By Mike Edwards
What prompted this Post is hearing Christian leaders often declaring all, even unbelievers, are made in God’s image. We can be more sensitive to those who question the Bible and more understanding there are differences what exactly is claimed about God’s image/character. Now, if someone declares we are made in Satan’s image, we have a verbal fight on our hands. Those who claim we are made in God’s image often do so because they believe we humans should strive to be perfect like God. But we don’t all agree what God’s perfection is according to the Bible.
The Bible is the main source for claiming we are made in God’s image
The Bible is often quoted to defend we are made in God’s image. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Gen 1:27) The Bible also claims God commanded genocide – “This is why the Lord Almighty says Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them: put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” (I Sam 15:2-3). See 9 Reasons To Not Trust The Bible’s Claims About God! The truth is we cannot prove God necessarily approve of everything written about God in the Bible. Personally, I don’t mind hearing I am made in God’s image, but we must be careful regarding assumptions about God’s character.
What is God’s image according to the Bible when it comes to moral perfection?
Many claim that God tortures those forever in the afterlife if reject God here on earth, that God rejects women in leadership roles, and God condemn others for being attracted to the same gender. Who can blame others for rejecting a God contrary to our moral intuitions! One’s view of God is often based on one’s interpretation of the Bible or belief that the biblical writers understood God perfectly. We can’t prove the biblical writers were always right about God, but even if the writers had perfect understanding the Bible is subject to interpretation. The truth is biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible says about gays, women, hell, and other moral issues. See here. See here. See here.
And what about evolution?
We don’t know how we all got here. Did God create out of nothing the first man and woman – Adam and Eve from where we all originate? We can’t prove the first couple in Genesis are historical or fictional people created for the purpose of talking about God and human relationships. The biblical writers of Genesis weren’t there in the beginning of creation. Many Christian scientists believe humans evolved over time beginning with the animal kingdom. See https://biologos.org/ If this turns out to be true, were the first creations (not humans) made in God’s image? I just think we need to be more thoughtful in our declaration being made in the image of God. Am I made in an animal’s image?
Whose image are we made in?
I might say “Since I believe in a perfect Creator, I am convinced a Creator loves the way their creations know how they ought to love one another.” The challenge though is that even Christians don’t agree what God’s perfect love is like. We don’t have to all agree whose image we are made in, but we can surely agree we should all strive to be perfect – loving others like we want to be loved. What image we should proclaim isn’t that complicated – what is perfect love!
Can We Stop Saying Everything Happens For A Reason!
Can We Stop Saying We Know What Biblical Truths Are?
Can We Stop Saying Our Rights As A Nation Come From God?
Can We Stop Saying “Biblical Worldview”?
Can We Stop Saying “Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin”!
Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com
Done with Religion 