There is no question that the debate continues. Are we a creation of God, or are we the result of some random sequence of evolutionary events? And there is no doubt that the results of advances in science cause many of us to lean toward the concept that accumulated events of evolution is the answer.

But when we analyze the elements that make up our human state, we must recognize that emotions clearly place us in a unique category.

One of the foundational aspects of evolution theory is that changes come about because those changes are a benefit to the organism. A simple example might be that giraffes developed longer necks to reach their food source as trees grew taller. Members of a species that don’t adapt are soon replaced by those who can.

But what about emotion? Where does that fit into the theories of evolution? Certainly, we can appreciate that fear would be beneficial to creatures hoping to avoid a predator. Perhaps we could equate an emotion of love to the nurturing instincts of a mother cat toward her little ones.

But what about hate? What about anger, or sorrow, or jealousy? What about joy or excitement?

It is clear that the full range of human emotions goes far beyond the basic elements of self-preservation. Try as we might, we would be hard-pressed to identify an evolutionary reason that we would develop and enhance emotions such as sorrow or joy. It would seem that such emotions contribute little or nothing to our ability to function effectively.

Perhaps the answer lies within the response to the question of evolution versus creation. Perhaps the answer is obviously – creation.

While the idea that evolution is responsible for the development of the plant and animal life that surrounds us is acceptable, the emotional toolkit that is incorporated into the human form cannot be justified by such thinking. It is only when we recognize that our emotional package is a necessary element in a spiritual being that inhabits the human form, that we can begin to understand.

At first, we might question why we would need emotions such sorrow or hate, but the answer is clear. Just as we cannot appreciate the light without the contrast of darkness, or sound of music without the contrast of silence, the contrast of sorrow and hate makes the appreciation of joy and love possible.

The human form that inhabits our world is the most complex life form on our planet. The human being is the temporary home of a self-aware, thinking, feeling, spiritual entity. It is only when we recognize that our emotions have no justification in evolution that we can begin to realize that our emotions are a gift from the Creator – the gift of feeling human.