Interpretation of a Bible passage

[Masquerouge]

So the passage in question is Genesis 1 26 and 27, where God says he's creating Man in his own image.

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

My question is: how do you interpret this? Is it the physical image of God, meaning God is thus an anthropomorphic divinity, with one head, two arms, two legs, etc.?
This would allow you to paint this

Or do you see a more spiritual meaning to the world image, meaning God is not shaped like a human being, and when He says He's going to create Man in His image, it's figuratively speaking? But then, what IS His image? And in what respect is Man in the image of God?

 

[puglover]

What sets humans apart from animals?

Excluding sin, as the text makes clear that it didn't exist prior to the Fall, humans have the capacity to love one another, and they have reason to interpret their world with, both being qualities we share with God.

 

[soul_warrior]

i do not believe the passage means an exact image of god.
"in his image" is meant. imo, to be referring to intellect.
by that i mean the differing factor between us (humans) and the "lower" animals.
analyzing things, and using opposable thumbs, goes a long way.

i also take it to mean that we are ALL part of "his image" - including germs, apes, fish, etc.
and we wouldnt do anything to hurt ourselves, our "image sakes" or god forbid, god's image itself.
but ill let my environmentalist head slink away....

 

[Masquerouge]

What sets humans apart from animals?

Excluding sin, as the text makes clear that it didn't exist prior to the Fall, humans have the capacity to love one another, and they have reason to interpret their world with, both being qualities we share with God.

So you think the biblical text is implying that when we're speaking of God's image, it actually means what separate God and humans from animals, and that is love and reason.
But if we're created in His image, why aren't we also all-knowing and such?

 

[JollyRoger]

Let us make man in our image, in our likeness

How many Gods are there?

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Does this make God both male and female?

Also, in Genesis, Chapter 1, God makes humans (male and female) after the other animals; starting in the second chapter, God makes a man first, then the other animals, and then a woman. Were humans created before or after the other animals?

 

[punkbass2000]

It means he's given us the abilities he has.

 

[Masquerouge]

How many Gods are there?

That's "le nous de majeste", kings did that too when they spoke of themselves

Also, in Genesis, Chapter 1, God makes humans (male and female) after the other animals; starting in the second chapter, God makes a man first, then the other animals, and then a woman. Were humans created before or after the other animals?

That's a point I like to discuss, but please, not in this thread

It means he's given us the abilities he has.

But obviously not all of them. Thus it's not a perfect or mirror image.

 

[punkbass2000]

But obviously not all of them.

Yep, all of them.

 

[QuoVadisNation]

How many Gods are there?

My first guess would be Angels. (that, or God has imaginary friends )

 

[Masquerouge]

Yep, all of them.

Ah ah! The discussion takes an interesting turn.

I'm pretty sure you realize why I'm amazed by your statement, you provocateur

Obviously we do not have God's powers. We can not create physical universes, we're not all-knowing, and we're mortals. So, what makes you say we do have all of God's powers? Is it a matter or learning to harness them properly, meaning we have them potentially but are not yet able to use them? Or is it something different?

 

[skadistic]

Interpation as per Skadistic:

God was created in mans image.

 

[Masquerouge]

Interpation as per Skadistic:

God was created in mans image.

Well, yeah That's my take on it too. But I'm interested to see how people interpret that whole image thing in the Bible...

On a side note, I guess it would be freaky if the Bible said God actually looked like a giant spider or anything like that. Would make the whole religion business far less successful, methinks.

 

[Swedishguy]

Back at that time, people believed Humans are the height of the creation. And some still are.

Yes, it's just that simple.

 

[punkbass2000]

So, what makes you say we do have all of God's powers? Is it a matter or learning to harness them properly, meaning we have them potentially but are not yet able to use them?

It appears to be a misconception of who and what God is, who and what you are, and what each of you are a capable of. So partially yes to the second question.

 

[Masquerouge]

It appears to be a misconception of who and what God is, who and what you are, and what each of you are a capable of. So partially yes to the second question.

So, the Bible does not give an accurate description of God and his abilities?

 

[punkbass2000]

I wouldn't say it is completely wrong, but it's not perfect, no.

EDIT: How one interprets terms like "omniscient" and "omnipotent" is important.

 

[CartesianFart]

I wouldn't even attempt to interpret it.My question is,who wrote it is more important to me.

 

[Masquerouge]

I wouldn't even attempt to interpret it.My question is,who wrote it is more important to me.

Because God looks like the writer?

 

[punkbass2000]

I wouldn't even attempt to interpret it.My question is,who wrote it is more important to me.

Another important point.

 

[CartesianFart]

Because God looks like the writer?

Sh!T.Damn,i feel stoopid.I forgot that the mighty hands of God came from the heavens with a giant pen and wrote it in a giant text-book for the little people to see and marvel at its glorious making.