Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
The meaning of the image of God is that He intended to make a creature similar to himself. The Hebrew words for both “image” (tselem) and “likeness” (demut) refer to something similar but not identical to the thing it represents or is an “image” of. It simply would have meant to the original readers—”Let us make mankind to be like us and to represent us”
This statement implies that humans are unique in creation, possessing a special connection or reflection of God’s nature, suggesting a divine source for this uniqueness.
The concept of being made in God’s image has significant theological implications, including the inherent dignity and value of human life, as well as our capacity for reason, morality, and relationship with the divine.
What does it mean to be made in the image of God?
The image of God (Latin, imago dei) refers to the immaterial part of humanity. It sets human beings apart from the animal world, fits them for the dominion God intended them to have over the earth (Genesis 1:28), and enables them to commune with their Maker. One of the broader examples of human distinctiveness is cognition and their are a host of other more specific ones.
cog·ni·tion /ˌkäɡˈniSH(ə)n/ the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
The idea of humanity being created in God’s image, as stated in Genesis 1:27, doesn’t directly prove God’s existence, but it’s a theological concept that, within a faith-based framework, suggests a divine origin and purpose for humanity, implying a creator. The logical progression would be like this:
Mankind has is the only cognitive species capable of observing and learning about the universe, abstract thought, and morality which are all qualities shared with God.
God made mankind the only species with these qualities so it could observe, learn, be moral like Him.
The distinctiveness of man from any other creature defies evolution and proves special creation by a Creator.
The obvious differences between mankind and other species
Evolutionist and atheists often share the view that humans are simply another species, having evolved through natural processes, rather than being created separately or having a unique, non-biological origin.
We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special
Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking while obviously trying to advance evolutionist theory inadvertently highlights “human cognizance”
Hawking said the only thing that makes humans special is that they can understand the Universe which begs the question: Of the 8.7 million ancestor species on earth why are humans the only species that can understand the universe and contemplate their own existence?
Here are some other “Cognitive Distinctions” that no other species have
Distinctions Lacking In Other Species
Complex Language and Communication
Unlike other animals, humans possess the ability to communicate through complex symbolic language, allowing for the sharing of abstract ideas and knowledge.
Advanced Cognitive Abilities
Humans are the only species capable of complex, sometimes mathematical planning, problem-solving, and abstract reasoning.
Self-Awareness and Morality
Humans are capable of introspection and self-reflection, which leads to a sense of self and a capacity for moral judgment and ethical reasoning
Conscience
Humans have an inherent ability to perceive what is right and what is wrong and, on the strength of this perception, to control, monitor, evaluate and execute their actions
Tool Use and Technology
Humans have a natural inclination to create and use tools, which has led to the development of complex technologies that have transformed our world
Creativity and Artistic Expression
Humans possess a unique capacity for creativity and artistic expression, which manifests in various forms such as music, art, literature, and dance
Contemplation of metaphysical
Humans contemplate existence, purpose, death and eternity
Mankind bears God’s image in that we are rational, volitional agents that can reason, choose, contemplate, and create. Mankind is the only species who can write, study, observe, and explore in order to better understand the universe and our own existence.
soul /sōl/ 1.the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being
Evolution says the only thing that separates mankind from other species is a bigger brain. The Bible on the other hand makes it clear that what truly separates humans from the animal kingdom is the immaterial part of mankind called spiritual consciousness or a soul.
The gift of mental power comes from God, and if we concentrate our minds on that truth we become in tune with this great power
Nikola Tesla
Challenge Question: Do you think it is more plausible that the cognitive distinctives that mankind has and exhibits everyday in philosophy, architecture, art, worship, music, and science are because of the 8.7 million species of organisms on earth mankind got lucky? Or do you believe mental cognition is a gift to man from God? just got lucky? Or do you
Premise 2: The divine quality of human cognizance
di·vine /dəˈvīn/ of, from, or like God or a god.
The enormous difference between humanity and all other species is not just that man has evolved a bigger and more specialized brain. To be made in the image of God refers to the immaterial part of man that demonstrates through philosophical thought, moral judgments, abstract thought, and creative processes like art or music.
Genesis 1:26-27 says that God made man and woman in His image, after His likeness. It is impossible for humans to look like God physically, because God is spirit (John 4:24). If we are made in His image, there must be a part of us that is spirit, too. That part is called a soul. God gives each human a soul.
and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
When animals die, their bodies decay and there is no part of them that lives on. Animals do not have souls. When humans die, our bodies decay, but our souls live forever. To describe being made in the image of God in purely metaphysical terms then these are distinctives in man which have a spiritual DNA from God (after His Likeness) and not from biological DNA.
That is the reason these attributes distinct to man but not found in nature are impossible to biologically quantify—they were specially imbued on mankind alone by God Himself.
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them
Premise 2: Human language cannot be explained naturally
God endues man with some of His own divine attributes, thereby separating and making him different from animals. Language and compositional communication represents such an divine attribute.
The emergence of symbolic language, first spoken, then written represents the sharpest break between animal and man
Arthur Koestler; The Ghost in the Machine
According to the World Atlas of Languages there are around 8324 languages spoken around the world. This does not include the thousands of dialects. or example, Hindi which is one of the three major languages spoken in India has over 48 dialects.
What is special about human language? Human language is distinct from all other known animal forms of communication in being compositional. Human language allows speakers to express thoughts in sentences comprising subjects, verbs and objects—such as ‘I kicked the ball’—and recognizing past, present and future tenses.
Human language is distinct from all other known animal forms of communication in being compositional. Human language allows speakers to express thoughts in sentences comprising subjects, verbs and objects—such as ‘I kicked the ball’—and recognizing past, present and future tenses. Compositionality gives human language an endless capacity for generating new sentences as speakers combine and recombine sets of words into their subject, verb and object roles. For instance, with just 25 different words for each role, it is already possible to generate over 15,000 distinct sentences. Human language is also referential, meaning speakers use it to exchange specific information with each other about people or objects and their locations or actions.
Animal ‘language’ is nothing like human language. Among primates, vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) produce three distinct alarm calls in response to the presence of snakes, leopards and eagles. These forms of animal communication are symbolic in the sense of using a sound to stand in for an object or action, but there is no evidence for compositionality, or that they are truly generative and creative forms of communication in which speakers and listeners exchange information. Instead non-human animal communication is principally limited to repetitive instrumental acts directed towards a specific end.
Humans DNA is 96% similar to Chimpanzees ? Cats are 90% similar, and mice 85% similar. None of these have ever written or spoken a single simple sentence “See the cat chase the mouse”. How can this “colossal leap” in cognition be explained naturally? It takes on average 3 years for a human child to speak complete compositional sentences.
The acquisition of language is the most brilliant achievement of the human brain,” according to Dennis Fry in his book, Homo Loquens, Man the Talking Animal.” To utter a word, the infant has to coordinate breathing with delicate movements of palate, tips and tongue. Displacement by a fraction of a millimeter gives a different sound. In order to communicate he has to amass information concerning vocabulary, syntax, the phonetic system, grammar, rhythm patterns and intonation—yet…this phenomenon is considered universal for the human infant
Apes, cats, mice and all other sound making animals have been making the same basic sounds, grunts, chirps etc. since observational science began without even the slightest progression (evolution) in communication.
Christians believe this obvious distinction is not just a matter of brain size. The sperm whale has the largest brain of any animal and they still us only a variety of clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls to communicate. Therefore a primary distinctive that reflects humans are made in the image of God is that mankind has been endowed with the ability to write, speak, and transfer knowledge about God, morality, and the Universe
Challenge Question: Do you find it more plausible that the reason every civilization has a language, alphabet and communicate compositionally and animals can’t is because they have a bigger brain and a lucky assemblage of synapses? Or do you think the “colossal chasm” between humans and their nearest genetic ancestor in the ability to compose, speak, and write language is a gift endowed by God?
Premise 3: Human ingenuity cannot be explained naturally
So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.
God’s command to govern the earth as described in Genesis, demonstrates humanity’s role as God’s representatives, reflecting His image, as humans are given dominion and responsibility to care for and cultivate the earth. The concept of stewardship, or “dominion” as it’s sometimes referred to, highlights that humans are not simply part of creation but are entrusted with a special responsibility to care for and manage the earth.
