What is the Imago Dei?
Literally translated, the Imago Dei is the “Image of God.” This image is not Jesus’ face that miraculously appears on tortillas, it is, to me, the source of all that’s good and strong and beautiful that lives in every single person. There is no one who can’t experience and revel in God’s image; however, many people choose to ignore it or look at it through the religious lens.
I, however, do not see the Imago Dei as a religious experience. Rather, I see it manifested in all of life. I can walk through a field of Chamisa and daisies and see it. The Imago Dei is with me when I gaze at the stars or when I wade through a stream. But when I write is when feel the Imago Dei the most. It’s as if I “plug in” to the most powerful energy that’s ever existed. Really, though, it is not a physical expression of God; it is the sacred spiritual energy that invigorates everything.
By what authority do I write about the Imago Dei?
The reality is that I, like everyone else, am a divine entity who is worthy of giving and receiving love. That alone qualifies me to discuss the power I experience through the Imago Dei. But what really provides the fuel to carry this concept into the world is that I learned, long ago, that if I return to Imago Dei, even during the darkest nights of my soul, I find my way back to the light, every time. And now that I approaching peace in my life, I can safely say that living my life pursuing all that’s good and strong and beautiful has released me from the chaos that confusion creates.
Over the years, I’ve spent time with people who can’t (or won’t) see God’s image. They appear to be trapped in the abyss, only the tethers that keep them in the darkness. Most of the time, the abyss is a prison of our own making. No one has to tell us that have weaknesses and limitations, we tend to do a great job of keep ourselves down, all on our own.
In order to recognize the Imago Dei that exists everywhere, a person has to see it in himself. The, the person has to see it in others. Once someone can see the Imago Dei in himself and in others, then and only then can he sense it everywhere. Takes time and practice, but it can be done.
To summarize, the Imago Dei is the Image of God that flows throughout the living experience. It is the source of all that’s good and strong and beautiful and is accessible to all of humanity. To me, there are discernible aspects of the the image of God that can be taught and learned. It’s as real as the sun rising, but is not a religious concept: It is what drives all of my actions and thoughts and I hope everyone finds it in themselves.
