why i'm pro-human (and why you should be too)

Nothing gets me thinking about life's biggest questions like reading to my two year old. Children's books avoid the fluff and pretense of our adult conversations. One of my son's favorite books right now asks whether or not certain animals can jump, skip, swim, hop, and so on. With every question, several animals are shown that do one of these things. But then, a rhinoceros will appear, for example, who laughs at the very idea of trying to swim. The story takes an unexpected turn when the child is asked who can do all of the physical activities. The answer: humans!

It's striking to see a book celebrating humanity in such an anti-human culture. Most of my acquaintances really despise humans. "After all," they say, "humans are killing the planet. They're responsible for climate change. And who do you think's to blame for wars, racism, and human trafficking?" These people are at least right in saying that humans have done some really awful things.

Nevertheless. As controversial as this sounds. I am pro-human.

When asked why I would choose to have a baby while raising a two year old, the only thing that came to mind was, "Because I like people." People do get in the way sometimes. They complicate things, and they can be jerks. But at the same time, all of us need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to steady us, words to encourage us–a warm hug to embrace. Only people fit the needed criteria there.

Christianity has always been pro-human when it has been authentic. Jesus doesn't shy away from seeing the best and worst in humans. Jesus agrees that humans have done some awful things, and are capable of committing even worse atrocities. But he also took on flesh himself, to become the God-(hu)man. He became the best of humanity, while giving us the opportunity to redeem the brokenness of mankind by embracing his restorative power. He's given me a chance to leave behind broken relationships, animosity towards creation, and inward perversion.

Jesus has solidified my pro-human stance. This means I'm pro-you, and I'm pro-me. I recognize that–in a way I don't fully understand–I need you. My independence-fueled western worldview hates this. But Jesus has bound us together by taking on flesh, by telling me that every human is only one moment away from being my eternal sibling, and by commanding me to love those I now call "brother" or "sister" with a love that is only matched by my love for God himself. Whether you like it or not, you are an amazing creation, with an amazing destiny. And so is every person you'll ever meet. Jesus is pro-human. Are you?