Human Exceptionalism

Animals reproduce and adapt,

but who can understand

their intricate motion?

The natural can live and react,

but the spiritual can think

about meaningful notions.

The cosmos is lawful and constrained,

but who can discover

the reason for precision?

The natural has manifold aims,

but the spiritual can apprehend

a singular wisdom.

Life exists by matter and energy,

but who has energy

for what matters for infinity?

The natural exists by contingency,

but the spiritual is drawn

towards transcendency.

Time and space is mathematical,

but who can calculate

what it adds up to?

The natural is intelligible,

but the spiritual can discern

what is good and true.

All of reality

reflects God’s glory,

but who will accept

a redemptive story?

Nature is colorful,

active, and orderly,

but who will embrace

a place in eternity?