Burgy wrote:
Thinking about what constitutes "humanity."
Is there any evidence that non-humans ever have a sense of shame?
I know one can observe some dogs having this -- but it seems to be
related to their bond with a human. Not "in the wild."
Perhaps humans are the only species that can blush?
I feel that Burgy is on to an important aspect of our humanity here. One
of the most helpful books I have ever read is by Fuller Theological College
psychologist Louis Smedes and is titled Shame and Grace. In this book,
Smedes makes the assertion that healthy shame (the feeling I am not what I
should be) is an awareness that we have lost the image of God.
Sam
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Samuel D. Olsen Ph.D Direct line: (+47) 51 87 53 88
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"John W. Burgeson" <johnburgeson@juno.com>@udomo3.calvin.edu on 11.02.2000
17:29:02
Sent by: asa-owner@udomo3.calvin.edu
To: asa@calvin.edu
cc:
Subject: the "image of God"
Thinking about what constitutes "humanity."
Is there any evidence that non-humans ever have a sense of shame?
I know one can observe some dogs having this -- but it seems to be
related to their bond with a human. Not "in the wild."
Perhaps humans are the only species that can blush?
Glenn Morton writes well about "human characteristics" of
ancient hominids. The book WHEN ELEPHANTS WEEP is a
partial -- but not a complete rebuttal to some of those claims.
Humans admire beauty.
So do some animals sometimes (some birds).
Humans worship.
So do some animals sometimes (for instance, some dogs).
Humans sometimes exhibit altruism.
So do some animals sometimes (see the book).
Humans build houses.
So do some animals sometimes.
But blushing may be one unique attribute.
Burgy (Conjecture mode)
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