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What does it mean to be 'Human?'

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In summary, being human is a rich interplay of biological, emotional, social, and philosophical dimensions. It is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and connection that encourages reflection on our existence, relationships, and legacy for future generations. This exploration invites us to continually redefine and deepen our understanding of our humanity.

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Abrahamic Perspective

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The question of what it means to be a human being has profound implications across various religious traditions, particularly within the Abrahamic faith;

 

Body and Soul: The Dual Nature of Humanity

From an Abrahamic perspective, a human being is often understood as a composite of both body and soul. The body represents the physical aspect of existence, while the soul embodies the spiritual essence that connects humanity to the divine. In Genesis, it is stated that God created humanity in His own image, which suggests that the soul is a reflection of divine attributes. This duality emphasizes the importance of both the material and spiritual dimensions of human life.

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The Purpose of Humanity

The purpose of a human being, according to these traditions, is deeply intertwined with their relationship to the Creator. Humans are seen as stewards of the Earth, tasked with the responsibility to care for creation. This stewardship is not merely a physical duty but also a spiritual calling to reflect God's attributes of compassion, justice, and mercy in their interactions with others.

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Emulating Divine Attributes

In striving to emulate the Creator's attributes, humans are called to embody qualities such as love, kindness, and humility. This emulation is not just an ideal but a practical guide for living in community with others. For instance, in Christianity, Jesus taught the importance of loving one’s neighbor, which is echoed in Judaism's emphasis on the mitzvot (commandments) and in Islam's teachings on compassion and charity (sadaqah).

 

Free Will and Worship

Central to the Abrahamic understanding of humanity is the concept of free will. Humans are endowed with the ability to make choices, including the choice to worship the Creator. This free will is a gift that allows for genuine love and devotion. However, it also comes with the responsibility to seek out the truth and to act in accordance with divine commandments.

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Obedience and the Search for Higher Truth

Obeying the commandments of God is viewed as a fundamental aspect of fulfilling one’s purpose. This obedience is not about blind submission but rather a conscious commitment to understanding and living out divine principles to the best of one’s knowledge and understanding. In this pursuit, humans are encouraged to engage in study, reflection, and dialogue, seeking a deeper understanding of the Higher Truth that transcends human limitations.​

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From an Abrahamic perspective, humans are intricate beings composed of body and soul, created in the image of the Creator. Our purpose is to mirror divine attributes, exercise free will in worship, and adhere to God's commandments. This lifelong journey involves a pursuit of knowledge and a deeper relationship with the divine, ultimately leading to a life that honours the Creator and serves the greater good.

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Human nature encompasses the intrinsic traits and behaviours that define us, including our thoughts, emotions, and actions. According to Abrahamic Scriptures, we are created in God's image, endowed with free will to choose our beliefs. This freedom fosters relationships based on understanding and divine qualities, while a strong connection with our Creator is essential for healthy interactions with others.

 

Without divine guidance, we may succumb to negativity and materialism, hindering our spiritual growth. Observing children highlights our need for guidance; as they mature, they seek joy and question authority, reflecting our own journey.

 

Recognising our dual nature as physical and spiritual beings helps us pursue true happiness through love, kindness, and compassion, which form the foundation of our moral framework. Ultimately, our free will allows us to choose between a material or spiritual existence, and by aligning our actions with divine truth, we can cultivate inner peace and protect our spiritual essence amidst life's distractions.

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Why are human relationships important?

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The human relationship is essential across various dimensions—emotional, psychological, social, and biological. Here are the key points:

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Emotional Significance

• Human relationships fulfil our need for connection and belonging.

• They contribute to happiness and well-being.

• Provide comfort during challenging times and enhance resilience.

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Psychological Impact

• Positive relationships reduce the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

• They enhance self-esteem and foster a sense of identity and purpose.

• Lack of connections can lead to isolation and loneliness, harming mental health.

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Social Function

• Human relationships are vital for community and societal functioning.

• They promote cooperation, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

• Encourage learning, idea exchange, and understanding of diverse perspectives.

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Biological Aspects

• Positive relationships lead to better physical health outcomes.

• Social bonding releases oxytocin, promoting trust and attachment.

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In summary, human relationships are crucial for overall well-being and personal growth. They enrich our lives and should be prioritised for a fulfilling existence.

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How Human Relationships Can Harm Us

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Despite their benefits, human relationships can also cause harm and distress, particularly in toxic dynamics. Key issues include:

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• Negative interactions can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.

• Unhealthy relationships may foster dependency and diminish self-worth.

