124. Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters, With C. J. Imes

Who is author Carmen Joy Imes?

Carmen Joy Imes has her PhD from Wheaton College. She is an associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University.

In addition to today’s book, she is the author of Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters and Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends.

In 2021 she joined David Capes on “The Stone Chapel Podcast” (Episode 48) to talk about her first book, Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. 

As you might imagine, her first book made a big splash as she took us back to the original meaning of Sinai and its directive not to lift up God’s name in vain.

Today we talk about what it means to be God’s image.

Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters  is published by InterVarsity.

In today’s podcast she talks about the book’s central idea in Genesis 1:26-28. 

What does it mean that human beings, male and female, are made in God’s image? 

In fact, she challenges the translation of a little Hebrew preposition, most often translated ‘in.’ 

Imes makes a compelling case that the point is that human beings are made AS God’s image.

You see, for centuries theologians have tried to sort out what is it about humans that is “in God’s image.” 

Is it our ability to think rationally? Our creativity? Our ability to be in relationship with God?  Imes thinks these are all the wrong questions. 

So, take a bit of time (about 18 minutes) and see what you think of her case. 

What scholars say about Being God’s Image: Why Creation Matters

This is what Amy Peeler, associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School, has to say about the book:

“Because of Carmen Imes’s warm and inviting prose, readers might not initially realize what a biblical narrative tour de force they receive in this book.

From Genesis to Revelation, creation to new creation, Imes leaves no major challenging question unaddressed as she explores the central assertion that all humans are made in God’s image.

A wise and able guide, Imes brings clarity, encouragement, and challenge herself as well as introducing numerous other guides so readers can press deeper.

Along with Bearing God’s Name, Being God’s Image will stand as an influential Christian theology of creational flourishing.”

An Earlier Podcast with Imes

To hear Carmen’s earlier podcast click here:

To hear Carmen’s discussion about one of the top ten commandments (Exodus 20:6), click here.

For more Stone Chapel Podcasts, click here.