This foundational passage contrasts the creation of animals with the creation of humans on the sixth day. Animals were created after their kinds (according to fixed boundaries in reproduction) and God's creation was good (excellent/beneficial). They had been given a special, purposeful and limited role on planet earth. Humans were created in God's image (focuses on their position as His representatives), according to His likeness (focuses on their partnership with God, having specific responsibilities), They were given a special, purposeful and leadership role on planet earth, which cannot be "marred", but is being disregarded. Regarding man's role of reproducing (being fruitful/multiplying/filling), people are resisting God's commands by seeking to destroy the family (roles of father/mother, one or two children, abortion, infanticide, etc.). Regarding man's role of ruling (subdue/rule over), people are restricting these commands by requiring total submission to the earth (worship of Gaia, environmentalism, halted logging/use of oil/recreation, etc.). Finally, the full out attack on God's creation of male and female (passive men, women's lib, homosexuality, lesbianism, transgender, etc.) is total rebellion against God's authority - it is futile and leads to death! |