Are we same as animals?

Question

Ecclesiastes 3
19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

Answer 1

Humans are animals.

We are superior to some animals, and some animals are superior to us.

But the real secret is that we are animals too, all from the same source, all related and connected to each other in the vast scheme of things.

Answer 2

Yes, we are animals. More specifically, we are mammals, and more specifically than that, we are primates. Reptiles are animals too, but reptiles aren't mammals.

Our bodies (including our brains) are very similar to the bodies of other primates, and in fact even other animals. We have a LOT in common with mice! That's why research with mice is so useful. It's not a fluke that we have so much in common. Our DNA has a lot in common, since we all evolved from a common ancestor.

People are correct when people say "I'm not a monkey". Humans aren't monkeys, and aren't descended from monkeys or apes. Humans, monkeys, and apes are all cousins, descended from a common primate ancestor that no longer exists.

The biggest difference between humans and other primates is the size of our "neocortex". The neocortex is the outermost layer of the brain. All mammals have a neocortex, but ours is by far the biggest. (By the way, dolphins also have a neocortex, but their neocortex has only three layers of neurons whereas the mammalian neocortex has six layers). Research has demonstrated that our abstract thinking ability occurs in a region of the neocortex that other primates have especially little of.

Many people believe that humans are especially unique, and are not animals. They believe that humans have souls, and animals don't. There is absolutely no observable evidence for this. If there is a God, and if God created us different from other animals, then he chose to do it in such a way that we have not found any way to verify.

Answer 3

That is an interesting Bible verse. As you know, the Bible interprets the Bible. So when we have Genesis 1:27 saying, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them", we know that there is something different about us.

But then your point comes that this passages seems to contradict it. We need to read a little before verse 19 to see Solomon's point. Verse 16 says, "Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness."

First, notice that Solomon is talking about life "under the sun". In the scope of Ecclesiastes there are two realms discussed: (1) God's rule and (2) under the sun - man in denial of God's rule. Also, notice that Solomon sees justice and righteousness corrupted by wickedness. This is what our lives prove. Yet under God's overall plan/rule He uses all things to work together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). So when Solomon starts talking about our likeness to beasts, it is in the wickedness and incivility of beasts that we have become by denying God's rule.

Answer 4

May be some are but not me!
I've a brain to think and I cover my private parts.
I didn't ever see a monkey or elephant feeling shame to walk naked in front of all.
But yes I've seen many who think that they are animals!
Thank God that I'm a human being with many gifts and I'm proud of it.

Answer 5

humans are different from animals eventhough many claim that human is animal. we are very very similar to animal by the fact that our gene expression is only 0.01 percent different from the green monkey. BUT this small difference make a big different in our expression and the way we behave

Answer 6

No, man is made in the image and likeness of God and He has given each person an immortal soul which the animals do not have.

Answer 7

Yes. Humans are animals, just a highly intellegent species of animal. We evolved from a common ancestor with other primates, after all.

Answer 8

Yes, we are animals; some of the brighter ones, but still beasties looking for food, shelter and other beasties to interact with. Amazing, isn't it?

Answer 9

Man was given the responsibility to take care of the animals. He was not meant to abuse them, nor kill them. Man was given the intelligence to be the carekeeper.

Answer 10

We die like animals because Adam sinned.

God patterned our bodies after those of beasts because it was the best body to work on this planet. But he spoke beasts into existence, while he took the time to sculpt man.