Neanderthals and the Divine Origin of Humanity

Neanderthal man is a representative of a high type of human being with a skull that cannot be regarded as an intermediate between man and apesHBS 326.5. Far from being a primitive evolutionary link, the Neanderthal skull is of such a high caliber that experts have noted it could not have belonged to a creature transitionary to primatesHBS 326.5.

The Nature of Early Man

• High Intellectual Capacity: Like the Engis and Cro-Magnon remains, Neanderthal specimens reflect a brain size and type that rival or even exceed the average modern manHBS 326.5.

• No Primeval Trace: There is no proven existence of truly "primeval" races or traces of a sub-human ancestor in the fossil recordHBS 326.5.

• Upright Origin: Humanity did not emerge from a low order of animals but was created upright by God before seeking out many inventions Ecclesiastes 7:29YI August 10, 1899, par. 2+1.

• Degradation, Not Evolution: Modern savages are not precursors to civilized man but are deteriorated representatives of a better type that has slowly degeneratedHBS 326.5. History shows that tribes do not emerge from barbarism unaided but instead suffer degradation from a superior original stateHBS 326.5+1.

The True Origin of Humanity

• Divine Creation: Man was formed of the dust of the ground by God and became a living soul only after receiving the breath of life Genesis 2:7ARSH June 30, 1863, page 36.68.

• The Image of God: Humans were created in the image and likeness of God, possessing a noble and holy origin as the offspring of the Creator Genesis 1:26-27+1EVRR232.

• Satanic Deception: The idea that the human race developed stage by stage from lower animals is a false invention of Satan designed to lower the dignity of God's workYI August 10, 1899, par. 2.

• Scientific Harmony: When the physiological characteristics and languages of nations are studied through the lens of ethnography, the results align perfectly with the historical record found in the inspired volumeEB 2.2+1.

Historical and Geographical Context

• The Cradle of Humanity: The origin of the human race is to be sought in or near Babylonia, to the east of PalestineHBS 326.5.

• Post-Diluvian Distribution: Following the Flood, the earth was re-peopled by the descendants of Noah—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—forming the three-fold division of the human family recognized by modern ethnology Genesis 10:1-32ETI Japheth.3.

• Unity of Language: Originally, the whole earth shared one language and speech until the confusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel led to the scattering of people across the globe Genesis 11:1+1POTE 248.8.