The word "in our image" is
the Hebrew word tselem which means a likeness or resemblance. It doesn't mean we are God but that we are
LIKE God in some ways.
It doesn't mean God looks like us.
"God
is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:24
A spirit does not have hands or
feet. God is described as light. There are references to the "hand of
God" or the "face of God."
Does that mean God has a kidney, a spleen and an appendix? Any references to the uvula of God?
God's characteristics are personified
in our physical attributes. God hears us
but we have an ear. God sees us but we
need an eye. God reaches out to us and
holds us but we need our hands.
If we make God too physical, that means
he is susceptible to breaking bones, tripping over stuff and getting tired.
Since we don't look like God, how are
we in his image? What makes us different
from the animals which he also created?
- We have the ability to discern between good and evil. We can accept or reject either. Animals operate on instinct. We operate on choice. It's called freewill.
- We have the capacity to love and hate, expressing emotions.
- We are self-conscious, knowing our identity and roles.
- We understand time, our past and future.
Being in God's image has less to do
with the physical and more to do with the heart, mind and willpower of God
reflected in his ultimate creation, man.