Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | Sir Pent | 20063 | ||
Clarification, Scripture ....................... Dear Lionstrong, I do not think that we actually disagree with each other on this matter. Instead, I think that we are talking about two different things. You are talking about a spiritual rationality and I am speaking of a physical rationality. I assume that we both agree that both of these exist. The Bible clearly seperates Godly wisdom from earthly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:19-21). It also talks about how one could "see without seeing" and "hear without understanding" (Matthew 13:13). It seems clear that human reason and spiritual understanding are two distinct abilities. You seem to be making the case that only humans (due to being in the image of God) have the ability to have "spiritual understanding". I agree completely. I am making the case that animals and humans both have the ability to have earthly "reasoning" (as defined in the dictionary). I think that you would agree as well. I would mention that even in this kind of rationality, there is a matter of degree (1 Corinthians 13:11), and a human has much greater reasoning than an animal. |
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2 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | Lionstrong | 20110 | ||
No, Dear Sir Pent, I think we actually disagree. I do not accept your distinction of spiritual and physical rationality. There's no such thing. Animals are non-rational (physical or otherwise). Fallen man is rational, only he uses his reason to "suppress the truth in unrighteousness," which has resulted in further darkening of his understanding (Rom. 1:18, 21) Weren't the verses I presented on the non-rationality of animals sufficient? Why do you believe that animals can think? What's your Scripture? Peace, Lionstrong |
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3 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | Sir Pent | 20113 | ||
Contrary View, Scripture ....................... Dear Lionstrong, Matthew 10:16 is a passage where Jesus, Himself instructs His disciples to be "shrewd as snakes" or "wise as serpents". Using these words according to their standard definitions (in the dictionary), this is saying that animals can think. Shrewd is defined as clever, which is defined as smart, which is defined as intellegent, which is defined as the ability to learn. 99 percent of people ages 5 and up would say that these are all synonomous with "thinking" and being "rational". I assume you must be using the word "rational" with some specific meaning that it ordinarily doesn't have. Perhaps if you explain how you define the word, it would help us to proceed. I don't want to be rude, but I am truly confused by your ideas on this issue. |
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4 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | Lionstrong | 20119 | ||
"...And all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Isa 55:12 Dear Sir Pent, I referenced that verse (Mat 10:16) in my first post and gave my opinion. Please review it and give me your thoughts. But I think the real issue is what is man. If one agrees that what sets man apart from the animal is the image of God, AND that the image of God is rationality, then the issue of animal rationallity would be settled. My post was to make that issue explicit. Animals are not the image of God and are therefore not rational. This is in contrast to what our culture wants us to believe, namely, that there is no qualitative difference between man, machine, and animal. So, if you're not convinced by the clear and explicit Scripture I quoted about the non-rationality of animals, then we must go to the threads (or start our own) which discuss the image of God. So, Sir Pent, do you agree that it is the image of God that sets man apart from the animal? Peace, Lionstrong |
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5 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | Sir Pent | 20341 | ||
Contrary View, logic ............................ Dear Lionstrong, Yes, I agree that the image of God is uniquely given to humans and not to animals. However, I disagree that "the image of God is rationality." Rationality is merely the ability to think, or to process information in an orderly manner. This ability is not limited to humanity, for animals obviously do this. The image of God is much greater and all-encompassing than just pertaining to our brains. |
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6 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | Lionstrong | 20451 | ||
Animals obviously do not think, Sir Pent. For if they did we'd be in trouble! At least I wouldn't wearing leather shoes! | ||||||