The Humanity of Neanderthals and their Religious Views

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by Cowboy Bob Sorensen

A spell back, I came across an article by a supporter of the Intelligent Design movement regarding the possible religious views of Neanderthals. This was an article about another article which appeared in Psychology Today. Believers in particles-to-professor evolution desperately want Neanderthals to be transitions between humans and apelike critters. Instead, evidence continually shows that they were fully human. The fact that they shared their DNA with other humans is strong evidence for their humanity.

It has been shown that Neanderthals were fully human, plus speculation about their thinking, even religion. They may have brought it along from Babel.
Le Moustier Neanderthals, AMNH / Charles R. Knight, 1920
Neanderthals may be responsible for our sneezing from allergies, their hearing was like ours, the Y chromosome sure does look "modern," and more. Scientists have also looked for indications of less material aspects other than biology, paleontology, and anthropology. These include thinking and spirituality.

Although some evolutionists insist on clinging to Neanderthals as a part of their schemes, there is too much evidence to deny their humanity. Speculating about less tangible aspects of Neanderthals indicates an acceptance of their humanity (such as "Neanderthal Ponderings and Being Human.") Although most folks in the secular science industry have a bent toward atheistic materialism, it is in keeping with the rest of these developments to wonder if they had religious beliefs.

The ID article does not go this far, but consider these things. Biblical creationists know that after the dispersal at Babel, people groups developed, traveled, and intermarried. Many brought knowledge of history and religion with them, although the accuracy would suffer over time. (Interestingly, Genesis Flood legends around the world still have some key ingredients of the biblical event. For articles on Flood legends in the Americas, click here.) In addition to bringing their historical knowledge, people have an innate knowledge about God (Romans 1:18-23). Certain things that appear to have been religious were probably what they appeared.

I suggest reading the article that inspired this one, "Asked at Psychology Today: Were Neanderthals Religious?" Just remember that the author is not a biblical creationist and some statements do not square with our views. Several more links on these guys can be found at "Those Sophisticated Neanderthals."