The early chapters of Genesis are some of the most profound in Western literature – let’s see why.
Made in the Image of God. PICTURE: Liam Burnett-Blue/Unsplash.
Genesis tells us we are made in the image of God. It is such a familiar phrase, we do not realise how radical it is. It undergirds so many of the beliefs we have about ourselves.
Beliefs like ‘equality’, slowly overcoming racism and classism.
The intrinsic value of every human life, male and female, strong and frail.
Human freedom and autonomy, human rights and democracy – all have come because, at our base, we are all made in the image of God, and thus, incredibly valuable.
Without this phrase, there is little to base such ideas on.
If we are simply animals, survival of the fittest, smartest or strongest kicks in. With devastating results for the rest of us.
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.