We are in God's image yet flawed as people. (Jesus, moral)

[alex-f]

So they say we are created in God's image and therefore closely resemble God in our appearances. If this is to be the case, and God is presented as a flawless judge on humanity, then why are people such corruptable and imperfect creatures?

Perhaps this has come up before, so apologies if that is the case.

[skitzo00]

Do you mean as in Mankind doin wrong things? God gave us the gift of free will, he gave us freedom to do whatever we like. Some say God is perfect so if we're created in his image (appearance) that does not necesarily mean we are exact to God. God is immortal, Man isn't. But God isn't perfect Himself. Many times in the Holy Bible he has done quite a few...not cruel but...indecent things. The majority of the time to teach a moral lesson in which one can learn from. But it is quite obvious why we are not perfect like Him, he's a God, the one and only God and we are his creation and he has gifted everyone of us one-by-one uniquely. I hope this answers your question and im sorry if the answer is not what you were looking for.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by alex-f

So they say we are created in God's image and therefore closely resemble God in our appearances. If this is to be the case, and God is presented as a flawless judge on humanity, then why are people such corruptable and imperfect creatures?

Perhaps this has come up before, so apologies if that is the case.

Because we have fallen, God did not fall as man has done.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by alex-f

So they say we are created in God's image and therefore closely resemble God in our appearances. If this is to be the case, and God is presented as a flawless judge on humanity, then why are people such corruptable and imperfect creatures?

Perhaps this has come up before, so apologies if that is the case.

It's come up before, Alex, and will come up again. But it's always worth discussing. Most people don't really believe we are created "in God's image, after His likeness." They change the word "image" to mean that we have Godlike attributes. But, as you have pointed out, very few people have much in common with God, at least in terms of the qualities that make Him God. We aren't kind, just, merciful, forgiving, etc. I believe we can and should strive towards being those things, but I don't believe that this is what God meant when He said He was going to create us in His image. He was speaking of the physical creation of all life on this earth. He said He was going to create all of the various forms of plant and animal life, and said that each of these would reproduce "after his kind." He concluded by stating that He intended to create man in His own image, after His likeness. What does it sound like to you that He meant?

[BruceDLimber]

Not a problem.

IMHO "in God's image" simply means we have free will!

And humans are created perfect, as various scriptures say, and remain eminently perfectable later on. . . .

Peace,

Bruce

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by BruceDLimber

Not a problem.

IMHO "in God's image" simply means we have free will!

And humans are created perfect, as various scriptures say, and remains eminently perfectable later on. . . .

Peace,

Bruce

It kind of makes you wonder why God didn't just say something like, "And let us create all forms of animal life to reproduce after their kind, and we'll give men free will." It would have made things a whole lot less complicated if He hadn't thrown in a word like "image" to confuse us.

[SPLogan]

Originally Posted by alex-f

So they say we are created in God's image and therefore closely resemble God in our appearances. If this is to be the case, and God is presented as a flawless judge on humanity, then why are people such corruptable and imperfect creatures?

However "corruptible," this is my view for what it's worth:

One essential difference between humanity and God is that humanity was created by God. There was no one around to create God, He has "been" forever. God is the one who set the rules by which we can justly discern imperfection vs perfection. Also, in His infinitely many years of being, God has never changed. God is perfect by definition.
I think that there are two basic reasons that humanity is imperfect:
1) Freedom: Because God loves humanity, He gave us freedom. We were given freedom to the extent that we could chose to violate ourselves (His image) by violating His word. Because of our deep down desire to be like God, making our own rules, humanity has abused that freedom and thereby violated God's image (sin). Humanity is "fallen."
2) Curse: God made clear the consequences of violating His his will, namely death. God is perfectly just. Therefore, because of sin, God has cursed nature and humanity. That is why death occurs.

From the Christian perspective, that is why Jesus' death and resurrection is so significant. Jesus, according to Himself, is "one" with God. He was not descended from fallen humanity, and was therefore exempt nature's curse. He willingly accepted the justice humanity deserves. All we must do to be made right with God is to admit that we deserve the death that Jesus suffered and to repent for our violation of God's image (sin). Those who have the will to do that are truly free and will never truly die. The willingness to repent of our sin, admit our need of Jesus atonement, and submit to God's word is a gift from God. If you are willing, you have that gift. Thank God!

[retrorich]

Originally Posted by skitzo00

But God isn't perfect Himself. Many times in the Holy Bible he has done quite a few...not cruel but...indecent things. The majority of the time to teach a moral lesson in which one can learn from.

I am an atheist. Therefore, statements I make concerning God are hypothetical.

The most indecent--and YES, CRUEL--thing God has alledgedly done is create humans, knowing IN ADVANCE that many of them would burn for all eternity in the hell he also created! Was that His way of teaching a moral lesson? I'd classify Him as a sadistic monster!

[CaptainXeroid]

Originally Posted by retrorich

...The most indecent--and YES, CRUEL...

I strongly disagree and think this is an unfair characterization. As others have said, one interpretation of God created us in "HIs image" is that God gave us free will. What could be described as indecent and cruel is the way some people exercise free will in such a undisciplined manner.

As for Hell, if it does turn out to be fire and brimstone and evil incarnate, then people put themselves there through their own evil behaviour. God didn't make them break His Commandments.

and BTW......I am a Christian, so any statements I make about God come from a deep abiding faith and desire to live as He taught as us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by CaptainXeroid

[F Sans MS]As for Hell, if it does turn out to be fire and brimstone and evil incarnate, then people put themselves there through their own evil behaviour. God didn't make them break His Commandments.[/font]

Doesn't sound like free will to me. More along the lines of somebody putting a gun to your head and telling you to get in his car. Is that really free will?