Humans Vs. Any Other Species

[Mock Turtle]

In your personal opinion, are humans more important than, superior to, or better than other species on this planet or any extraterrestrial life that may exist in the universe?

No, but we have advanced more than so many other species in various ways as to such giving us many advantages and perhaps responsibilities. Can't comment on what other life might be out there though.

Why or why not?

Why not? Because all life essentially has a right to live, and even if much of other life predates on other life, I very much doubt it is up to us to fashion rules as to life - even when we seemingly do often take the reins.

What does your religion or philosophy teach about this?

I have no such - apart from live and let live.

 

[MikeF]

I can’t answer for other posters, obviously. But I would prioritise the baby’s life over the puppy’s, because the baby’s life has more value from my human perspective. That doesn’t mean the puppy is of less value in God’s eyes; only God knows the answer to that question, and God, as my old dad would say, ain’t telling. But I am human, so I think as humans think and see as humans see.

I have been curious about how death and dying are view from a religious perspective that holds the existence of heaven or an afterlife. With such beliefs, why would there be any concern if a human died? Won't they be going to a better place, to be embraced in the bossom of their loving god?

From a Christian perspective regarding this particular scenario, would it be better to save the puppy who won't be going to a better place if it drowned?

 

[Quagmire]

@Jayhawker Soule's response reminds me of a question I heard: If you're driving down a narrow street and you young child and an old man simultaneously walk out in front of you, what do you hit?

The brakes.

 

[Bthoth]

In your personal opinion, are humans more important than, superior to, or better than other species on this planet or any extraterrestrial life that may exist in the universe?

Consciousness is the best so far identified.

Why or why not?

Capable of Love and know it

And it's opposing.

What does your religion or philosophy teach about this?

Religions dont really explain what life is.

My philosophy is based on natures processes, to live.

I ground the foundations of good and bad to the very same.

 

[RestlessSoul]

I have been curious about how death and dying are view from a religious perspective that holds the existence of heaven or an afterlife. With such beliefs, why would there be any concern if a human died? Won't they be going to a better place, to be embraced in the bossom of their loving god?

From a Christian perspective regarding this particular scenario, would it be better to save the puppy who won't be going to a better place if it drowned?

I don’t spend much time thinking about the next life; the future can take care of itself. My God is a tangible presence and a support in this life. And the purpose of this life to me, as a Christian in the very loosest sense, is to practice the principles of love and service, here among the living.

 

[Pete in Panama]

I have been curious about how death and dying are view from a religious perspective that holds the existence of heaven or an afterlife. With such beliefs, why would there be any concern if a human died? ...

I don’t spend much time thinking about the next life; the future can take care of itself. My God is a tangible presence and a support in this life...

Many in the atheist/anti-religious group (imho) tend to indulge in a fantasy/strawman existence where they make up what others believe and then they ridicule it. MikeF, please tell me if you consider that there are some "religious" people who are actually seeing things in a way that can be useful to you, and please tell us if you ever ask what their beliefs are w/o pasting on dumb ideas first.

This whole thread appears to be from the anti-religious group. Like why would we say humans are "better/more-important" than animals? Are plants better/more-important than rocks? To me it's a lot more healthy to say that plants are more interesting than rocks and people are a lot more interesting than animals. At the same time we should be able to agree that rocks and animals are still worth studying.

We couldn't live w/o them.

 

[danieldemol]

Many in the atheist/anti-religious group (imho) tend to indulge in a fantasy/strawman existence where they make up what others believe and then they ridicule it. MikeF, please tell me if you consider that there are some "religious" people who are actually seeing things in a way that can be useful to you, and please tell us if you ever ask what their beliefs are w/o pasting on dumb ideas first.

This whole thread appears to be from the anti-religious group. Like why would we say humans are "better/more-important" than animals? Are plants better/more-important than rocks? To me it's a lot more healthy to say that plants are more interesting than rocks and people are a lot more interesting than animals. At the same time we should be able to agree that rocks and animals are still worth studying.

We couldn't live w/o them.

Baha'u'llah seemed to think humans are potentially better than animals in my view eg;
'The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man.'
Source: Bahá'í Reference Library - Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Pages 214-215
Why would acting like the animals be unworthy of man unless man is worth more than animals?

 

[Audie]

I have been curious about how death and dying are view from a religious perspective that holds the existence of heaven or an afterlife. With such beliefs, why would there be any concern if a human died? Won't they be going to a better place, to be embraced in the bossom of their loving god?

From a Christian perspective regarding this particular scenario, would it be better to save the puppy who won't be going to a better place if it drowned?

From a christian perspective everyone is
better off dead.
As for animals and plants, killing every one of
them coz of anger is how to improve things.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Why would acting like the animals be unworthy of man unless man is worth more than animals?

The question is a bit awkward; many view man as "animal" and better as human judgement.

 

[Audie]

Many in the atheist/anti-religious group (imho) tend to indulge in a fantasy/strawman existence where they make up what others believe and then they ridicule

This whole thread appears to be from the anti-religious group.

