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The concept of Lower creature in Christianity

In Christianity, the term "lower creatures" pertains to the initial phases of creation, where plants and animals precede humanity, considered creation's priest. It also refers to beings that have a lesser spiritual or moral status, often depicted in fables with human-like reasoning to convey moral lessons. Additionally, lower creatures are sustained by divine providence, receiving what they need without acknowledgment of their Creator, illustrating their disconnect from God's higher gifts, which are inseparable from His essence.

Synonyms: Subordinate being, Lesser being

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Lower creature'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The creatures that are at rest here, and that the more truly a man is man, the less can he find, among all the shadows of the present, a pillow for his head, a place of repose for his heart.[1] (2) The text contrasts humanity's restlessness with the reposeful contentment of these, suggesting a deeper meaning in the contrast between the two, and in the divine wisdom.[2] (3) Lower creatures have enough when they have the meat that drops from His hand, and they know and care nothing for the hand that feeds, but God's best gifts cannot be separated from Himself, as stated in the text.[3] (4) Creatures that are considered to be below others in terms of spiritual or moral standing.[4]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) In creation, the process begins with the lower creatures, plants, and animals, then, man, creation's priest, Eden, and lastly the sabbath.[5] (2) Animals or beings that represent lower virtues or defects in fables and are attributed human-like qualities.[6]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Refers to animals or plants in fables that are depicted as speaking and reasoning, allowing the moral lessons to be conveyed through their actions.[7]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) This refers to beings that are not considered rational, implying that they act under the direction and understanding of something else.[8]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Plural form: Lower creatures.