Biblical Narrative Blog Post 1

Genesis 1:26-30 points to the unique position of humanity in the created order on top of promoting the sanctity of human life. In years past I have found myself stressing these verses and simply lifting them out of the context of the broader creation narrative that comes first. I had forgotten the simple fact that to be human is to be a creature. The Drama of Scripture reminded me of this as Bartholomew and Goheen state, "Humankind is creaturely" (32). Immediately, this begs the question: what does it mean to be creaturely? Fundamentally, to live into one's creaturely nature is to unashamedly acknowledge the existence of a creator. There can be no creature without a creator. To be a creature is to prove a creator. Furthermore, in the Judeo-Christian context, to be a human being is to be part of all of creation and thus participate in something bigger than oneself. As a member of broader creation we as humans get to join in with the trees, oceans, and ants in bringing glory to God simply by our existence. Bartholomew and Goheen write to this point, saying, "Though Christianity has often been accused of being otherworldly, it should be clear by now that the beginning of the biblical story does not encourage anyone to feel detached from, or somehow superior to, this world of space and time and matter" (36). To fully live into God's design for humanity one most first recognize and rest in his commonality with the rest of creation, that he is but a recipient from the author of life. From this place of rest we can then claim and live into the role God has given us on earth. A calling that mandates humans to be good stewards, workers, and creators.

-Hayes T.