• Conflicts can cause stress and emotional pain, impacting other life areas.

• Fear of rejection can hinder the formation of new relationships, leading to isolation.

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How do human relationships affect our relationship with our Creator?

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The dynamics of human relationships significantly affect our relationship with the Creator, influencing our spiritual journey and understanding of the divine. 

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Interactions with others often mirror our interactions with the divine, shaping our perceptions of love, compassion, forgiveness, and grace.

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Loving and supportive relationships can deepen our connection to God, reflecting His love through various forms such as parental love, friendship, and community camaraderie.

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Negative experiences, such as betrayal or conflict, can complicate our perception of God, leading to feelings of unworthiness and barriers to spiritual growth, potentially causing a crisis of faith.

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How we treat others reflects our relationship with God. Acts of kindness and empathy are seen as expressions of reverence for the divine, encouraging the cultivation of virtues aligned with spiritual beliefs.

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Engaging in communal worship and sharing experiences with others can enhance our understanding of God, creating a sense of belonging and reinforcing faith through shared narratives and rituals.

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So- the relationship between humans and their Creator is deeply influenced by human relationships. Recognising this interconnectedness can lead to spiritual growth and a more fulfilling relationship with the divine, enhancing personal faith and appreciation for the divine presence in all aspects of life.

 

How can we improve our Human Relationships?

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1. Develop Effective Communication Skills

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• Express thoughts and feelings clearly.

• Practice active listening by:

  • Being fully present in conversations.

  • Acknowledging the other person's perspective.

  • Responding thoughtfully.

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2. Practice Empathy

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• Put yourself in someone else's shoes.

• Understand their feelings and experiences.

• Validate others' emotions to make them feel heard and valued.

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3. Develop Conflict Resolution Skills

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• Approach conflicts with a collaborative mindset.

• Seek solutions that satisfy both parties.

• Be open to compromise.

• Address issues promptly to prevent resentment.

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4. Invest Quality Time

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• Make a conscious effort to spend meaningful time together.

• Engage in shared activities and deep conversations.

• Enjoy each other's company to foster shared experiences and memories.

 

5. Express Appreciation and Gratitude

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• Acknowledge the positive qualities and contributions of others.

• Regularly express gratitude through simple gestures like:

  • Thank you notes.

  • Compliments.

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6. Engage in Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

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• Understand your own behaviours, triggers, and emotional responses.

• Participate in personal development activities such as:

  • Therapy.

  • Reading self-help books.

  • Attending workshops.

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7. Additional Principles for Personal Development

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• Be humble.

• Listen more.

• Take responsibility for thoughts, speech, and behavior.

• Be honest and have integrity.

• Be committed and stay true to your word.

• Be loyal.

• Show forgiveness and have patience.

• Choose Mercy over vengeance

• Always try to see the good in others and remind them of it to encourage them.

• Show respect for differences in opinions or beliefs.

• Respect boundaries for yourself and others.

• Develop peacemaking skills

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How can we become more 'Righteous?'

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The concept of righteousness is a central theme in Jewish scripture, which encompasses a rich tapestry of teachings and narratives that guide adherents toward living a life aligned with divine will. In the Hebrew Bible, particularly within the Torah, righteousness (or "tzedakah") is often associated with justice, moral integrity, and the fulfilment of commandments (mitzvot). The teachings emphasize that righteousness involves not only personal piety but also social responsibility, urging individuals to care for the vulnerable, including the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Furthermore, the prophetic literature, such as the writings of Isaiah and Micah, calls for a righteousness that manifests in ethical behavior and community justice, highlighting that true righteousness is reflected in actions that promote peace and equity among all people. To be righteous, one must engage in acts of kindness, uphold the law, and maintain a sincere relationship with God, which is nurtured through prayer, study, and communal worship. The overarching message is that righteousness is a dynamic interplay between individual conduct and collective well-being, requiring constant reflection and commitment to ethical living.

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In the teachings of Christ, righteousness takes on a profound and transformative dimension. Christ emphasizes that righteousness is not merely about adhering to the letter of the law but rather about embodying the spirit of love, mercy, and humility. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus articulates a radical redefinition of righteousness, stating that true righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. He teaches that internal attitudes, such as love for one’s enemies and the pursuit of peace, are as

crucial as external actions. Christ’s parables often illustrate the importance of compassion and forgiveness, suggesting that righteousness is rooted in relationships—both with God and with others. To be righteous, according to Christ, involves a heartfelt commitment to love, an active pursuit of justice, and a willingness to serve others selflessly. This call to righteousness is not just an individual endeavor; it is a communal journey that invites believers to work together in fostering a world reflective of God's kingdom, characterized by grace and reconciliation.

