Often when we talk about what it is that makes us human, we talk about how we are different than other animals. We talk about upright posture, language, culture, self transcendence and so on. Our concern seems to be to articulate and establish our distance from animals. Theologically speaking what makes us human, what makes us distinct is our responsibility for creation as bearers of God’s image and not whatever way we might be different than other animals.
It is interesting when God uses images and metaphors to describe God’s own self, God and the Biblical writers don’t have any problem comparing God to various animals.
Eagle
Bear
Lamb
Hen
God is even compared to plants and rocks. Apparently it doesn’t bother God to have some things, some attributes, in common with animals and even plants and rocks.God isn’t threatened or diminished by naming common ground with the animal world.
God appears to be perfectly comfortable saying, I have some characteristics in common with bears, and eagles, and lambs and even chickens.If God isn’t afraid to embrace a connection with the animal world, why are we?
Being part of the long process of evolution, sharing genetic material, sharing abilities and traits with the rest of the animal world simply doesn’t diminish us. It does connect us in deep and wonderful ways. That animals make tools, teach their young, make lifelong friendships, play, mourn, and reason is a wonderful witness to the amazing creativity of God.
We don’t need to separate ourselves from the animal world. We can embrace our connection with other living creatures who are, like us, created and loved by God. We won’t be diminished. Our exploration of the interconnections in the animal world can be a way to enter into the creative mystery of God. It can be a pathway into a deeper relationship with God and the world where God continues to create and care and love.
Conversation in Faith 
Very nice. Touches long held beliefs.
On Sat, Jul 2, 2016 at 8:01 PM, Conversation in Faith Weblog wrote:
> Nancy posted: “Often when we talk about what it is that makes us human, we > talk about how we are different than other animals. We talk about upright > posture, language, culture, self transcendence and so on. Our concern seems > to be to articulate and establish our distanc” >
Thanks
Native peoples around the world had a very deep spiritual relationship with animals and their creator. Many native people included animals with their creation stories that they passed down thru their children generation to generation. It seems that the more educated societies become the more that they distance themselves from the things that they were taught as children. I’m afraid that becoming “civilized” was the downfall of a great many peoples.