Carla,

Honestly, I'm not sure where the thought came from that I believe animals are less valuable because they are less intellectual. I never meant to imply that at all.

If you could point out in my post where it sounds like I'm saying that, I would appreciate it and I'll change it so there are no misunderstandings.

After years of skeptical study, I simply concluded that the Bible is an accurate representation of what God wants to say to humans. In it He says we (humans; I believe He is specifically refering to saved humans in that passage as non-saved humans will be destroyed) are more valuable than many sparrows. I don't feel that less intellectual beings are less valuable because they are less intellectual. I honestly believe our value (as well as the value of animals) comes entirely from God for we (and animals) come entirely from God.

I believe that humans are more valuable because the scripture says so. Being created in the Image of God, we are called children of God, and I would imagine that this is why God calls us more valuable—because we are created in His image. The same is not said of animals in scripture.

My personal theory is that we're created in God's image (three parts: soul, body, spirit) whereas animals are two-part beings (body and soul). God puts different values on different parts of His creation and this makes sense to me when I examine scripture and life as a whole.

Just as our children are normally more valuable to us than our pets, Gods children are more valuable to Him than His pets. The pets are still very valuable, they just don't hold the same position as children.

I hope this clears it up and makes sense.