People in the Bible No. 1

by | May 24, 2023 | People in the Bible

Human Beings Appear on Page One, Genesis 1: 26-30

God spoke:1 “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature, so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, of Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” 2
God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female.3
God blessed them:  “Prosper! Reproduce!4 Fill Earth!5 Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
Then God said, “I’ve given6 you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth, and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.”7  And there it was!
Insights

  1. God speaks! He communicates! He communicates with people!
  2. God created you to be god-like! We might not be doing a very good job of that, but now we know what we should aim for. What does it mean to be god-like? Read on. It means to take responsibility for the well being of the whole world on behalf of God.
  3. According to some religions, beliefs and ideas, men are more “god-like” than women. But not according to this text. Both men and women are created in the image of God. Both men and women reflect God’s qualities. And although God is not gendered, he is the origin of who we are, including our sexuality and gender differences.
  4. Reproduce. Marry and have families. If you are not a parent, then support the parents and children in your extended family.
  5. Create villages and friendships. Have and adventure! Engage in trade. Build roads. Discover the world and educate yourselves about it. And much, much more!
  6. Our world with all of its wonders and abundance is a gift from God to all of us.
  7. There is enough for all. There is no need to be greedy or to take advantage of each other. God has provided all we need without our having to go to war or to lie and cheat.

Is Genesis 1 a myth? Sort of. Is it history? Sort of. For a discussion about this, see William Lane Craig in What Is Mytho-History?