Image of God Part 1: Humans as Middle Management

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Feb 18, 2016

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INSIGHT

Humans as Image of God

In contrast to ancient Near Eastern cultures, where only kings were considered the image of God, the Bible states all humans are made in God's image.
This reflects a more egalitarian social structure envisioned in the Bible.

INSIGHT

Contrasting Creation Narratives

The biblical creation narrative presents a God who brings order from chaos without conflict, unlike Babylonian myths where the world arises from violence.
This difference highlights a contrasting worldview and social order.

ANECDOTE

Babylonian Creation Myth

Tim Mackie mentions a Babylonian creation myth where humans were created from a slain god's blood and dirt to be slaves for the gods.
He contrasts this with the biblical narrative of humans being created in God's image to rule creation.

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What does it mean that humans are created in the image of God? In this episode, the guys discuss the biblical theme of the image of God and its implications for Jesus followers. As humans, we bear the image of God, but what is the purpose of this for us––what is the purpose for God? Creating images of gods was a fairly familiar concept in the ancient world, but representing the image of God, not through a statue or idol but through your very being, has profound significance.

In the first part of the episode (01:31-13:58), the guys talk about Genesis 1. This passage tells us that humans were created in God’s image and then given the task to rule over creation. Compared to the Babylonian creation myth, the biblical story of creation gives a worldview and social order that is pretty unique.

In the second part of the episode (14:14-26:10), Tim and Jon talk about the purpose behind God creating humans in his image. After God creates Adam and Eve, he tasks them with subduing creation? What does this mean? How should we be “subduing” God’s creation?

In the final part of the episode (26:26-44:50), the guys talk about the ancient context of creating images of gods. What were images of gods in the ancient world? Statues or idols were viewed as a special connection to the god they represented. This is true of humans too. Humans are the realization of God’s presence––his temple on earth. God’s rule here on earth is not through elite kings, it is through humans multiplying, gardening, and making neighborhoods.

Video:
This episode is designed to accompany our video called, "Image of God." You can view it on our youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbipxLDtY8c&t=2s

References:
The Babylonian Creation Story (Enuma elish) from Grand Valley State University
http://faculty.gvsu.edu/websterm/Enuma_Elish.html

The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis by Lynn White, Jr.
https://www.uvm.edu/~gflomenh/ENV-NGO-PA395/articles/Lynn-White.pdf

Scripture References:
Genesis 1-2

Show Music:
Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Blue Skies by Unwritten Stories
Flooded Meadows by Unwritten Stories