Anna, I can't help but think of the unity passages in John 14-17, culminating in the mysteriously woven tapestry of John 17:20-26. (that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. - Jhn 17:21). Doesn't this describe the telos of the unity and diversity? How could we, so finite, so fallen, become so intimately interwoven with the infinite and divine?
Even as the meaning of male and female are glossed over in Genesis 1, in favor of beginning our gender interpretations in Genesis 2, so is our understanding of being image-bearers shorted by grounding our anthropology in Genesis 3, with the fall. As you point out, there is significance, correspondence, value, and something worthy of honor in every human being. Instead, we are apt to focus on "Christian or not," and finding ways of devaluing those who are not like us. So many seeds you have sown here!
Many years ago when I was in seminary, I began to appreciate that the Bible's teaching that we are image of God was crucial to understanding personhood and relationships. Thus, your writing, has struck me as on target. You are drawing out that Scriptural teaching in a most fruitful way. I'm continuing to learn. Thank you!
Your observations in the 4th and 5th paragraph remind me of CS Lewis' essay "The Weight of Glory" https://www.wheelersburg.net/Downloads/Lewis%20Glory.pdf
Anna, I can't help but think of the unity passages in John 14-17, culminating in the mysteriously woven tapestry of John 17:20-26. (that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. - Jhn 17:21). Doesn't this describe the telos of the unity and diversity? How could we, so finite, so fallen, become so intimately interwoven with the infinite and divine?
Even as the meaning of male and female are glossed over in Genesis 1, in favor of beginning our gender interpretations in Genesis 2, so is our understanding of being image-bearers shorted by grounding our anthropology in Genesis 3, with the fall. As you point out, there is significance, correspondence, value, and something worthy of honor in every human being. Instead, we are apt to focus on "Christian or not," and finding ways of devaluing those who are not like us. So many seeds you have sown here!
Oh, wow, Donna! Yes, you are seeing it more clearly than me. Thank you!
Only because you lent me your lenses. Synergy!
This just tilled my heart for worship this morning, thank you Anna.
Many years ago when I was in seminary, I began to appreciate that the Bible's teaching that we are image of God was crucial to understanding personhood and relationships. Thus, your writing, has struck me as on target. You are drawing out that Scriptural teaching in a most fruitful way. I'm continuing to learn. Thank you!
Thank you so much, John, for all your encouragement.