Objectives:

At the end of the session, the learners are expected to:

• Identify the false images of God and the authentic image of God.
• Illustrate their understanding of the images of God through symbol making.
• Discuss his or her symbol of the image of God.
Who is God for you?
Who is God?

Why Study this?

Our image of God affects our morality because from our faith
perspective, the moral life begins with God.
An authentic image of
God is crucial because

* First, we must know to whom we are responding and the nature of our response; and
* Second, a truthful image of God moves us to a clearer understanding of ourselves and our
purpose in life.
 False
Images
Common Misconceptions we have of
God
 Over-personalized God

I only talk about him about my needs and not the needs of the
world. I love God but I hate my neighbor.

Correction

God should be seen as a Father who relates to all personally and

equally. He desires not only my good but also the good of all the
world.
 Lawgiver
This image encourages a moral life dominated by law; the
measurement of goodness is based on obedience to laws. This
creates a moral life that is overly concerned with external
behaviors with little attention to growth in personal character.

Correction

The law is not our salvation. Moral life is about imitation of Christ, not only
observance of the law. Moral laws are channels that direct our love so that we can
more faithfully imitate the love of Christ. They provide the means to develop our
inner character and actualize it in moral actions.
 Judge/Punisher
An image that uses fear as primary motivator in the moral life.
The primary motivation is to avoid punishment. God is always
watching and if I make a mistake, I will be punished.

Correction

God is a God of mercy who does not desire our suffering. God only
desires good things that will build us up.
 Tester
God sends problems to test our faith in Him. Our faith is weak if
we allow to be depressed by our problems. We should
appreciate our adversities because these come from God.

Correction

God does not need to test us. Problems just happen. God strengthens
us when problems are too heavy. Life is not a test; it is a journey with
Christ and others to our heavenly home.
 Controller
God controls everything in my life, and He has planned
everything for me. God has a reason for allowing bad things to
happen to me.

Correction

God has a general plan of salvation, but He respects our human

freedom even if our choices are wrong. God empowers us to do good
despite the evil around us.
Authentic Image of God
 Try and Learn

Activity Time
Create a symbol that represents an
Authentic Image of God