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NASB | Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the LORD God had made. And the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, "Can it really be that God has said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" [Rev 12:9-11] |
Subject: Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational |
Bible Note: Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! I have enjoyed going over this thread. If I may, I would like to put forth a few thoughts. As an animal lover, and one who is known to be 'good with animals,' I must say that it is true that animals in general (and pets in particular!) seem to have thought processes higher than 'non-rational' beasts. Indeed, their ability to learn (conditioned response) goes beyond stupid. However, by only arguing about the term 'rational,' we do not get to the point. I have been teaching children for 25 years. One of the mains thing that shows that a child is no longer an 'infant' is that (hopefully) pre-kindergarten 'leap' of reasoning. This the difference between men and animals. In our school, we have to teach the parents how to teach their children to make this leap. That is, the ability to hear, accept, and perform three distinct commands. (in these days, 'requests' :-)) Example: Find your sister, tell her to start the dishwasher, then bring me a cup of water. This is amazingly complex, and impossible with animals. (and not because of the lack of voice or hands!) If you watch a sheepdog do its work, it is fantastic! But...it is all conditioned response, and obedience to various commands, voice, hand signals and body language. It does not involve reasoning. There is definitely something different about man. Let's not argue about terminology! :-) Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |