If you believe God interacted with mankind (Jesus, prophets, books, etc), do you believe God interacted with any other species? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not?
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Has God Introduced Himself to Other Species
- Thread starter The Sum of Awe
- Start date
As far as we know only humans have evolved mentally to the point of concerning themselves with such abstract concepts.
Levite
Higher and Higher
Hard to imagine how God would interact on any particularly meaningful level with non-aware or non-rational species-- most animals, in other words. Cetaceans, maybe-- that wouldn't surprise me. And, of course, I presume there are other aware, intelligent, reasoning species on other planets: I would presume God interacts with them.
Seems pretty silly to assume that the Creator of the entire universe is only interested in the intelligent beings on one specific little planet. And if Cetaceans are of comparable intelligence to us, which seems like at least a fair possibility, no reason to think God would ignore them....
Conceivia
Working to save mankind
Only difference between humans and animals, is we humans over complicate our lives, to the point of loosing all understanding.
The Bible gives us laws on the treatment of animals, which tells us that God cares about animals, that they are treated humanely.
Can't give any real evidence of God interacting with them though, but I believe God does interact with them.
Hard to imagine God interacting with people on a meaningful level too, since we humans are in comparison to God, every bit as non-aware and non-rational as animals. We are so far below God in intelligence level.
Tony
The Bible gives us laws on the treatment of animals, which tells us that God cares about animals, that they are treated humanely.
Can't give any real evidence of God interacting with them though, but I believe God does interact with them.
Hard to imagine God interacting with people on a meaningful level too, since we humans are in comparison to God, every bit as non-aware and non-rational as animals. We are so far below God in intelligence level.
Tony
What's the problem? If God did create life, it seems pretty reasonable to assume he would love them like he loves us
Well.... there are plenty of differences. Humans are very unique.
For example; we are the only species to create clothes, make fire, land on the moon, control energy, are global, have flying machines, languages... etc
arthra
Baha'i
Sum of awe has raised a good question:
"....do you believe God interacted with any other species? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not?"
In the Baha'i Writings the topic of intelligent life in the universe is discussed... Here are some excerpts from the Writings:
"...[T]he universe is not limited to this terrestrial globe." (SAQ 152)
"...t cannot be said there was a time when man was not." (SAQ 196)
"...t cannot be imagined that the worlds of existence, whether the stars or this earth...were without man!" (SAQ 197)
The designations above "SAQ" refer to a book "Some Answered Questions" in which Abdul-Baha answered questions. He spoke in Farsi which is heavily influenced by Arabic. It sounds almost like He's suggesting "man" as a specie..but I think it is a broader reference than simply "man" as we know or understand human beings today.. I believe "man" in the sense He used it refers to sentient beings as
In another reference He says "man" has not always appeared as He does today...
Shoghi Effendi the grandson of Abdul-Baha also discussed a reference by Baha'u'llah to creatures .. on other worlds:
"Regarding the passage on p. 163 of the 'Gleanings'; the creatures which Bahá'u'lláh states to be found in every planet cannot be considered to be necessarily similar or different from human beings on this earth. Bahá'u'lláh does not specifically state whether such creatures are like or unlike us. He simply refers to the fact that there are creatures in every planet. It remains for science to discover one day the exact nature of these creatures." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 9, 1937) (Lights of Guidance 478)
One of the very basic Baha'i beliefs is that God does not leave man alone without Divine Guidance and so just as God has sent His Messengers and Prophets to humanity in this world He would likewise send His Messengers to "people" on other worlds.
Abdul-Baha further said:
"...[T]here have been many holy Manifestations of God. One thousand years ago, two hundred thousand years ago, one million years ago, the bounty of God was flowing, the radiance of God was shining, the dominion of God was existing." (Promulgation of Universal Peace, 463)
"....do you believe God interacted with any other species? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not?"
In the Baha'i Writings the topic of intelligent life in the universe is discussed... Here are some excerpts from the Writings:
"...[T]he universe is not limited to this terrestrial globe." (SAQ 152)
"...t cannot be said there was a time when man was not." (SAQ 196)
"...t cannot be imagined that the worlds of existence, whether the stars or this earth...were without man!" (SAQ 197)
The designations above "SAQ" refer to a book "Some Answered Questions" in which Abdul-Baha answered questions. He spoke in Farsi which is heavily influenced by Arabic. It sounds almost like He's suggesting "man" as a specie..but I think it is a broader reference than simply "man" as we know or understand human beings today.. I believe "man" in the sense He used it refers to sentient beings as
In another reference He says "man" has not always appeared as He does today...
