The Image of God, Power, and Work

The concept of the 'image of God' was originally associated with kings in ancient Near Eastern culture, positioning them as quasi-divine mediators with power over others. The Genesis story, in contrast, asserts that all people are made in the image of God, challenging the abuse of power and emphasizing the inherent value of all individuals. This foundational idea has been instrumental in shaping the Western ecosystem of human rights. Additionally, the idea of ruling over the earth in the Genesis story is linked to work, specifically the concept of 'rearranging raw materials to draw out their potential for the flourishing of everyone.' This concept extends to various forms of work, from farming to entrepreneurship, highlighting the broader significance of work as cultivation in creating spaces for human flourishing and community.