One of my favorite theories and the premise of his best selling book Sapiens, Yuval Harari supposes it's our ability to tell and believe in fiction. Other animals have cultures and language. Monkey's can communicate with one another to say hey look out! there's a lion prowling or a falcon circling over head. What they don't have is the ability to suggest that there is a lion in our wardrobe, he is our lord and savior and that we should worship him.
In your opinion, are all animals self-aware?
In your opinion, are all persons human beings?
Lost me there.
How many genes do all animals share. What teh difference between humans and other animals -- gene wise?
You have doubts about that?
Bonobos, certainly. Sponges, probably not. There is a line somewhere but I don't know where it is.
Lost you where?
according to evolution we are sponges,, or at least descendants of sponges
No, according to evolution, we share a common ancestor with today's sponges. Not quite the same thing.
thats what I said,,
Sponges are animals? I ask because I'm not sure if your dealing with animals or life itself.
That's excellent. Agree.
Yes. Plus, we are in a position to give to and to serve others. God is glorious. It's part of our own nature to want to share what is good about ourselves with others. God is glory, and I see in him (as made in his image) the desire to share and to give that glory to us.
Which begs the question, "What is the purpose of this "clump of cells?" If there is no purpose, then there is no reason to be the best we can be.
God is complete within himself. Also, he has angels, who are pure spirit. It may have more to do with God's nature, which is pure love. He created us out of love...what is it about us that is lovable? Did God create us to teach how to love as he loves? If so, how are we doing?
Not to the extent that humans can. My chinchillas are fascinating little rodents. If I give one a treat, s/he will immediately accept it and run off to eat it in private. Sharing never crosses that little rodent mind. On the other hand, I often wonder if there isn't some semblance of politeness in running off, so as not to brag they have something another doesn't. One day, the male had to go to the vet. It wasn't a pleasant experienced, and when I brought him home, he huddled in a corner of the cage. The female went over to sniff him, then ran off to the other side of the cage. She dragged one of the hay feedbags over to him.
I do like Richard Bach's assessment as to why we are here. To him (and without dismissing God) it all boils down to two things:Why God chose me to be here I don't have a clue. (But it's on my list of questions I hope to take to heaven with me.
