Did Neanderthals have souls?

[Zzyzx]

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Many Theists seem intent on distinguishing between humans and "the animals" (as though humans were something other than animals) -- often proclaiming that humans have "souls" (which have yet to be shown to exist outside imagination).

Where along the line did humans acquire "souls?"

Did / do other closely related species have "souls?"

[ttruscott]

...

Yes, Neanderthals had spirits.
So do dolphins.
So do ants, and kittens, and duck billed platypuses.

At least, so I've been taught, and so I believe.

...

I did not know Mormonism was so pantheistic. I shall ponder...

But, does this apply to insects and microbes, bacteria and viruses and trees and poisonous plants too? Is it only living things or are stones and mountains included like in Shintoism?

Peace, Ted

[Zzyzx]

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Also perhaps Zz was wrong to include it on the list. I personally don't find it a very good example of other Homo species.

Wrong or not, I withdraw Homo cepranensis from the list. It is NOT important to what I presented.