Why do humans think they are so special?

Question

I mean, religion puts mankind on this glorius pedestal that we will die and move on and we were put here by God. Don't you ever think we are just the worker race of earth and that you'll die when your done doing your share?

Answer 1

Religion puts mankind on this glorius pedestal for the same reason it put the earth in the centre of the universe*.

It was written by people who wanted to feel special; who wanted their followers to feel special.

*It wasn't until the year 2000 that the catholic church apologised to Galileo for doubting his theory that the sun moved round the earth rather than the other way around.

Answer 2

I do think that sometimes.  Sometimes, when my mind plays with idea of a planetary consciousness, I think ol' Ma earth made cyanobacteria to make the world fit us, and then made us to make the world fit for whatever she's got in mind next.  Other times, I think of a completely naturalistic world, and we are just another species that will eventually (or quickly) pass on into extinction as more than 95% of life that has ever existed on this planet has done.  But other times, my mind rebels against that, and argues that our style of consciousness does seem unique compared to most other life here.  And then I struggle to think about why that might be, and if there is a greater purpose to our individual identities, and that some aspect of those identities does exist beyond the four dimensions we perceive.  As of age 45, I'm as far as ever from forming a firm conclusion.

Answer 3

No, every creature is created equal with humans.  We were just put in charge of caring for this earth and it's inhabitants.  Everything and everyone has a purpose.  

Answer 4

Christians believe that humans were created in God's image (imago Dei). All other creatures only bear the vestige of God (vestigo Dei).

Answer 5

What makes me superior to other living creatures?  Other than being able to communicate with other humans (sort of), what makes me so special?

I think humans are not so much special as uniquely equipped to fill a niche among living creatures.  We seem to be the only ones who speak and think.  Sometimes that isn't such a great attribute.

Answer 6

yes.  I to wonder why theists think homo sapiens are so special.  Believers have way too much self-pride, and isn't that a sin?

Answer 7

I think, because of their ability to control every thing on the earth through their intelligence, but only few are aware of the fact described by you in the end of your question.  

Answer 8

Well, compared to gerbils and hamsters, don't YOU think we are kind of special??

I guess it is because of all that "image of God" that says humans are different because of their capacity for relationship.  That and the idea that this is NOT the one and only life we can have...that there is more that we were created to be.

Workers? Yes.  But we were given the capacity to work on awesome things, to work with God in his plan, and to love each other.  That has GOT to beat gnats...

Answer 9

I believe in God, and I've never thought there was anything special about me, you, or anyone else.

Answer 10

I am not religious.  I do have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He is my Lord and my Savior.  Here is what God tells me about that relationship.

  WHO I AM IN CHRIST

                    I AM ACCEPTED….

John 1:12……………….I am God’s child.

John 15:15……………..As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1…………….I have been justified (just as if I had never sinned).

1 Corinthians 6:17……..I am united with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20….I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.

1 Corinthians 12:27……I am a member of Christ’s body.

Ephesians 1:3-8………..I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

Colossians 2:9-10……...I am complete in Christ.

Hebrews 4:14-16……....I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.  

                  I  AM SECURE…

Romans 8:1-2 …………I am free from condemnation..

Romans 8:28…………..I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.

Romans 8:31-39……….I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I

                                        can not be separated from the love of God.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22…I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.

Colossians 3:1-4………I am hidden with Christ in God.

Philippians 1:6………...I am confident that God will complete the good work He started              

                                       in me.

Philippians 3:20……….I am a citizen of heaven.

2 Timothy 1:7…………I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a

                                       sound mind.

1 John 5:18……………I am born of God and the evil one can not touch me.

                  I AM SIGNIFICANT….

John 15:5………………I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His        

                                       Life.

John 15:16……………..I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

1 Corinthians 3:16……..I am God’s temple.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21….I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

Ephesians 2:6…………..I am seated with Jesus Christ in heavenly realm.

Ephesians 2:10…………I am God’s workmanship.

Ephesians 3:12…………I may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Philippians 4:13………..I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.                                

Answer 11

Because we are created in the image of God. You have pointed out the problem with atheism. It teaches us that people are not special and then subconsciously that makes them treat people like they are no more important than any other creature walking the earth, be it a maggot, a dog, or whatever.

You see when you see others as God's children then you treat them that way. You treat them like they are worth something and not like a piece of meat.

I am not perfect but I always try my best to treat people as if they are special. I think the whole world would be a much better place if everyone would do this. I am not perfect and have not always lived up to this but I try my best.

I do not know you, but I would treat you just as I would a child of the king if I were to ever meet you. To me you are special because you are God's creation and not just a product of random chance. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you are not special.

Answer 12

This is a religious forum.  Your question is related to something else.  Maybe the SPCA thread or the Peta forum.

Answer 13

That is only a limited opinion.  Don't take it personal, it wasn't intended to be a personal attack.  But that's what it is, a limited opinion.  No one is forcing me into religion, I left it long ago, that is when I found God within my own heart, no offense to anyone.

My opinion is, I believe in eternity.  I believe we are placed here to learn and evolve spiritually.  I believe our last breath here is our first breath somewhere else in this huge Universe.

We all have a chance of expanding our thoughts and capabilities once we stop looking for the Truth in someone else's heart and begin to look for it in our own heart.  :)  Once we stop listening to the misrepresentations that man and his ego have made.  (Women as well, and their egos)  That makes all the difference...

Answer 14

Because we got opposable thumbs m**o!

Answer 15

Do you think you're special? If not you would presumably be quite happy for somebody to have roast homo sapien for Sunday lunch.

Answer 16

Because everything is special.

.....humans think they are special

.....animals think they are special

.....the trees think they are special

However, humans wanted to be both special and better than anything exist on the planet.

Answer 17

True; we're just an evolved slug with a brain powerful enough to make stuff that could destroy our home.

~

Answer 18

So live hard and fast. Is that what you're saying?

Answer 19

How appealing.  LOL

I believe humans are special because God created us in His image.  

Answer 20

I don't think we're special. If anything, we're worse.

Answer 21

We are special!

The sun revolves around the Earth, and everything is flat!

(hope that doesn't kill your irony-ometer)

It's called the Anthropomorphic Principle. Humans are incapable of imagining anything outside of human experience. Hence Humanity is the epitome of Narcissism.