World Religion and Science Class

Tonight was my 3rd class session. The professor continued his discussion on Judaism, but emphasized the more conservative branch and it's teachings on the origin of the universe. Right now my head is swirling with , big bang, anthropic principle, Imago Dei, etc. But on thing that stood out was the question of primitive cultures.

One of the students had asked during a discussion on the difference in degree or kind with humanity and animal, what about primitive cultures and is that "proof" for the difference in degree of humanity from animals?

First, I think primitive cultures can be examined and explained within the context of the Imago Dei. There are attributes that we can point to to say " They are human" and not some bipedal animal. I think the issue of primitive cultures actually give naturalist more problems to reconcile then Christians. Why? Because how do they justify the stance that they are human and not some subspecies of man? You could argue that they are not technologically advance as modern man? The reason being they (primitive culture man) is not intellectually as advance as modern man. But we all know that the naturalist would shudder at the thought of an inferior primitive man. Yet, in their worldview there would be no answer as to why shouldn't primitive man be considered inferior.

It would be an interesting question to pose to a naturalist.