Church Talk: Can humanity recover its divine image?

Catholic Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado wrote that through God’s grace we can be restored and renewed, regaining the divine image and fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

How astronauts see Earth from above. From outer space, the Earth that astronauts see is simply stunning. As they gaze upon this world, they experience a profound sense of connection and wonder. This unique vantage point allows them to see Earth in a way that is simply impossible from the ground, revealing the exquisite beauty of this planet and the interconnectedness of all its ecosystems.

Many of them experienced a phenomenon known as the “overview effect,” the cognitive shift that occurs when viewing Earth from space. From space, the boundaries between countries disappear, and vast oceans, dense forests, and arid deserts become a unique and harmonious whole. For astronauts, this view is both humbling and enlightening, giving them a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Earth.

The stunning beauty of the earth and sky reflects how nature itself bears witness to God’s glory and handicraft, as Psalm 19:1 says, The heavens declare the glory of God; the dome proclaims his handiwork.

Yet, overlooking the harmony and beauty of the Earth, the human experience presents a stark contrast. Divisions tear our world apart. These divisions manifest themselves in many forms, including cultural, religious, political, and economic. These divisions are not inherent to the Earth itself, but are the product of human behavior. Ironically, the Earth can provide everything that life needs, but human divisions often lead to scarcity, inequality, and poverty. Because of human behavior, we are disrupting the unique harmonious balance of nature.

We have only one home, and we call it Mother Earth. God has given us this beautiful planet, but our actions as humans are slowly destroying it. Looking down from above, the Earth is so majestic, a manifestation of God’s creative power, but looking up from below, we see division, conflict and poverty – a manifestation of human actions.

God also created human beings. The Bible portrays human beings as inherently beautiful and good. The most powerful affirmation of human dignity and worth in the Bible occurs in Genesis 1:26-27.

God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky, over the livestock and over all the wild animals and over all the creeping things on the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Jerusalem Bible)

This passage shows that humans are a purposeful creation of God, not just an accidental creation of nature.

So, what is a human being?

1. Inherent dignity and worth. We humans are created in the image and likeness of God, which means we are not just something, but someone. We are capable of self-knowledge, self-control, free giving of ourselves, and communion with others. This divine image endows us with an inherent goodness and beauty that is a reflection of God’s own character.
2. The ability to have a relationship with God. Humans are created in the image of God, which means that humans are able to freely know and love their Creator. This unique capacity for a human-God relationship sets us apart from other creatures.
3. We are called to bear the image of God. While the image of God is a God-given gift, the choice to express that dignity and to fully display it rests with each individual’s free and responsible decision. We are called to grow into greater likeness to God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
4. The foundation of human rights and dignity. We see in every man and woman, every human being, the living image of God himself, which is fundamental to the defense of universal human rights and dignity.
5. The Crown of Creation. As the psalmist David reflected on humanity’s place in the created order, he marveled at the unique position God has given us. Psalm 8:4-6. What is man, that you are mindful of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? You have made him a little below God, crowning him with glory and majesty; you have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things in subjection under his feet. (Jerusalem Bible)

in conclusion

The Bible offers a profound and uplifting view of humanity. From the beginning of creation, we are marked in the image and likeness of God, endowed with beauty, dignity, and the capacity for goodness. We are called to reflect this goodness through lives of holiness and love, with the hope that one day we will share in the glory of Christ. In a world that often devalues ​​human life, the Bible reminds us of our worth and the divine beauty within us.

Yet the reality of sin presents a tragic contradiction to this divine image. The essence of sin is a rejection of God’s will and a deviation from the path of righteousness. This not only separates us from God, it also distorts the image of God within us.

Romans 3:23 says that sin causes us to fall short of the glory God has given us and results in spiritual death. The consequences of sin are how we relate to God, to others, and to ourselves. When we sin, it diminishes our inner dignity, self-worth, and image of God. Sin creates a chain reaction of brokenness and discord, taking us away from the love and harmony God wants Him to create. God has a wonderful plan for us humans. No wonder God created us in His image. Sin disrupts God’s plan. However, through God’s grace, we can be restored and renewed, regaining God’s image and fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

Just as the magnificent earth is a reflection of God’s glory, human behavior has led to its destruction. Likewise, humans are a reflection of God’s image, and our sin has led to our alienation from God and from each other.