Original: http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/1170.asp



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Differences between humans and animals

     by Andrew Lansdown



     first published in:

     Creation Ex Nihilo 17(4):45

     September-November 1995



  On the lighter side, are there really any differences between us and

the inhabitants of farms and zoos? 



'No single, essential difference separates human beings from other

animals.' So began a feature article on evolution in TIME magazine ('How

Man Began', March 14, 1994). The more I thought about this sweeping

statement the more I began to warm to it. 



For example, like humans, apes have well formed rational faculties.

Their ability to develop an argument, follow a line of logic, draw

conclusions and frame hypotheses is quite remarkable. 



Also like humans, apes have a marked faculty for language. (This, of

course, is intertwined with their powers of reason.) Their vocabulary is

enormous, their grammar complex, and their conversations deep and

meaningful. 



The apes' ability to codify language in writing is further proof of

their close relationship to humans. In this respect, it was most

gratifying to see the number of apes who wrote to TIME magazine in

response to the article on 'How Man Began'. I was particularly

interested to follow the line of reasoning of the orangutan who argued

that apes had evolved from humans, not vice versa. 



Like humans, apes also have a strong spirit of inquiry. Their research

in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, medicine and physics is

noteworthy. 



Apes also (again, like humans) yearn for meaning in life. This is why

they devote so much of their time to philosophy, theology and ethics.

The religious sentiments and practices of all apes can be traced back to

their intense and endless quest for meaning. 



Apes are concerned about questions not only of origin but also of

destiny. The best proof I can offer for this claim is the maxim by one

famous ape philosopher who said, 'Whether my life leads ultimately to

the dirt or to the Judgment, either way, I've got a problem.' 



Apes also have, like humans, a refined aesthetic sense. They admire

beauty and long to surround themselves with it. When an ape cultivates a

garden, puts flowers in a vase, or hangs up a painting, what is it doing

if not expressing a love of beauty? 



Again like humans, apes have a strong creative impulse. This is seen in

their poetry, painting, dance, drama and music. To a lesser extent their

creativity is also evident in the way they gather in weekly craft groups

to weave baskets, spin wool, knit shawls, and cover photo albums. 



The sense of humour shared by all apes is another proof of their close

kinship to humans. Their delight in the ridiculous and their love of a

good laugh is plain from the popular ape jokes they tell. 



Reason, language, inquiry, wonder, longing, religion, morality,

aesthetics, creativity, imagination, aspiration and humour . . . such

intangible but fundamental qualities are by no means unique to humans,

as I hope I have conclusively shown. Therefore, in the profound words of

TIME magazine: 'No single, essential difference separates human beings

from other animals'. 



This being the case, Christians are plainly wrong to insist that humans

and animals are vastly different. And they are also obviously wrong to

insist that this difference arises from the fact that God created us

humans in His own likeness. And if they are wrong to insist that God

made us in His own likeness, then they are wrong to insist that God has

any claim on us. 



Furthermore, if God has no claim on us, then we are free--free to be

animals like our evolutionary ancestors--free to be as low-down as

snakes, and to make pigs of ourselves, and to act like donkeys. 



Did I say 'free'? 



Hiss! Oink! Heehaw! 





  ANDREW LANSDOWN, B.A., B.A. (Hons), Dip. Ed., is a writer, teacher and

pastor He is well known for his  articles on social and spiritual

issues, and for his poetry and fiction. 

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I'm just reading trough a bulk of similar texts. Anything I agree with,

is quality and on topic will be forwarded to here.



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