[pageonetoo]

of course animals think, and they design skyscrapers and airplanes. They contribute to our economy as food, and provide companionship for the lonely, but I have never seen a single wild or domestic animal that I could converse with...
Having studied both biology and theology, I have a great deal of respect for that which God gives to us, but you give yourself away when you talk about how the racoon has "evolved".
My teachings on biology were that animals do not reason (read=think). They respond to stimuli (hunger, fear, danger, sex)!
and it is almost hunting season... do you own a gun, or bow & arrow, or just go to the supermarket for all that you eat??

[mg39]

"of course animals think, and they design skyscrapers and airplanes. They contribute to our economy as food, and provide companionship for the lonely, but I have never seen a single wild or domestic animal that I could converse with... Having studied both biology and theology, I have a great deal of respect for that which God gives to us, but you give yourself away when you talk about how the racoon has "evolved". My teachings on biology were that animals do not reason (read=think). They respond to stimuli (hunger, fear, danger, sex)! and it is almost hunting season... do you own a gun, or bow & arrow, or just go to the supermarket for all that you eat??" When did you study biology -- the 1800's? Apparently you don't follow the news. Chimpanzees are estimated to have the intelligence of a 5 year-old. They are self-aware. Orangutans and gorillas can use sign language. Dolphins and grey parrots can solve problems. Baboons have been determined capable of abstract reasoning. Crows can make -- not just use -- but make, tools to accomplish tasks. And, anyone with a pet dog or cat can tell you they have emotions and can think. You say you studied theology, which is apparent in that you hold onto a very primitive view of a bright line separating homo sapiens from every other species. This pre-evolutionary theory view of the world belongs in the same dustbin that contains the theory that demons cause illness and angry gods cause thunder. As for where I get my food, I get it at the supermarket or farmers' market. Oh yeah, I'm a vegetarian, since you're curious. I have no issue with people hunting animals, so long as they eat what they kill and make sure they kill what they merely wound. However, don't delude yourself into thinking you are not depriving a thinking, feeling creature of its life. You are, which is why the best hunters, like my father, always say a little prayer over the animals they killed for food.

[demosthenes the elder]

my dog, without question, thinks. in many ways she is significantly more rational than the average democratic voter. true, this is not saying much, but it does puncture your "only humans think" bias.