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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: James 3:7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. Yes, I was aware of Koko and Pavlov, Sir Pent: Koko's amazing display of gorilla intelligence does not, however, prove that she has rational thought processes. It is an attestation to her trainers' skill and patience. But Koko will never sign (pun intended) her memoirs at the end of her life. If fact, not being rational, she'll have no appreciation for her personal history or of her coming death. Animals, while they have an instinctive terror of being hurt, have no fear of death or non-being. This is a quality which only rational creatures have (Matt 8:29 And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?") I read your post under my answer to Charis. No, you do not see. My evangelist friend was using “personal” in the sense that we’ve been using rational. Again, Sir Pent, we DO disagree. It is not a problem of terminology. And one last point: Jesus calling the serpent shrewd (Mat. 10:16) is an anthropopathism, which is what animal lovers do all the time! I’ve enjoyed our exchange, but I think we’ve reached an impasse. Maybe when I can make my case stronger (or yours weaker!) we’ll come back to this. Peace, Lionstrong |