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how does understanding 'image of god' influence our responsibilities towards the earth and each other?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Genesis 1:26-28

“26 God said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.””

This passage introduces the creation of humanity within the cosmic creation narrative of Genesis. It describes humanity's unique place and purpose, created on the sixth day after all other life, and receiving a specific mandate from God.

What does living as a bearer of the divine image mean for how you interact with the natural world and the people around you?

Then — the setting

This text, part of the Priestly (P) source, likely dates to the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), though it reflects much older traditions. For an exiled people, hearing they were still made in God's image would have been a profound affirmation of dignity and purpose amidst loss. In the ancient Near East, kings were often considered to be in the 'image' of a deity, signifying their right to rule. By extending this 'image' to all humanity, Genesis democratizes kingship, giving all people a royal-priestly status as representatives of God on earth.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament concept of 'image of God' (imago Dei) establishes humanity's unique dignity, capacity for relationship with God, and role as stewards. The New Testament, particularly in Pauline theology, doesn't negate this but deepens it, revealing Jesus Christ as the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4). Humanity's original image was marred by sin, and through Christ, believers are being renewed into His image (Colossians 3:10, Romans 8:29). This suggests that our responsibilities towards creation and each other are ultimately linked to reflecting Christ's character.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:4-8
Reflects on humanity's exalted, yet small, place in creation, echoing themes of dominion and glory.
James 3:9
Connects speaking ill of others to cursing those made in God's likeness, emphasizing the image in human relationships.
Colossians 1:15-17
Presents Christ as the 'image of the invisible God,' through whom all things were created, offering a New Testament lens.

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