Review: Being God’s Image

Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters

By Carmen Joy Imes (InterVarsity Press)

Author Carmen Joy Imes purposefully writes about “being” God’s image rather than “bearing” God’s image. Bearing is something we do; being is what we are inherently.

Imes’ writing style is so engaging and accessible, readers will be swept along effortlessly on a rapid journey through the biblical narrative, seeking to answer a basic question: What does it mean to be human? Beginning in the beginning—the first three chapters of Genesis—and moving all the way through to the vision of restored and redeemed creation in Revelation, Imes emphasizes the image of God as central to humanity’s identity and purpose.

She even makes a provocative—but rather convincing—assertion about Jesus. She insists Jesus revealed the glory of God because he was fully divine, but Jesus revealed the image of God because he was fully human. As the New Adam and the ideal human, Jesus was what God created humanity to be—living without sin in unbroken fellowship and unhindered communion with the Creator.

Imes has little patience for ethereal visions of disembodied spirits floating on clouds. She insists the biblical vision for humankind is much more firmly grounded and earthy. It focuses not only on human flourishing, but also on the flourishing of all God’s creation. It is a vision centered on Christ’s Resurrection. After all, she insists, the Resurrection is what makes the Incarnation a permanent reality rather than only an event in the past. It validates our own embodiment and God’s plan for redeeming fallen creation.

Each chapter ends with a “Digging Deeper” list of resources for further study, both books and videos. The book concludes with a discussion guide, making it well-suited to small-group study.

InterVarsity Press releases Being God’s Image on May 30. It’s not too early to order a copy in advance.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard