It does not take copious amounts of time and thought to conclude that human beings are the supreme species on this planet. But why humans? What makes us so special? The answer: God has made us so — through this divine plan. Here is why and how:
As we know that God is goodness and love, and from that goodness and love, created the universe and all life from nothing, (Catechism of the Catholic Church #295 – 299), God also desired an eternal family that could share in his glory and enjoy his creation to the fullest. Therefore, God created man – a both spiritual and bodily being – to connect with God, serve in his glory, appreciate all other creatures on Earth, and tend to all aspect of earthly existence (CCC# 355 – 358).
This began with Adam, who not only represents the first human in creation, but was also the first bodily being with a soul. And in this special creation — through the power of the triune God, and through Christ’s ultimate act of grace – Adam also represents both the creation and salvation of the soul. Adam, therefore, is the “first Adam”, given both a soul and bodily existence – and Jesus is the “last Adam”, who offers grace to humanity (CCC #359 – #361)
The soul itself has its own, two-fold purpose: It represents the whole of a human life – body, soul, and spirit; and it is the spiritual being that drives the human body (CCC #363). This applies to both men and women, as both, as learn from Genesis, are in the image of God. Moreover, man and woman were originally created not only as spiritual / corporeal beings to share in God’s divine family and love, but also to be in union with each other, share in tending to all of God’s creation, form families and uphold marital unions, and live free from all forms of corruption (#371 – 377).
During a dialogue I had awhile back with a fellow former atheist – who is also now a revert, along with being outstandingly insightful about philosophy and Thomism — we discussed something rather abstract, yet part of the key reasons why we each reverted to our Catholic faith. I am talking about *consciousness*.
While the psychology-based definition of consciousness deals with perception and awareness, it is also powerfully instrumental in how we shape our world view, connect with morals, and bridge our human life to spiritual experiences and understanding our relationship with God and each other as beings with a soul.
And although science has helped us understand that brain function has a role in helping produce consciousness, the “how” and “why” our human consciousness is deeply interested in the meaning of life and a connecting with a higher power is still mystery. That doesn’t mean immediately leaping to the claim “yes, God exists!” – however, consciousness is, indeed, a strong component of how we form a relationship with God.
Further, each of us is a combination of body and soul. The soul spiritually animates life to the body. Which then makes me wonder about that the close relationship between the soul and consciousness – that perhaps consciousness is how we understand our soul?
In the meantime, not only do I value having a soul, for which I can form a relationship with God, but also that we have been offered salvation: While humankind fell grace, we see that God does not take back his grace — rather, his Son, Jesus Christ, ensured our salvation, should we choose so. The typology of first Adam to last “Adam” is profound in itself – yet it shows that God has never ceased to give us hope and have us share in his love and glory.