Shoghi Effendi the grandson of Abdul-Baha also discussed a reference by Baha'u'llah to creatures .. on other worlds:
"Regarding the passage on p. 163 of the 'Gleanings'; the creatures which Bahá'u'lláh states to be found in every planet cannot be considered to be necessarily similar or different from human beings on this earth. Bahá'u'lláh does not specifically state whether such creatures are like or unlike us. He simply refers to the fact that there are creatures in every planet. It remains for science to discover one day the exact nature of these creatures." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 9, 1937) (Lights of Guidance 478)
One of the very basic Baha'i beliefs is that God does not leave man alone without Divine Guidance and so just as God has sent His Messengers and Prophets to humanity in this world He would likewise send His Messengers to "people" on other worlds.
Abdul-Baha further said:
"...[T]here have been many holy Manifestations of God. One thousand years ago, two hundred thousand years ago, one million years ago, the bounty of God was flowing, the radiance of God was shining, the dominion of God was existing." (Promulgation of Universal Peace, 463)
Pegg
Jehovah our God is One
no, i dont believe so.
Animals are not made in Gods image therefore cannot comprehend things of a spiritual nature. God did not say he created them in his image, so there is no reason to assume they are.
Kolibri
Well-Known Member
hindupridemn
Defender of the Truth
Only human arrogance defines humans as separate from (other) animals.
Siberian brown bears have been observed performing behaviors similar to "ritual". Gorillas dance. At least all mammals, and many birds, have been proven to have emotions. All animals are capable of learning, and therefore thought. Some experiments show even bacteria with identical DNA behaving in different ways to the exact same stimula just seconds after creation, suggesting "personality". So, yes, I do believe God interacts with all forms of life, and at least tries to interact with every individual of every species on every planet (if they are willing to interact with God).
Siberian brown bears have been observed performing behaviors similar to "ritual". Gorillas dance. At least all mammals, and many birds, have been proven to have emotions. All animals are capable of learning, and therefore thought. Some experiments show even bacteria with identical DNA behaving in different ways to the exact same stimula just seconds after creation, suggesting "personality". So, yes, I do believe God interacts with all forms of life, and at least tries to interact with every individual of every species on every planet (if they are willing to interact with God).
Salvador
RF's Swedenborgian
Yes, God did some sort of Jedi mind trick to control the minds of "soulless" animals so that they would go to Adam where they could be named by Adam in the Garden of Eden. Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals...." - ( Genesis 2:19-20 )
hispanicmormon
Member
There are psychics who believe that dolphins are psychic and that there are Christian dolphins in this world. Supposedly, dolphins have received revelation from God. Dolphins are very smart.
But I don't doubt that God could reveal himself to a dog or a cat, which are not as smart as humans.
But I don't doubt that God could reveal himself to a dog or a cat, which are not as smart as humans.
I don't see why He wouldn't. Animals are known to have spiritual experiences and they're His children, too. They also have souls and go to Heaven, from what I believe. They're the not ones who are guilty of the Fall but they're stuck in this screwed up realm with us. We owe them a huge apology.
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Tumah
Veteran Member
I don't think interaction is the right word. Animals do not have free will and by extension do not need to be shielded from Divine Awareness. Look at Num. 22:23, 31. Notice that Balaam's donkey doesn't need to have its eyes opened like Balaam himself does.
anotherglenda
Member
I agree. Scripture tells us about God creating all life forms and calling them 'good'
God holds life forms accountable for their behaviour, whether human or creature.
Gen 9:5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.
God was organising to kill a wicked human while saving a righteous donkey according to Num 22:33 And the *** saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
God intends both man and creatures to rest on sabbath EX 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
God interacts with humans and with animals, usually using humans to care for domestic animals and fellow humans, but using natural provision for untamed creatures
Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
LK 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Humans have the highest responsibility for caring for the earth, since that was the task God entrusted us with. We must not destroy or make this earth uninhabitable for God's creation.
metis
aged ecumenical anthropologist
True. Domesticated dogs will do things like fetch a stick you've thrown whereas a coyote or wolf won't. If you point, your dog will follow where your finger points, but neither a wolf or coyote will.