What are humans, and what makes them different from all other creatures? What are the distinguishing characteristics that differentiate them from other life forms? Are humans of a unique design or are they just an improved version of animals in general? Are they a result of unique design or the product of a mechanistic evolutionary process? The answer may seem simple to the Christian, but it is a hot topic in educational circles and in the scientific community. The difference between man and monkey has not been resolved scientifically. Paleontologists have identified many common features of the two and also some unique ones. They can easily distinguish between human bones and ape bones, but apes and humans have very similar tooth and jaw structure. They each have two incisors, one canine, two premolars, and three molars on each side of the jaw. There are some minor differences in the skulls and jawbones, but these skeletal differences do not fully and plainly define what is human.
Man’s ability to interact with his environment and intelligently cope with the problem of survival is not unique. The bearing and caring for offspring, the gathering and storing of food, the building of homes such as nest and burrows are common to many species of animals. Even the use of crude tools by gorillas and sea otters have been found. Many animals display filial loyalty and have a complicated social structure. Even DNA and other genetic features only describe the container or vessel of the inner self and not the intrinsic uniqueness of man. However, there are some intrinsic attributes that do distinguish humans from other animals. Humans have a sense of the future and the past not shared by other animals. Man can formulate grand projects and make plans based on intelligent choice rather than instinct. He can construct elaborate buildings, complicated vehicles and electronic gadgets, and create imaginative artwork's. Man is uniquely capable of emotions such as love, hate, jealousy, and forgiveness. But are we just a bundle of such characteristics, some of which are shared by animals, or is there more to being "created in the image of God"?
Humans are unique in the ambition to serve God and their fellow man, in other words, the attribute of unselfish service. They are unique in the concept of law and order and in obedience to and worship of God. The value of human life is universally accepted as far above that of other animals. This value is based on ethical , cultural, social, and economic factors. The value extends to all ages, social standing, and culture. It is also measured by the sacrifice that God has made on man’s behalf; Jesus died for man’s salvation and not for animals who perish. Humans are made heirs to eternal life through the sacrifice of Christ. Also, in the beginning, man was created to be the recipient or vessel of the incarnate Son of God.
Ultimately then, what makes us human is the honor and responsibility to serve God and our fellow man, our incomprehensible value in God’s sight, the prospect of eternal life, of being specifically designed to represent God in human form, and to have a sense of being and time, past, present, and future. We are a unique creation for God’s pleasure and eternal purpose; "we are human."
