His Image?

[Guest S. Chrissie]

Okay, so as we all know, Genesis 1:27 said that

"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

And everyone believes that "His image" means the often tangible and taken for granted biological bodies we have.

BUT, is it really like what everyone perceive it as, the biological body? Or does "His image" actually means the embodiment of all God's virtues (compassion, love, courage, determination, forgiveness and the list goes on) into a worldy vessel that is the biological body. Perhaps, "His image" is actually the "soul" that we have?

Thoughts?

Sherlyn

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In my opinion, It seems too.....dense and naive for us to perceive that "His Image" means the biological body we have, then again, it is human nature to notice things that can be seen or touched and to discard stuff that they can't see, feel, touched or whatever.

[Sally]

You have hit the nail squarely on the head - in his image can not mean the physical body because it says male and female - which one?

We are uncomfortable without an image of God, The Creator, but never fear we all have one!

Michelangelo gave it to us - God is a well developed older man with long flowing white hair and beard.

How it happened that the first people on this earth didn't look Italian is therefore a mystery.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Elizabeth K]

And the next thing you people are going to tell me was His Son was Jewish!

GOD created us as a part of himherself*, and some say as a part of Himher* broken free. We are a soul, and we alwys have been, always will be.

I doubt we speak American English in heaven anyway. Maybe Sanskrit?

Our bodies remain on earth, part of recyclying efforts of the Mother Nature aspect of the Creator, to be used for more creation, made from starduct, eventually to reemerge as many things - our bodies.

Our personalities? Do they evaporate? Probably - maybe as energies for us to tap into as "experiece gained" as we are transported to other levels - levels without real linear time and space.

But our souls? God made us in hisher* image, both male and female. We gender gifted have both I think, and not really either at the same time. We are a special case, I feel - born as we are for some purposes we are unsure of.

I say we are GOD's little joke, and I pray Heshe* laughs when I do! Or rather his SON laughs for Himher*. I have heard that laughter in my dreams and meditations - it's a wonder!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord - GOD is AWESOME - and we are part of the Creation and part of the CREATOR.

I wonder if there is beer in heaven?

Lizzy

*dual-gender indicating pronouns are wacky!

[Sally]

And the next thing you people are going to tell me was His Son was Jewish!

Oh heavens no, Lizzy!

He was German - we've all seen the Hoffman painting!

The soul is indeed the key to interpruting this verse, formed in his image, encompassing all and also eternal.

Love to all,

Sally

[Guest April63]

The Bible is beautiful how it uses "man" to both refer to only men, and to refer to men and women. I believe in this case it refers to strictly men, specifically Adam. Eve was made from one of Adam's ribs in Genesis 2:21-22.

I don't know if 1:27 is meant to say that we have similar personalities, but I do believe that these "characteristics of enlightenment" are part of us.

April

[Guest DanM]

His image well that could mean alot of things. I see people of all kinds that say God is white, brown black or whatever. But it does seem a bit funny when we humanize God, which is our human nature to do. Being a Minister myself, I have opened my eyes and mind to the fact that everyones picture of God is quite different from the next. It is easier to picture Christ than God, since we have the knowledge that he was human. To some God is just an entity and whether you believe in the Big Bang Therory or scripture, your picture of who and what God is, is also different. No two people have the same concept of God, which is good its called Individuality and free will. Our church is based on individuality and the belief that everyone has a right to their own beliefs and thoughts. And a right to live their lives as they see fit as long as they are not hurting anyone else and do whats right.

Peace

[Guest ~Brenda~]

In my opinion, It seems too.....dense and naive for us to perceive that "His Image" means the biological body we have, then again, it is human nature to notice things that can be seen or touched and to discard stuff that they can't see, feel, touched or whatever.

Dear Sherlyn,

Exactly!! In "HIS image" means the understanding that God exists. What form we have is not relevant to God! Gender is not relevant to God. Love is all that matters! If you can better express your Love as female, then dear, be female! I have seen more Love and understanding here than anywhere in the universe!! Truely, God's work is being done here!!

LOL

bernii

[Guest ashley4623]

Okay, so as we all know, Genesis 1:27 said that

BUT, is it really like what everyone perceive it as, the biological body? Or does "His image" actually means the embodiment of all God's virtues (compassion, love, courage, determination, forgiveness and the list goes on) into a worldy vessel that is the biological body. Perhaps, "His image" is actually the "soul" that we have?

I think that's what's right.... God created us in his image relating to our souls. Really, what matters most about a person? What's INSIDE. Everyone is always taught that (at least I was). I think that the virtues and goodness a person can have on the inside are worth far more than their body's appearance... I think it's shallow to think otherwise.

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

The Bible is beautiful how it uses "man" to both refer to only men, and to refer to men and women. I believe in this case it refers to strictly men, specifically Adam. Eve was made from one of Adam's ribs in Genesis 2:21-22.

I don't know if 1:27 is meant to say that we have similar personalities, but I do believe that these "characteristics of enlightenment" are part of us.

April

OK now to stir the pot, 

Genesis 1:27 says "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them

However later on God has to remake woman, how come? Was this first one the demoness Lilleth(not mentioned by name in the bible but named in the Midrash)? If not why the remake?

[Guest April63]

God didn't "remake" the woman. Eve came first, and there was no Lilith. Lilith isn't in the Bible, and story is a folktale due to a misinterpretation of the text. The Bible recounts the Creation twice. There are not to separate creations. The first one is broader, and the second is more in depth.