Small group

Being God's Image by Carmen J. Imes

Before you begin, how do you understand Genesis 1:27, what does it mean that humanity is made in God's image?
Dr Imes discusses the distinction between "in" and "as" with regard to God's image, how important do you think this distinction is and how do youthink it should be handled?
Is the distinction between "being" God's image and "bearing" God's image important to you? Why do you think it matters to Dr. Imes?

What type of literature do you believe Genesis 1 represents? Why do you take this approach?
What guidelines do you think Genesis provides for our modern ways of thinking?
Dr. Imes interprets Genesis focusing on the "why" questions, have you encountered this kind of reading before? What did you think of her interpretation?

What do you think of the language that God's image is "both kinship and kingship"?
How do the comparisons (and contrasts) between the Bible and ancient Babylonian texts help you to understand the Biblical stories, how do these concern you?
How do you think about issues like Creation Care in the light of being God's image?
How does this chapter help you understand the relationship between men and women?