. . . The science of genetics, that is our DNA, confirms that we are a single human species. We are the sole extant hominin according to our decomposing anatomy. . . .
From Aloysium’s post 467
“It seems logical to think that it started with one man since each of us is one person.”
My first reaction was to dismiss that logic.
So I tiptoed back to square one. First sentence of post 467.
“Ontologically we are one humanity, sharing in the same basic nature.”
We know we are human. Though there are times early in the morning that I am not quite sure that I am human enough to get out of bed. :yawn: And my one wish is to :takethat:
Interestingly, both science and Catholicism present a clarification of our nature. How should we handle their approaches …logically?
I’m not sure I am addressing your concerns, but I’m going to put forth these thoughts:
DNA does not confirm we are one humanity, imho.
It is a supremely complex molecule that is seen in as many forms as there are people and creatures.
It’s a bit complicated and I am not sure I can explain it well.
We share a quarter of our DNA with yeast, 98% with chimpanzees.
There are variations among DNA molecules which account for our coming in various shapes and sizes; and, of these variations, we share 50% with first degree relatives, less with more distant relations.
DNA is one part of the mechanism that regulates, that is our physical being.
It does not define us, since human beings can have trisomys and other conditions such as Turner’s where there is only one x chromosome.
I am conversing with you in a public forum about what it means to be human.
This ability to conceptualize, this actual activity of communication, the identity, prespective, understanding, feelings that constitute who we are as persons in relation to what is other, makes us human.
It’s easier perhaps to talk about pain because it so clearly describes our individual being; we all feel pain and that pain reaches into the depths of our individual existence.
We can feel alone in our individual suffering, or through it, come to see ourselves as all united in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Our reason using the lens of physical interaction, comes up with a certain picture of who, or rather what we are. The lens of mind presents us with something very, very different. That of the spirit may be understood as encompassing a lens of mind in that it involves relationships, cognition and meaning, but at a more profound level, reflecting the reality of the difference between an animal and human soul.
The reality is that here we are. That mystery remains regardless of the many ways in which one can approach the complexity of what is essentially simple - this is what it is, and it is AMAZING!!
