Abstract
A thorough examination of the various theological interpretations of imago Dei shows that Homo sapiens are not the only species to be created in the image of God. While maintaining their uniqueness in the eyes of the Lord, Homo sapiens also share this gift with another species, Homo neanderthalensis. The archaeological record proves that Neanderthals qualify for imago Dei under each of the four main interpretations of the biblical term. Based on their rationality and adaptive nature, their compassion through use of medicine, their social networking and their symbolic use of art, it can be concluded that Neanderthals were also created in God’s image.
Highlights
Being created in the image of God implies that we as humans are special creatures and were created with a unique purpose for life on earth
An abundance of data exists that is capable of documenting the rationality and freewill associated with Homo neanderthalensis, yet the focus here will remain on mortuary data as it is plentiful
Similar evidence can be found in Herto, Ethiopia documenting that Homo sapiens were practicing Cronos compulsions at this time
Summary
Being created in the image of God (imago Dei) implies that we as humans are special creatures and were created with a unique purpose for life on earth. The data will show that Neanderthals were a species so similar to contemporaneous Homo sapiens populations in almost every way that they should be included in the discussion of humanity’s identity as made in the image of God. The substantialistic, or substantive, conception of imago Dei is perhaps the most common and the most prevailing understanding among Christians. An abundance of data exists that is capable of documenting the rationality and freewill associated with Homo neanderthalensis, yet the focus here will remain on mortuary data as it is plentiful. The remains found in both locations display shallow repetitive cut marks, which indicate a processing of the bones rather than hasty defleshing for the purposes of cannibalism Such processing is not accidental or the result of natural forces; instead it is the result of gentle motions, suggesting attention and care were involved. Homo sapiens were practicing funerary caching around 50KYA, as evidenced by remains found at Taramsa Hill, Egypt (Vermeersch et al 1998)
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