Rethinking Human Supremacy: A More Inclusive Vision of the Divine

In our human-centric world, it is easy to assume that we are the pinnacle of the Divine’s creation. Many religious traditions position human beings as uniquely favoured by the divine, often on the basis of our intelligence and capacity for divine union. However, this perspective is not only arrogant but also contradicts the loving and inclusive nature of the Divine that we often ascribe to. Here today, I invite you to challenge your assumptions and consider a more inclusive vision of the Divine’s creation.

Throughout my life, I have encountered numerous animals whose characters and temperaments have been far more pleasant and admirable than those of many humans I have known. What’s more, for example, dolphins and whales, known for their high intelligence, exhibit behaviours of cooperation, playfulness, and social bonding that put human squabbles, wars, treachery, and deceit to shame. It is worth questioning why the Divine would favour human beings, with all our flaws, over these other living beings, who display superior virtues.

The idea of human exceptionalism, which posits that human beings are fundamentally different from and superior to other animals, is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, this concept is not only scientifically flawed but also theologically problematic. The notion that the Divine would favour human beings over other creatures based solely on our intelligence assumes a hierarchical and exclusionary view of the Divine’s creation, which is at odds with the interconnectedness and unity of all life.

Moreover, this perspective reinforces a sense of entitlement and exceptionalism that can lead to harm and exploitation of other living beings and the natural world. It is worth considering that, given humanity’s (sometimes) greater intelligence, we might not be the objects of divine favouritism but rather the stewards of the Divine’s creation, with a unique responsibility to care for and protect the less intelligent but no less valuable beings with whom we share this planet.

Perhaps the animals, with their pure hearts and loving natures, have a more direct path to union with the Divine than we do. Perhaps, in our pursuit of divine union, we have lost sight of the simple truths that many animals embody: love, loyalty, faithfulness, and friendship. Perhaps, instead of expecting special treatment, we should humble ourselves and learn from these creatures who, in their simplicity and purity, have much to teach us about the nature of the Divine.

I invite you to challenge your assumptions about humanity’s place in the Divine’s creation. Let us move away from a human-centric view of the world and embrace a more inclusive and compassionate vision of the Divine’s creation, one that recognises the value and worth of all living beings, human and non-human alike. Let us learn from the companion animals we’ve known and strive to embody their virtues of love, loyalty, and faithfulness, and perhaps, in doing so, we may find a more direct path to union with the Divine.

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See also: The Incredible Story of Chito and Poco: Man Who Swims With A Crocodile, (2) Serpents as Roommates: Inside India’s Extraordinary Snake Village, (3) Cetacean Intelligence, (4) How Smart Are Crows? Smarter Than You Think, (5) Pigs Are Amongst The Most Intelligent Animals on the Planet, (6) Pigs Are Intelligent and Clean Animals, Actually, (7) Dog Cognition, (8) Cows: Science Shows They’re Bright And Emotional Individuals, (9) Why Sheep Matter: They’re Intelligent, Emotional and Unique, (10) The Smartest Apes in the World.

Recommended reading: Life After Death, by Neville Randall, which presents evidence of afterlife survival of animal souls.