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The Quran presents a comprehensive understanding of righteousness, or "taqwa," which encompasses both a deep consciousness of God and a commitment to ethical behavior. Righteousness in Islam is intricately linked to faith and is described as a quality that believers should strive to embody in their daily lives. The Quran stresses that true righteousness is not solely defined by ritual practices or outward appearances but is deeply rooted in sincere intentions and actions that align with God's commandments. Believers are encouraged to engage in acts of charity (zakat), uphold justice, and maintain honesty in their dealings with others. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of community and the collective responsibility of individuals to support one another in the pursuit of righteousness. To be righteous, Muslims are called to cultivate a strong relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and reflection, as well as to actively contribute to the welfare of society by promoting peace, compassion, and understanding among all people. The teachings of the Quran invite believers to view righteousness as a holistic approach to life, where faith and action are intertwined, leading to a harmonious existence both spiritually and socially.

 

Here are some characteristics of what God describes from Scripture to be characteristics of a 'righteous' human:

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Honest, peace-loving, truth-seeking, wisdom-seeking, reflective, mindful, thoughtful,  kind and generous, charitable, Loving, compassionate, merciful, gracious, Just and fair, humble and modest, moderate and well balanced, oft- repentant, grateful, forgiving and pardoning to others, non-judgemental, self-critical, disciplined, obedient to Him, respectful to others, tolerant, patient, perseverant, joyful, trustworthy , faithful, peaceful, self-less, chaste, wise, hopeful, light, knowledgeable, having integrity. non-envious, non-gossiping...

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Abrahamic Scripture also describes the righteous as those who Believe in God, The Last Day, The Angels, The Book, The Prophets and in The Act of Giving for the Cause of God. 

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Here are some characteristics of what God describes from Scripture to be displeasing traits of a human:

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Selfish, greedy, untruthful, false,  murderous, unjust and unfair, unwise, impatient, hasty, judgemental, proud, non repentant, ungrateful, unforgiving, angry and vengeful, extreme in religious practice, unkind, uncharitable, untrustworthy, intolerant, disrespectful, conflicting, neglectful, hopeless, destructive, ignorant, wasteful, misleading, lustful, arrogant, idolatrous, disobedient and rebellious despite knowledge, envious, dark, without integrity, gluttonous, depressive, gossiping, slandering...​​

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The Seven Noahide commandments given to Noah to all humanity according to the Torah: 

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According to Jewish Scripture- The 7 Universal Laws are rules that all of us are advised to keep, regardless of who we are or from where we come. Without these seven things, it would be impossible for humanity to live together in harmony. 

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1. Not to worship idols
    

2. Not to curse God
    

3. To establish courts of justice
    

4. Not to commit murder
    

5. Not to commit adultery, bestiality, or sexual immorality
    

6. Not to Steal
    

7. Not to eat flesh torn from a living animal

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For more knowledge and information about the seven Noahide Laws from a

Jewish perspective please see:

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https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/62221/jewish/The-7-Noahide-Laws-Universal-Morality.htm

 

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4157474/jewish/Seven-Laws-for-a-Beautiful-Planet.htm

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For more knowledge and information about the Quranic Perspective on Noahide Law:

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http://www.wikinoah.org/en/index.php/Islam_and_Noahide_Law​​​​​​​

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The five Pillars of 'Faith' to help guide us and discipline us to leading a more righteous life: 

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1.  The declaration of Faith 

2. Prayer

3. Alms-giving

4. Fasting

5. Pilgrimage

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The Ten Commandments given to the 'Children of Isreal': through Moses;

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First Commandment (Exodus 20:2)

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I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

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Second Commandment (Exodus 20:3-6)

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You shall have no other gods beside Me. You shall not make for yourself any graven image, nor any manner of likeness, of any thing that is heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them, nor serve them, for I, the Lord Your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

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Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7)

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You shall not take the name of the Lord Your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.

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Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11)

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Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord Your God, in it you shall not do any manner of work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your man-servant, nor your maid-servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day. Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

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Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12)

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Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord God gives you.

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Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13)

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You shall not murder.

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Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:13)

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You shall not commit adultery.

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Eighth Commandment (Exodus 20:13)

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You shall not steal.

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Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:13)

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You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

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Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:14)

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You shall not covet your neighbour’s house, nor his wife, his man-servant, his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is your neighbour’s.

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