Daniel Currier
Are “cavemen” and the Bible compatible? Did they exist and what does the Bible say about them?
When people say “cavemen” a couple things come to mind. Are we talking about some type of “monkey-people” or are we just talking about cave dwelling “you and me” type of humans?
What one believes about this question depends upon one’s view of human origins. Did we evolve from lower primates and ultimately from microbes? Or did God make humans as humans from the beginning—in his image?
For me, the quick answer is that “cavemen” were human, the you and me type, not some sort of “in-between” race. If all we want is cave dwelling people, we have that today. However, these people are still fully human, homo sapiens.
In addition, I’d rather take God at what he said. Sure, it may be fun to think of other scenarios, but if God is telling the truth, I’m not sure why we can’t just take him at his description of how he created humans. God says that he made humans in his image, so if he does not lie, I’m not sure why we should think otherwise. Plus, we really do seem to be quite different from other creatures.
Made In God’s Image?
And what did he mean by that, being made in God’s image? This is still debated, but I think most think it has to do with how we think, our free will, our creativity, our moral sensibility and our ability to create.
Consider, as well, our ability and interest in complex math does not seem to have a Darwinian grounding. Who really cares about imaginary numbers? How about our desire to make things, just for the sake of making things? What about our complex verbal and nonverbal communication skills and intricate language? Those aren’t things that seem to be needed in the Darwinian sense.
What about this, why are we so interested in the beauty, the beauty of nature and the order of nature? Why are we curious about astronomy, physics, history and geography? Knowledge of these don’t immediately help us in a “tooth and claw” world.
Why is art, literature and music even valuable to us? We don’t need any of this just to survival nor even for reproduction. These just seem like excessive and extras “gifts”.
In addition, these skills and abilities are quite deep in our “blood”. An “uncivilized”, half naked, indigenous person has the same learning potential as one who is in a mansion and has earned terminal degrees.
The Physical As Well…
But that’s not all. We not only have an interest and ability to learn about nature, but we also have the proper physical body and brain to be able to study these things. We have an optimal body and mind that allows us to make and use fire, musical instruments and complex technology. Compared to other organisms, there is no comparison.
On all these accounts, there really do seems to be stark contrast between humans and the rest of the biological world. Humans really do seem to have unique characteristics that no other creature on earth has. Many of these types of “non-adaptive order” in humans don’t have any Darwinian utility or adaptability advantage in a purely Darwinian evolution sense.
Please tell us your thoughts below!
For further study:
Answers in Genesis: When Did Cavemen Live?
Creation Ministries International: Bible Cave Men