By caring for the earth and its resources, humans are acting in a way that mirrors God’s own creative and nurturing nature. God therefore equipped man with resourcefulness, creativity, and capacity for innovation, along with his ability to reason and understand. All of these attributes can be seen as reflections of God’s image, demonstrating the unique qualities that set humans apart from other creatures.
tech·nol·o·gy /tekˈnäləjē/
a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge
Human technology, from basic tools to complex innovations, and the ability to manipulate environments and solve complex problems provides a another “colossal leap” from any other species. Mankind’s capacity for abstract thought, problem-solving, and innovation is evident in the creation and refinement of technology, from early tools to modern device.
Examples of Technological Advancement
Tools and Weapons
Early tools like stone axes and spears, and later, complex machinery and weapons, demonstrate our ability to manipulate materials and solve practical problems.
Agriculture and water procurement
Using tools and logic man has consistently improved the ability to grow food, find and purify water and distribute both.
Transportation
From simple carts to airplanes and spacecraft, transportation technology showcases our ability to overcome geographical barriers and explore the world.
Communication
The development of writing, printing, and electronic communication technologies highlights our ability to share information and connect with others across vast distances
Medicine and Healthcare
Medical advancements, from basic treatments to complex surgeries and pharmaceuticals, demonstrate our ability to understand and combat disease, extending lifespans and improving quality of life.
Science and Technology
The development of scientific knowledge and technological applications, such as space exploration and genetic engineering, showcases our capacity for scientific inquiry and innovation.
Technology has allowed mankind to adapt to diverse environments and overcome limitations imposed by nature. The rapid pace of technological development, from the invention of the wheel to the development of the internet, highlights our capacity for continuous improvement and adaptation. Christians believe this “colossal leap” of advanced problem solving and technological innovation is the result of “special creation” not blind random natural processes that gave man a bigger brain.
Evolutionists postulate that man’s brain evolved the the advanced capabilities it has over time. The question is—why haven’t animals shown even the slightest advancement over time?
Animals have not neither acquired new innovative skills or instincts and they endlessly reproduce a stereotyped design. A particular spider constructs a web of constant pattern. The song of a bird is species specific, or mimicry of another bird or human. As beautiful and amazing as these things are ,there is never any advancement in innovation or technology. Beavers still build the same kind of dams they have built for a thousand generations, birds still build the same kind of nests, and bees still build the same kinds of hives. But humans have continued to develop greater skill and complexity in technology, in agriculture, in science, and in nearly every field of endeavor.
Primates, cats, lemurs, cows and rats all have a DNA similarity to humans of over 70%. Evolutionist believe humans are direct descendants of primates which have a DNA similarity of 95% are humans. Yet none of these animals have the ability of two year old humans to solve problems, learn language.
Here’s a more detailed look at the cognitive abilities of a typical two-year-old:
Key Cognitive Milestones:
Object Permanence: Understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight.
Causality: Recognizing that actions lead to specific outcomes.
Symbolic Thought: Beginning to use symbols (like words) to represent objects and ideas.
Problem-Solving: Starting to solve simple problems, often through trial and error.
Language Development: Expanding vocabulary, using two-word phrases, and understanding simple instructions.
Imitation: Imitating actions and language of adults and other children.
Sorting and Categorization: Starting to sort objects by shape and color.
Understanding of Time: Beginning to grasp simple time concepts like “now” and “later”.
Make-Believe Play: Engaging in simple make-believe or pretend play.
Christian scientist believe that humans 95% DNA similarity with primates just indicates that God used super functional design elements like hands, feet, mouth, eyes, ears, etc. on both species. For example a car is made with some of the same essential components as an airplane. They share some of the same functional components such as: engines, bodies, fuel systems, and wheels. However, even a cursory glance an engineering concepts anyone would know that the shared components on an airplane are far more advanced in capacity and design and that the airplane has capabilities (flight), greater speed etc. that a car does not.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Christians believe that when one of the primary ways God made humans in His image was by giving (blessing) them “special cognitive ability” above and beyond the rest of nature and that these abilities were to be used to be stewards and co-participants in managing the earth.
Challenge Question: Which is more plausible—that the “giant gap” between man’s technological abilities and primates his closest ancestor is because we were were genetically luckier than they were. Or that man has been blessed with cognitive abilities similar to the ones God has in that mankind can use language, innovate, express creativity, and manage?
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