Is Human Life Special?

Are humans more valuable than animals, or even plants? Are all humans equally valuable? What about before they are born, or when they are disabled, or when they are very old? Our culture today is increasingly devaluing human life, so it is more important than ever to know the biblical answer to these questions. And this answer takes us back to the doctrine of creation. If humans evolved from a common ancestor with all other life on earth, then humans have no special value. But if God created people in His image, then humans have a unique value.