An Ambiguity: Man's Image of God

An Ambiguity: Man 's Image of God

    Having attended a number of Masses and heard countless evangelistic sermons and shared explanations; it has become difficult for me to forget the saying which goes, “The Lord made man in His image and likeness”. Practically, such a statement would be a contradiction to reality since each person has his, or her, individuality. What then would the Lord’s physical appearance be but a myriad of combined various images; perhaps as that of one of Homer’s creations?

    Setting aside such juvenile enquiries; the image and likeness of God can be considered in terms of characteristics. Religious teachers and spiritual leaders preach of virtues and principles: love, patience, generosity, compassion, wisdom, etc and that each person in this world is endowed with these. However, individuals also have their own imperfections and faults. Shall God be given credit for this as well?  If said flaws are to be attributed to the devil; then the next question would be ‘Did Satan also create man in his image?’

     If the Lord’s omnipotence and divine magnitude describes Him as perfect; the teachings of men contrast themselves when their own words suggest that God is a cluster of multitudinous contradictions. A perfect entity composed of the opposing characteristics of humanity.

    This argument would be from the standpoint of man saying that he is fashioned as a replica of the Lord’s characteristics. But let the people of this world take into consideration the different beliefs and religious standpoints of those existent with his. Would the Christian not notice how different Allah seems with regards to his ‘Mohemmedan’ followers; and vice-versa if the Muslims, too, were taught such an axiom about divine images?

    One flaw of religion is the fact that, as noble and honourable as the results of its teachings can be; its methods of inspiring believers can sometimes be bewildering. And if some ardent spiritual leader will suggest that, with religion; the heart must be used in place of the mind; how then can the followers understand the scripts delivered to them if they rely on emotions instead of logic?

    The inconsistencies of lectures and teachings concerning religions are not by the hand of the Lord; but by that of man, trying to comprehend something way too distant for his mind to grasp. A on-site television reporter might just be easier to fathom.