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God is a different league of person from us, but God is a…

“God is a different league of person from us, but God is a person like us, not an abstract force or a principle. So despite the huge difference, Genesis says we are made in God’s image. Human beings are the kind of entity God would be if God were earthly. God could hardly have become a horse…” quote by John E. Goldingay
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““God is a different league of person from us, but God is a person like us, not an abstract force or a principle. So despite the huge difference, Genesis says we are made in God’s image. Human beings are the kind of entity God would be if God were earthly. God could hardly have become a horse; horses were not made in God’s image. Human beings were made God-like, so it was not so unnatural for God to become a human being. It is this fact that makes it possible for God sometimes to appear in human form in the Old Testament, and it eventually makes possible, even makes natural, God’s incarnation in Christ. In this sense it was not logically difficult for God to become a human being although it involved some sacrifice.””

John E. Goldingay

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

God is portrayed as a personal being who can assume human form because humans reflect divine image, making incarnation conceptually plausible.

In simple terms: God can become human because we share His image.

Key Takeaway

Recognize divine humanity in spiritual practice.

Themes

theology incarnation anthropomorphism

Mood

reverent thoughtful

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Sermons
  • personal meditation
  • interfaith dialogue

Key Concepts

Divine imago sacrificial love Christology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does seeing God as human affect your faith?
  • What limits exist in describing the divine as person?
A Different Perspective

The concept may clash with strict monotheistic doctrines that deny any human likeness.

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