What exactly does it mean to say that humanity was created in God's "image?"?

Question

I've read a lot of the standard explanations, but here's the thing. Up to that point in the Bible - Genesis 1 - God was characterized by one thing: creation. All a (theoretical) first-time reader knows about God is that He creates. So does that mean that we, as God's "image," are creators as well? Jack Miles seems to think so ("God: A Biography"). What does this imply for those who have "created" very little, particularly in today's Web 2.0 age where all, regardless of skill, are invited to contribute their creations? What if you can't create anything at all, even crap? What are you then?

Answer 1

It is shown in homicides, crimes, larceny, Jeffrey Dahmer... Christianity has a VERY bloody history.

Answer 2

I would think it means that if in fact we were created in Gods image then that tells me he is alive and well somewhere out there, It also means we were created by other human beings that must exist on other planets, It certainly would be a logical answer to that old question who God is , I believe we will have the answer in about another hundred years or so. Spiritual beings do not create physical beings, only physical beings create physical beings. I believe our creators are watching us all the time, and until we reach a certain level of intelligence they will keep their distance from us.

Answer 3

I think even a child who is confined to a hospital bed and doesn't know a thing about computers can create a feeling of compassion in the hardest heart. We are all children of God, and even if we don't seem "productive" or "creative" to others, we all have amazing potential. Have a happy day.

Answer 4

Imago Dei - image of God is not in reverence to creativity or else every seed would be in the image of God. The Genesis text gives room to interpret this Imago Dei as the rule over the earth. I prefer to read at the beginning of the chapter where the Spirit of God hovers over and then conquers chaos. It is that Spirit - breath (They are 1 and the same word in Hebrew) within us which makes us Imago Dei. We are those who triumph over chaos. In the Babe of Bethlehem, that even includes the chaos of death and disintegration.

Answer 5

To be created inGod's image means that we can think and make choices and are therefore culpable. We are responsible for our creations just like Him. Take a lesson from the Drummer Boy.

Answer 6

Man being created in "GOD's IMAGE" means that he was given a soul. We have free will so we have a choice to follow HIS commands or satan's. Satan is constantly attempting to drive us away from GOD. GOD sent HIS SON so that we would have the opportunity to be in Heaven with HIM after the Judgment. To do so, we need to become Christians.

To become a real Chrtistian…
We are told that we must HEAR the WORD in John 6:45, Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” We are also told so in Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We are told the we must BELIEVE in Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We are also told so in Mark 16:16, Jesus said “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” and in John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. We are told that we must REPENT (or turn from sin) in Luke 13:3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Also in Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent. We are told to CONFESS CHRIST in Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We are also told in 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. We are to be BAPTIZED according to Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” and Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. We are to CONTINUE to be FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH according to Revelation 2:10c Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. We also know that Paul wrote in Romans 14:12 each of us shall give account of himself to God. It is important that we not ignore what is written, change what is written, or add to what is written in the New Testament which is our Christian Guide. Have a great week.
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