hannah (Britt Robertson), and, later, by others, as well. One scene shows a young couple in swimsuits about to jump into a lake.

Alcohol is in the background of a few key scenes, but the film does a good job of portraying its abuse in a bad light. The characters that are shown drinking to excess, bring trouble and grief to themselves and those around them, just as God told us it would (Romans 13:13).

Lessons

For a film that, on the face of it, is only looking at the meaning of life from a dog’s point of view, it also relates a bird’s eye view of some of man’s very real struggles and issues. Fortunately, all our answers can be found in the Word of God, including those questions focused on herem especially reincarnation, alcoholism (see prior section), and self-sacrifice.

Reincarnation of the soul: The adventures of a loving dog getting to return after death promotes an idea that goes solidly against what God has taught us in His Word, namely that we have but one life.

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” —Hebrews 9:27

Additionally, in the parable of the rich man and the poor beggar Lazarus, Jesus teaches us that upon death both the saved and unsaved receive their just rewards (Luke 16:22-23).

There is no other conclusion from Scripture, and to even entertain the idea of reincarnation is an offense to God and a disservice to the young and impressionable minds that we will be held accountable for (Matthew 18:6). Speaking of those young minds, this concept is bound to cause more questions than comfort for any children that see this film and have already lost a dog or cat, and who now may be in anticipation of seeing their beloved pet again, only in a different form.

Sacrifice: Ethan gets a chance to prove his worth when the family is endangered, and he puts everyone else’s safety ahead of his own. God asks no less from any of us.

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” —Philippians 2:3-4

Despite some fine performances by the main characters, the film frankly comes off as a lackluster effort wrapped within a narrative sparingly told. Director Lasse Hallström (“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”—2009) assumes audiences will use their imagination to fill in missing plot and character motivations, perhaps because that’s exactly the way dogs see life—a minimalist approach that will have some audience appeal, but may also serve as a reminder that so many truly live their lives on a dog’s level, seeing the world as though it exists for them alone, and that the whole point of life is to have fun in the here and now. A fine lesson for a dog, but a poor one for the rest of us.

“A Dog’s Purpose” is often a somber, and, at times, distressing tale. A family film that is not lighthearted enough for its intended audience, children, and as for the rest of us, may just be too long a ride for the emotional payoff at the end. This, in addition to the reincarnation angle, is why I cannot recommend this film.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Mild / Sex/Nudity: Mild

Editor’s Note: Be aware that, sadly, some viewers of this fictional film—and reader’s of the novel on which it is based—have apparently become believers in REINCARNATION…

• “Now that I’ve read this book, I believe [my dog] Bo's soul had been around a long time.”
• “This movie reaffirms my suspicions that my first dog Soupy has been reincarnated into my current pooch, also Soupy. …my heart and mind fully believes Soupy is my forever dog, even though her physical body cannot withstand longer than 15 years.”
• “This…tale is told by a spiritual guide dog who teaches us… Bailey the dog knows the profound truths: there is no death…”

Based on the Bible, it is certain that reincarnation is a deadly lie; eternity awaits the human soul after death.

There is a real Paradise with God for the repentant believer—and a real Hell for those who reject His offer of salvation. God judges who will ultimately go to each after their death at the Final Judgment. The Satanic fraud of reincarnation (cyclic existence, transmigration of souls, past and future lives) has deceived millions of people, including Buddhists, Hindus, Jainists, Sikhs, Rosicrucians, Kabbalahists, and more.

Instead of believing the truth about Creation in Paradise, the truth about man’s fall to sin the entrance of death into the world, and the truth about God’s plan of salvation, people foolishly accept a COUNTERFEIT—and reject the Creator’s gracious gift of eternal salvation. The result will be eternal death.

Will your dog (or other pet) be in Heaven? If you are concerned and are regenerated in Christ, be encouraged. Although animals have no eternal souls, if in Paradise you actually yearn for your Earthly pet—it could easily appear. If that happens, it will be due to a loving miracle of God on your behalf, or an ability that God provides you in eternity—and not the result of reincarnation or evidence of an animal soul. WITH GOD, there will be no tears and no death.

“…He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain…” —Revelation 21:4 NASB

► REINCARNATION—Learn more about what the Bible says

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