|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 8:09 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 8:33 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 8:44 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 8:56 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 9:31 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 9:32 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 9:44 pm
|
|
|
|
Unless you're just talking about the ability to create particular sounds (a la parrot), the ability to talk implies the ability to comprehend the meanings of words and use them to communicate with others in a two-sided fashion. To be able to understand the words, we must assume at least a minimal level of intelligence and understanding, at which point something can probably be considered an independent, self-aware being.
So... no. o.O Not just the ability to talk. There's stuff that goes with being able to talk on the same level as humans. Unless you just want to replace "Meow" with "Give me Food" or something... but I don't think I'd like to hear a non-sentient creature talking as anything other than a trick. Again, parrots.
As for the whole "serpent" thing, that implies a certain degree of literalness that may not be the best way to interpret Genesis. Also, they were literally, like, BFF's with God while still in the Garden. I suspect a non-zero possibility that they saw interesting things happen (like, say, Adam experiencing the creation of Eve), and that a talking animal might just be another thing of that nature.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 9:49 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 9:54 pm
|
|
|
|
Rednal Unless you're just talking about the ability to create particular sounds (a la parrot), the ability to talk implies the ability to comprehend the meanings of words and use them to communicate with others in a two-sided fashion. To be able to understand the words, we must assume at least a minimal level of intelligence and understanding, at which point something can probably be considered an independent, self-aware being. So... no. o.O Not just the ability to talk. There's stuff that goes with being able to talk on the same level as humans. Unless you just want to replace "Meow" with "Give me Food" or something... but I don't think I'd like to hear a non-sentient creature talking as anything other than a trick. Again, parrots. As for the whole "serpent" thing, that implies a certain degree of literalness that may not be the best way to interpret Genesis. Also, they were literally, like, BFF's with God while still in the Garden. I suspect a non-zero possibility that they saw interesting things happen (like, say, Adam experiencing the creation of Eve), and that a talking animal might just be another thing of that nature. How about Balaam and his donkey? He didn't seem surprised either... Also, by what the donkey said when God opened it's mouth, it seems as if it had an independent thought.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 9:59 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:01 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:07 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 2:15 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 2:35 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:16 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|