urselves
What makes me human?

How are humans different from other animals? What sets us apart?

The Bible describes both humans and animals as being created by God. Today, people of all beliefs and backgrounds recognize close similarities. We share many of the same genes. Our bodies consist of the same components. Like many other animals, we live in social groups. We all travel the same path of birth, growth, and death.

Yet, the Bible also says only humans are made in God’s “image” and “a little lower than angels.” What makes us human? Some of the brightest minds in history have thought deeply about this question. Modern science has enriched our answers by illuminating the traits that make us both part of the animal world and also unique.

“So God created man in his own image . . . male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27

“So God created man in his own image . . .

male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27

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This exhibition explores the Bible’s role in the historical relationship between science and religion. Many today believe that religious faith and the natural sciences are very separate subjects. Indeed, many consider the Bible to be an obstacle to scientific progress. Yet, for centuries, faith and the study of nature were very much entangled. At times, biblical beliefs helped encourage people to study the world. They even influenced the rise of science as we know it today.