IN WHOSE IMAGE?
We are very good at being image-makers. Look, for example, at yourself. You are the exact representation of all the beliefs which you hold about yourself, both consciously and unconsciously. How you look, interact, and express yourself is the composite of your state of mind at any given moment.
Let’s examine the belief that we were “made in GOD’S image.” With everyone busy image-making themselves, what does that mean? What part of our attire, attitude, aptitude, perceived failures or successes, strengths or weaknesses, reflects GOD’S image?
Or, how do we view GOD based on how we view ourselves? What image have we created as GOD? If all our perceived shortcomings must somehow reflect back on our creator, how does that leave GOD looking--created in our image?
Herein lies the rub. All traditions have their own take. Each has created a GOD in their own image, based on their respective belief systems, with each being a reflection of their composite “selves”. Many have looked in the mirror, and then projected GOD to be the super-sized version of everything they see within, often reflecting a polarizing landscape.
As we know, disagreeing about GOD-images is dangerous ground and can possibly get you killed. Attempts have been made in the past with just such results. Hopefully it will not come to that.
One such attempt is the depiction of GOD as a father in the Prodigal Parable, who, not only knows who his son really is, does not relate to any aspect of his son’s misadventures as being TRUE. There is no demonstration of anger, wrath, judgment, punishment, et al.--just LOVE/JOY/PEACE--a dramatic paradigm-shift from many previous versions.
Some will attempt to discount this rendition as being only “part” of the picture, making their own modifications as they see fit.
You may want to consider Prodigal Pop--I hear he’s throwing a BBQ.
We are very good at being image-makers. Look, for example, at yourself. You are the exact representation of all the beliefs which you hold about yourself, both consciously and unconsciously. How you look, interact, and express yourself is the composite of your state of mind at any given moment.
Let’s examine the belief that we were “made in GOD’S image.” With everyone busy image-making themselves, what does that mean? What part of our attire, attitude, aptitude, perceived failures or successes, strengths or weaknesses, reflects GOD’S image?
Or, how do we view GOD based on how we view ourselves? What image have we created as GOD? If all our perceived shortcomings must somehow reflect back on our creator, how does that leave GOD looking--created in our image?
Herein lies the rub. All traditions have their own take. Each has created a GOD in their own image, based on their respective belief systems, with each being a reflection of their composite “selves”. Many have looked in the mirror, and then projected GOD to be the super-sized version of everything they see within, often reflecting a polarizing landscape.
As we know, disagreeing about GOD-images is dangerous ground and can possibly get you killed. Attempts have been made in the past with just such results. Hopefully it will not come to that.
One such attempt is the depiction of GOD as a father in the Prodigal Parable, who, not only knows who his son really is, does not relate to any aspect of his son’s misadventures as being TRUE. There is no demonstration of anger, wrath, judgment, punishment, et al.--just LOVE/JOY/PEACE--a dramatic paradigm-shift from many previous versions.
Some will attempt to discount this rendition as being only “part” of the picture, making their own modifications as they see fit.
You may want to consider Prodigal Pop--I hear he’s throwing a BBQ.
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