Old testament Quote by John E. Goldingay
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Theology of the Old Testament, John E. Goldingay, 1995
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.
