Very Good: Human Nature
Genesis calls creation good and then describes everything God had made as “very good.” Compare human beings with other living creatures without denying the goodness of either.
Genesis 1 · Body · Rational soul
What distinguishes a human being?
Sort claims about what humans share with animals, what distinguishes human nature, and what needs correction.
Human nature
Which label best fits this claim?
Choose a label.
Hold both truths
Humans share bodily life with other animals. The chapter identifies the rational soul as the key distinction of the human person. Body and rational soul belong together in human nature. Genesis’ final “very good” affirms the goodness of the whole created order after humanity is made.
Discuss: Why would measuring human dignity by strength, appearance, or intelligence test scores miss the point? How can humans be distinctive while animals remain good creatures?