Created In God’s Image
Christian religion has it that the human being was created in the likeness of God. (I no longer follow Christian religion, but many old tales contain a grain of truth. I also happen to believe that the human being is a product of both: “creation” and evolution.)
So, let’s examine the meaning of the word “likeness” or “in the image of”. The simple, superficial explanation would be “to look like” or “to resemble”. But the same words could be interpreted also as “to be like”.
Many of us had the experience of creating life when we had children. I never heard of parents attempting to make their child look like them. But we all try to ensure that our children get good education and we try our best to instill in them our values.
If “God” wanted us to be like Him, He wouldn’t worry what we look like, but who we are. And if we were to assume that we are “God’s” creations than two important points come to mind. If “God” wanted us to be like Him than we are sort of “Gods-in-training” from the get-go. With education and healthy ethical values added, we become “Gods” in our own right.
No, I don’t intend to offend or outrage anyone. But who are the “Gods” of theistic religions if not more advanced and more powerful human beings? The implication here is that every human being has the potential to develop into a “God”. Of course, I don’t mean the “God” that requires worship or prayer, but a better, more powerful version of a human being: knowledgeable, ethical, self-confident and courageous enough to take action.
“God” is a collection of the qualities we most admire in other people. YOU have these qualities! ACT like “God”: with power, decisiveness, wisdom and compassion.
Never thought this way? Well, maybe you should.
