There is a common trend in most alien science fiction to portray extra terrestrials as somehow superior to the human race. Perhaps they are stronger, or more peaceful, older or more advanced. They have better technology, or no wars, or they understand a higher plane of thought, or a better standard of living. Many times, even in the story where the humans are the ones to make contact, it is often because the aliens have no wish for galactic dominance. Aliens are often gods, aliens are often mediators between other races, and generally aliens are the superior race. This may not always be the case, but it does seem to be a prominent theme.

Likewise, many races in fantasy are portrayed as superior to humans. Humans are clumsy, and warlike. Dragons fly; elves are beautiful. Over and over I have seen races developed that are superior to humans. We who love these stories desire to be like them, and become dissatisfied with ourselves. This can be seen as a longing to be something better, but it also seems to be an expression of dissatisfaction with who we are.

I think Ted Dekker had his finger on the truth when he wrote Black, and he wrote of the angels who envied the race of men. The angels were beautiful, and did the work of Elyon, but they did not have what God has given to men. They longed for the fellowship that we share with him, and they were not created to have.

I’ve written two stories that brought out my view on this matter. We are created in the image of God. We are made to reflect the greatest measure of glory and perfection that ever is or will be. Anything or anyone created by any being other than God himself, can only look on us and wonder at our beauty and our fellowship with the creator. Even the beauty that God himself has created cannot equal what he has given to us. If the trees and the wind and the birds had spirits they could only envy the spirit that we have. Like the Little Mermaid, from Hans Christian Anderson’s tale, envied the humans, for their soul.

How many people are there who would wish to be a mermaid? But is it worth the exchange of your immortal soul?

How many are there who long for wings and to serve God eternally? But is it worth the exchange of the fellowship we shall one day have as the bride of Christ?

I’m sure that most of you have wished to be different in some way. Some want black hair, or green eyes, or to be taller, or shorter, or to have pointy ears. Perhaps many of us wish we were part of another race, one that we’ve invented or read. Maybe you wish to have telekinetic abilities, or the ability to foresee the future. How many of those fictional races, if brought to life, do you think wouldn’t give everything to be one of us, with our glory and fellowship, made in the image of perfection?

I challenge you to change the way you view your races. I challenge the prevalent theory that the human race is inferior. I challenge you to glorify God’s creation, above your own creation, and to prophesy to the world that you are created in His image.

Random note: Those of you who are tired of hearing everything compared to Doctor Who should be glad I wrote this before I discovered him. Because that's another reason I really appreciate that show... but that's an entire other article. Which I may write someday.

I...have no comment. I loved it. Perhaps I should read it again a little later when I can try to look for what might need edited instead of just read with wide eyes.

*saw nothing that needed to be edited* Then again, I was just reading faster and faster so...don't take my word for it.

Lovely post, Vanya!

I loved it, Vanya! Very interesting. I did see a couple of things involving punctuation, though. Feel free to ignore my suggestions if you wish.



I would suggest adding a comma between "contact" and "it is often because".



May I suggest changing it to this: "Dragons fly; elves are beautiful."?

I feel rather silly pointing out such small things, but I think that's part of being an editor... *shrugs* Anyways, I enjoyed it immensely.

I don't have anything to add - I was simply awed. You made a very good point, and one which I've never even considered before.

I'll try and come back later, to check for any grammar issues.

That is exactly why I drag you editors in here, Kali. *well, Philli dragged ya'll in here * Thank you so much for adding your suggestions.

That's your job, Kali. I didn't notice them, so I appreciate you picking it up. Fixed.

Today's Wednesday, right? This will go up on the blog tomorrow. You've blogged before, right, Katie? So you probably don't need my help with that, but if you do need my help, you can have it. Do you need anyone else to give this another proofread before tomorrow?

Thanks for the help, everyone!

Yuppity, I know what I'm doing. I should be up early tomorrow too, (checking out google+ hangout!)

*so glad to leave this in both of your capable hands while I catch up *

Ah, beautiful! Thank you so much for getting that up, Katie!

I have only one request. Could you add a "read more" jump break after the first or second paragraph? Thank you!

I was trying to sort out how that worked and couldn't make sense of Airi's instructions...

Due to the completion of this thread, it is now being archived. Thank you for your participation.