[Superman]

Yes, working with animals is fascinating and rewarding. The story of Koko is perhaps more interesting than others because of degree. I can understand Jeff's conclusion that, in spite of their obedience and quick learning, dogs just don't come anywhere near humans.....but I think working with Koko might be a very different experience. This "animal" makes up words, takes care of other animals, plays practical jokes, etc. At some point, I'll bet the researchers stop regarding Koko as a lowly animal. In fact, interaction with Koko might just be richer and more intense and intelligent than with many people.

Some of you know I was powerfully affected by CS Lewis' Mere Christianity. In that book, Lewis makes a compelling argument that our innate sense of moral code is the "likeness" between us and God. Not just our ability to feel emotions. That's not it. He points instead to our recognition of right and wrong, whether we like it or not. What if, aside from the emotions I'm sure Koko and other animals feel, what if we noticed that Koko's ethical code was essentially exactly the same as ours. In other words, let's say Koko was observed to avoid lying even when lying would benefit her, but then telling little white lies for the purpose of helping someone else? What if Koko observed a researcher making an unethical decision, and then Koko scolded the researcher and criticized them specifically for taking the unethical action?

And finally, maybe it's not so much about animals as it is about us. Maybe their behavior is not so interesting as ours. maybe they are fairly predictable, even with a moral code, but we are not. maybe we're more "bad" than they are. what would that suggest about God? What would it suggest about Evil?

Oh, and BTW, I align with Art. Doesn't mean I have figured everything out, but yeah, I believe that we are here to make a choice. And we get what we ask for. those who turn toward God and look hopefully forward to meeting Him, get that. Those who deliberately reject him and hold no hope of an eternal relationship...get that. And no, I don't know what happens to folks never exposed to this choice (Christianity). Or is there really anyone who lacks this choice? Maybe not. In any case, while I do not know the answers, I believe God is inconceivably generous and merciful. That's my position and I'm sticking to it.