You sure you dont have that backwards?

Which religion is not just a fantssy wotld?

As for making up things to criticize- not one (1)
fundamentalist has even one (1) fact contrary to
evolution or deep time. So 100% of arguments are
fantasy, strawman, fake, etc.

When christians go after atheists its the same way..


Like what you wrote.
Like "they want to be their own god".
" they want to sin with no consequrnces" etc ad nauseum.

Im not anti religious. I doubt you can identify a yone here who is. The claim you make is just prejudice speaking.

Not "just" actually. There's "projection", too.

 

[Pete in Panama]

You sure you dont have that backwards?

Which religion is not just a fantssy wotld?

As for making up things to criticize- not one (1)
fundamentalist has even one (1) fact contrary to
evolution or deep time. So 100% of arguments are
fantasy, strawman, fake, etc.

When christians go after atheists its the same way..


Like what you wrote.
Like "they want to be their own god".
" they want to sin with no consequrnces" etc ad nauseum.

Im not anti religious. I doubt you can identify a yone here who is. The claim you make is just prejudice speaking.

Not "just" actually. There's "projection", too.

You sound upset & my thinking is that this is rightly so. There is a lot happening here that's objectionable. At the same time I see the possibility that you and I could consult on this, build bridges, and gain from learning. Personally I see a beauty and honesty in many who've taken the atheist label. Please understand that my hope is that you and I could find points of agreement, and build a better understanding of reality.

For example, my guess is that you and I could agree that observing w/ reason the universe we're in is a good path to seeing what is true and for setting aside error. We could probably also agree that things that increase the well-being of humankind are of value. If we can agree on something like this then we should be able to look further.

 

[Audie]

You sound upset & my thinking is that this is rightly so. There is a lot happening here that's objectionable. At the same time I see the possibility that you and I could consult on this, build bridges, and gain from learning. Personally I see a beauty and honesty in many who've taken the atheist label. Please understand that my hope is that you and I could find points of agreement, and build a better understanding of reality.

For example, my guess is that you and I could agree that observing w/ reason the universe we're in is a good path to seeing what is true and for setting aside error. We could probably also agree that things that increase the well-being of humankind are of value. If we can agree on something like this then we should be able to look further.

There is a lot in what you said that is
objectionable, among other things.

Upset, though? Im more emotionally
stable than that.

Re olive branch, sure. Im not one
to brush such aside.

If what you said re atheists is how
you see us, well, comparable views
of women, or Chinese are not compatible
with any friendly interaction with me.

So I am a bit puzzled where you are coming from.

 

[Arnaud1221]

I see the human as something like the main core.

 

[Pete in Panama]

There is a lot in what you said that is
objectionable, among other things.

Upset, though? Im more emotionally
stable than that.

Re olive branch, sure. Im not one
to brush such aside.

If what you said re atheists is how
you see us, well, comparable views
of women, or Chinese are not compatible
with any friendly interaction with me.

So I am a bit puzzled where you are coming from.

Please note what I said above when I suggested things we might agree on...

... my guess is that you and I could agree that observing w/ reason the universe we're in is a good path to seeing what is true and for setting aside error. We could probably also agree that things that increase the well-being of humankind are of value...

So please let me know if you agree w/ any of those ideas. However if you disagree w/ all the ideas and you (like many people) prefer to not observe reality as it is or you prefer things that harm humankind in general then don't bother responding and I'll wish you well.

 

[Pete in Panama]

I see the human as something like the main core.

Sounds like what I was saying, that people are more interesting than rocks. Is that what you mean?

 

[Trailblazer]

From a Christian perspective regarding this particular scenario, would it be better to save the puppy who won't be going to a better place if it drowned?

Nobody knows if animals survive death or if they are going to a better place.
I believe they do survive death, but that is only a belief.

 

[sayak83]

Why?

To avoid going to jail or a mental institution primarily. Human society has not evolved to the point where the chicken's right to life is heard in a human court.

 

[SalixIncendium]

To avoid going to jail or a mental institution primarily. Human society has not evolved to the point where the chicken's right to life is heard in a human court.

Perhaps not necessarily the chicken's right to life but there have been cases heard regarding anti-cruelty for chickens. But I get your point.

 

[Pete in Panama]

To avoid going to jail or a mental institution primarily. Human society has not evolved to the point where the chicken's right to life is heard in a human court.

The greatest exaltation for the chickens it to grow and feed humans so humans can grow to serve the spiritual world. We thank the chickens just as the chickens thank the corn they eat and as the corn had once thanked the sun for sustenance.

This is the great circle of life and it is good.

 

[SalixIncendium]

The greatest exaltation for the chickens it to grow and feed humans so humans can grow to serve the spiritual world. We thank the chickens just as the chickens thank the corn they eat and as the corn had once thanked the sun for sustenance.

This is the great circle of life and it is good.

Does the chicken kill the corn stalk for sustenance? Does the corn stalk kill the sun for sustenance?

Only one of these in your example ends a life.