“In the Beginning, God Created…” – Reflecting on Genesis 1:26–27

This week’s readings from Genesis chapters 1 through 15 introduce us to the grand drama of creation, the fall, and God’s unfolding plan of redemption. In these chapters, we witness God’s act of creating the world and all living beings, the formation of humanity, the tragic events of the Fall, and the initial steps towards redemption through God’s promises. At the heart of this narrative lies a foundational truth about our identity and vocation as human beings, expressed powerfully in Genesis 1:26–27:

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26–27)

This passage, brimming with theological richness, reveals key truths about human dignity, the nature of God, and our relationship with creation.

1. Created in God’s Image

The declaration that humanity is made in the “image and likeness” of God sets us apart from all other creatures. Unlike animals, which were created by God’s command, humanity was uniquely formed with intentionality and care, reflecting attributes such as rationality, creativity, and the capacity for relationship with God.

Unlike the rest of creation, which God brings forth by command, the creation of humankind is preceded by divine deliberation. This speaks to the unique dignity of every person, a dignity that is not earned but given by God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasises this by teaching that man “is the only creature on earth that God has willed for its own sake” (CCC 356).

To be made in God’s image means we share certain attributes with Him, such as reason, free will, and the capacity for love. It also underscores our call to communion—both with God and with one another. The mention of “male and female he created them” affirms the complementarity of the sexes, meaning that men and women have unique, yet complementary roles and gifts that contribute to the flourishing of human relationships. This complementarity reflects the unity and diversity within the Trinity itself (CCC 371).

2. Dominion as Stewardship

The command to “have dominion” over creation has sometimes been misunderstood as a license for exploitation. Historically, this misunderstanding has led to practices such as unchecked deforestation, pollution, and the mistreatment of animals, which reflect a misuse of the authority given by God. Today, however, we see encouraging examples of responsible stewardship, such as reforestation projects, sustainable farming practices, and efforts to reduce plastic pollution, showing a growing recognition of our duty to care for creation.

Scripture and Catholic teaching clarify that this dominion is one of stewardship, not domination. As caretakers of God’s creation, we are called to cultivate and protect the earth, reflecting the Creator’s love and care for all that He has made. Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ builds on this, calling us to an “integral ecology” that respects both human life and the environment.

The responsibility of stewardship also reminds us that creation is not ours to do with as we please. It belongs to God, and we are accountable to Him for how we use and care for His gifts (Genesis 2:15).

3. Theological Echoes in the Fall and Redemption

As we progress through Genesis, we encounter the tragic rupture of this original harmony in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve succumb to temptation, eat the forbidden fruit, and thus bring sin and separation into the world. The sin of Adam and Eve, rooted in pride and distrust of God’s goodness, distorts the image of God within them and fractures their relationships—with God, with one another, and with creation.

This fracture is evident as they are expelled from the Garden of Eden, and their relationship with the natural world turns from harmonious stewardship to toil and struggle. The consequences of the Fall are profound, introducing suffering, toil, and death into human experience (Romans 5:12).

Yet even in the midst of judgment, there is a promise of hope. In Genesis 3:15, God declares that the offspring of the woman will crush the serpent’s head, a prophecy known as the protoevangelium or “first gospel” (Genesis 3:15). This promise finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the “new Adam,” who restores what was lost through His obedience and sacrificial love (1 Corinthians 15:21–22; CCC 410).

4. Moral and Ethical Reflections

For Catholics, reflecting on the creation narrative invites us to rediscover our identity as beloved children of God. This reflection can influence our daily lives by encouraging us to treat others with inherent dignity, practice gratitude for God’s gifts, and approach our responsibilities with a sense of divine purpose. It challenges us to reject the voices of a culture that often reduces human worth to productivity, appearance, or utility. Instead, we are called to see ourselves and others as God sees us—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Furthermore, the call to stewardship urges us to live with gratitude and responsibility, mindful of how our actions affect both the environment and the vulnerable. Whether it is through conserving resources, advocating for the unborn, or building just communities, we participate in God’s work of creation and redemption.

Living the Image of God

Genesis 1:26–27 reveals a profound truth: we are not accidents of nature but intentional creations of a loving God. This identity gives our lives meaning and purpose, guiding us to live in a way that aligns with God’s intentions. For example, it inspires us to build loving relationships, contribute positively to our communities, and find fulfilment in serving others rather than pursuing solely self-centred goals. In a world that often confuses power with value and autonomy with freedom, the doctrine of the imago Dei reminds us that true freedom is found in living according to God’s design. For instance, living according to God’s design might mean choosing to serve others selflessly, prioritising family and community over personal ambition, or caring for creation as responsible stewards.

As we journey through the Bible, let us keep this vision of human dignity at the forefront, allowing it to shape our actions and relationships. In Christ, the perfect image of the Father, we find the grace to live as we were created to be—reflections of God’s glory, stewards of His creation, and participants in His plan of salvation.