Rockharbor Costa Mesa Podcast More Than Rules: Q&A with Prof. Carmen Imes
Nov 30, 2025
Prof. Carmen Imes, an Old Testament scholar from Biola University, dives deep into the complexities of biblical theology. She reframes the image of God to highlight human worth, discusses Israel's role as God's treasured representatives, and explores the significance of the Ten Commandments within ancient treaty context. Carmen also unpacks difficult topics like the plagues as specific judgments against Egyptian gods, and she tackles the misconceptions surrounding God’s commands in battles, emphasizing the importance of worship fidelity and justice.
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Transcript
Early Bible Club Sparks Lifelong Calling
- Carmen started a Bible club at recess in second grade but it lasted one recess and everyone left.
- She kept reading alone and finished the Bible by fourth grade, sparking a lifelong calling to missions and study.
Image Of God As Identity, Not Capacity
- Carmen argues 'we are the image of God' as identity, not a capacity that can vary by ability.
- This framing gives intrinsic worth to every human regardless of intellect, age, or ability.
Read The Law As Covenant Representation
- Treat Exodus 19:5's segola as a covenant/treaty term showing Israel's representative role among nations.
- Use that context to read the law as guidance for representing God's character, not a salvation formula.
