Many faith traditions tell us we are made in the image and likeness of God:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Taka (the Great Spirit), and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us…”
Black Elk, Ogallala Sioux & Spiritual Leader (1863 - 1950)
The deity is immanent in man and man is inherent in the deity; there is neither the divine nor the human; there is no difference in essence at all between them.
Shinto, Genchi Kato (Indigenous religion of Japanese people)
What does it mean to be made in God’s image? Are there attributes we can recognize?
Is God conscious, does God think? Are we conscious, do we think?
Does God feel? Do we feel?
Does God use the word? Do we use the word?
Does God feel gratitude? Do we feel gratitude?
Does God use action? Do we use action?
The name, I AM:
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘what is his name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:13-14
If we are made in God’s image, can we use God’s name, I AM? Is there creative energy in the name, I AM?
Do the above attributes give us the ability to create or change something in our lives? Can we use the name, I AM to help us do this? And, if the answers are yes, why don’t we create as God creates; why do our lives so often run amuck?
Want answers to these questions and more? Then join us Friday, October 23, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the PILLAR classroom. Check here for registration and workshop details.