In regards to the "animal kingdom", man is naturally superior all creatures in general.
Naturally, if I wanted to fist fight with a gorilla, I'd be properly trounced. If I wanted to have a swim-off with a dolphin, I'd be disappointed, and so on.
However man has a distinct and unique self-awareness and ability to discern himself that animals are unable to.
Take my ridgeback for example. She can run like the billio, she can definitely kill me if she felt like it, however she cannot understand herself and cannot attain the abilities of man; no animal really can.
Man is obliged to care for animals
because man understands his place in the world and the kingdom.
Animals have no feeling of obligation to do that, they do it out of a self-serving need or training.
Theologically, man is superior to animals in totality.
The old adage that "all dogs go to Heaven" doesn't hold up to the Magisterium of the Church,
and animals lack the "beatific vision" of Christ
and their souls are temporary
and meant to serve us as assets
to be utilized.
Regarding my chart; yes I enjoy debate and I tend to be quite capable of it. This said, I have been known to instigate critical thinking to further a point and that might be considered "winding up", but I'm not in the business of making people angry or trolling.
If anyone else wanted to see my chart, I'll attach it.
Cheers!
