Are people mammals?

No, people are NOT mammals or any other kind of animal!

Although people have some characteristics of mammals, they have certain qualities that set them apart from the animals.

First, God created mankind in his own image. He did not do that with the animals.

Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Second, mankind was put in charge of (had dominion over) the animals and therefore is above the animals and not equal with the animals.

Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Third, mankind has eternal life. He breathed into Adam “the breath of life”, imparting to him an eternal soul. God did not do this with the animals.

Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Fourth, man can kill animals but not other men because man is made in the image of God.

Genesis 9:3-4 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.

Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.

Fifth, animals do not have reasoning ability. Although there are some animals that are “smart” like dolphins, monkeys, and your dog. They do not have, nor will they ever have, the ability to do 3rd grade math problems, read a book, etc.

Sixth, they do not have language. Now that does not mean they do not communicate with each other, it just means that they are not able to hold an intelligent conversation or communicate their thoughts in written form.

Seventh, animals really only are concerned with the basics of life” food, sleeping, mating, etc. Humans pursue meaning in life though work, religion, play, and the arts. Mankind is set apart from the animals.

Eighth, God sent his Son to die for the sins of mankind so that we can have eternal life in heaven with him. He did this for mankind only and not the animal kingdom. Mankind was given a free will to choose whether or not they would follow God and serve him. Mankind rebelled against God and now each person is born with the sin nature. Animals do not have a sin nature. Each person needs to have their relationship with God restored so that they can have eternal life with him.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.