The aims of session – 5 were to consider the implications of our image / idol status introduced in session 3 and bedded in via session 4 and to prepare the way for our last session which will be on the fall.
After recapping the ideas surrounding humanity as being the incarnation of Yahweh Elohim (which is pretty shocking of course) we tried ot summerise it – here’s a small part of that:
God’s own image/idol was the real deal. In contrast to the surrounding cultures this image/idol breathed, had thought, life, agency, and would truly represent and mediate the sovereign presence to creation
me
Keen to bring this into everyday life we talked about the four minute video that was set for homework and how this clearly showed the divine, royal calling of humanity in action.
Moving away from the animal kingdom I aimed to stress the practical nature of Gen 1:26-28 by talking about how the realisation of our divine/royal station effects all our dealings in our lives – ethical, moral, business – all relations. Then we looked at the tragedy of our projection of our own nature into an idol. Imagine my surprise when, unprompted – someone came to one of the main conclusions. I love teaching.
Then a rabbit popped it’s head out of a hole to remind us that perhaps the image/idol material was all about ‘identity‘. Thanks for dropping by Mr Rabbit.
To end this session we did a brief walk through writers of the 2nd to 21st centaury and how they spoke of this image/idol status. If you want to see the inspiring quotes of the likes of Maximus the confession and C.S. Lewis see the powerpoint.
Now, we are ready to look at the fall…..
Powerpoints for session 5
Origins 9 – So what?
Origins 10 – Fall-ward