Welcome to the second episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit old earth ideology into their beliefs, adopting uniformitarian or evolutionary pieces into their worldview. While this is often done in an effort to appeal to science, it can cause major logical, scientific, and theological issues.

 

The conversation surrounding human origins has always been an intriguing one. One of the most debated subjects is the nature of the beings labeled ‘hominids,’ particularly Neanderthals. Biblical Creationists firmly place Neanderthals in the ‘human’ category—descendants of Adam and Eve, thus bearing God’s image. Most evolutionary biologists today also agree with Neanderthals being mostly human, leaving their genetic mark on our DNA through interbreeding.

 

Some old earth creationists suggest something quite different. They claim that Neanderthals were nothing more than animals—truly bipedal animals that are able to make and use tools, paint, and bury their dead—but animals nonetheless.

 

Is there any truth to this idea? Were they just animals? Or were they fully human, bearing the image of God? In today’s episode, we’ll dig into “The Mystery of the Soulless Hominids,” exploring the faulty beliefs that lead some down this path, and uncovering what science and Scripture say about the matter.

 

Join host Trey Bowling and Dr. Brian Thomas as they discuss this topic on episode 94 of The Creation Podcast.