The Great Chain of Being arranges created beings according to their natures within the order of creation. Together with the Three Realms of Reality, it provides a simple map of creation, showing how God, angels, and the natural world relate to one another.
The Great Chain is not a measure of dignity or importance, for every creature is good because it is created by God. Rather, it illustrates that different kinds of beings possess different characteristics according to their natures. As we ascend the hierarchy of life, each higher form of life retains the characteristics of those below it while adding new ones proper to its own nature. This ordered progression prepares us to better understand the unique place of the human person within creation.
Chart of the Great Chain of Being
| Being | Origin | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| SUPERNATURAL REALM | ||
| God | Uncreated | Pure Spirit |
| PRETERNATURAL REALM | ||
| Angels & Demons | Created | Pure Spirit |
| NATURAL REALM | ||
| Man | Created | Spirit & Matter |
| Animal | Created | Spirit & Matter |
| Vegetation | Created | Spirit & Matter |
| Mineral | Created | Matter |
Chart of the Characteristics of Natural Beings
| Man | Animal | Vegetation | Mineral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eternal Soul | Mortal Soul | Mortal Soul | No Soul |
| Reason | Instinct | Vegetative Powers | No Powers of Life |
| Locomotive | Locomotive | Not Locomotive | Not Locomotive |
| Reproductive | Reproductive | Reproductive | Not Reproductive |
| Can Grow | Can Grow | Can Grow | Cannot Grow |
| Assimilates Nourishment | Assimilates Nourishment | Assimilates Nourishment | Incapable Of Assimilation |
☾
Related Essays
- To be determined.
- To be determined.
- To be determined.
- To be determined.
Copyright © 2026 Patrick O’Donnell.
The author retains all ownership and publication rights to this work.
Bearers of the Preborn Christ, Inc. is granted limited license for website publication only.
All other rights reserved.
