Quote of the Day: In the Image of God

 

On the day of the March for Life, Jan. 24, I posted a QOTD on Psalm 8 which I used as a springboard for a teaching moment on why abortion is wrong, all of which climaxed with this as the central thesis:

Abortion is wrong for many reasons: the destruction of innocent life, the negation of love, the violation of human dignity. But those reasons are just satellites around the very core reason, that abortion violates the very image of God.

I posted that in the wee hours of the morning and then went down to participate in the march. I never got to see President Trump’s speech that day except on a video clip later that evening. Only recently did I read exactly what he said. Here’s a key paragraph:

“When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God’s creation. When we hold a newborn in our arms, we know the endless love that each child brings to a family. When we watch a child grow, we see the splendor that radiates from each human soul. One life changes the world… We cannot know what our citizens yet unborn will achieve. The dreams they will imagine. The masterpieces they will create. The discoveries they will make. But we know this: every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting. And above all, we know that every human soul is divine and every human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of Almighty God.”

President Donald J. Trump

My goodness. We essentially said the same thing with the same rhetorical development. We both started with the majesty of God’s creation, developed it to His creation of mankind, asserted the dignity of mankind, and concluded that abortion is wrong because we, born and unborn, are made in the image of God.

No, we did not share notes! Thank you, Mr. President. Great minds think alike.

Published in Religion & Philosophy
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  1. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Manny: No we did not share notes!

    The notes are written in our very DNA.

    • #1
  2. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Manny:

    Trump:

    “When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God’s creation. When we hold a newborn in our arms, we know the endless love that each child brings to a family. When we watch a child grow, we see the splendor that radiates from each human soul. One life changes the world… We cannot know what our citizens yet unborn will achieve. The dreams they will imagine. The masterpieces they will create. The discoveries they will make. But we know this: every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting. And above all, we know that every human soul is divine and every human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of Almighty God.”

    I thought he said “sacred.”

    • #2
  3. Samuel Block Support
    Samuel Block
    @SamuelBlock

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Manny: No we did not share notes!

    The notes are written in our very DNA.

    🤔

    Or… perhaps it’s Mannygate!

    I smell the next impeachable offense. I could probably get a Hero of the Election Season Award from a major media organization if I float that along to the right people.

    • #3
  4. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Manny:

    Trump:

    “When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God’s creation. When we hold a newborn in our arms, we know the endless love that each child brings to a family. When we watch a child grow, we see the splendor that radiates from each human soul. One life changes the world… We cannot know what our citizens yet unborn will achieve. The dreams they will imagine. The masterpieces they will create. The discoveries they will make. But we know this: every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting. And above all, we know that every human soul is divine and every human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of Almighty God.”

    I thought he said “sacred.”

    Whaddya know!  Found a transcript online, and he did say “divine.” (I think “sacred” was elsewhere in the speech.)

    Normally “divine” would trouble me.  I thought the word was reserved for that which is G-d or god, not only that which relates to such.

    But apparently I don’t know an important meaning of the word!  The dictionary allows “relating to G-d,” to count as “divine,” which is orthodox enough.

    • #4
  5. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    I am fine with “divine” – the Torah tells us that G-d’s breath forms our souls – and G-d later repents for “my spirit dwelling within man.”. I understand this to mean that we each contain a spark of the divine. 

    • #5
  6. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    iWe (View Comment):

    I am fine with “divine” – the Torah tells us that G-d’s breath forms our souls – and G-d later repents for “my spirit dwelling within man.”. I understand this to mean that we each contain a spark of the divine.

    I am also fine with it, in the dictionary sense of “relating to G-d,” and since the Torah says G-d breathed life into us (if that’s close enough to the Hebrew), and says that we are the image of G-d.

    But what do you mean–that the soul is G-d, or only that it relates to G-d?  Is the soul “G-d’s extended self” or “only a potential channel to G-d”?

    (Be warned: I have notes!  If you’re ready to talk about this now, I may break them out in more detail!)

    • #6
  7. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Samuel Block (View Comment):

    Or… perhaps it’s Mannygate!

    I smell the next impeachable offense. I could probably get a Hero of the Election Season Award from a major media organization if I float that along to the right people.

    Now, why would you want to do that? Do you want me to beat your head in?*


    * This was one of my mother’s favorite questions as she was raising her children. For some reason, we never said, “Sure, Mom, go for it!”

    • #7
  8. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):
    Be warned: I have notes! If you’re ready to talk about this now, I may break them out in more detail!

    Cod help us!

    • #8
  9. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Beautifully said, Manny. Thank you.

    • #9
  10. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Manny:

    Trump:

    “When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God’s creation. When we hold a newborn in our arms, we know the endless love that each child brings to a family. When we watch a child grow, we see the splendor that radiates from each human soul. One life changes the world… We cannot know what our citizens yet unborn will achieve. The dreams they will imagine. The masterpieces they will create. The discoveries they will make. But we know this: every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting. And above all, we know that every human soul is divine and every human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of Almighty God.”

    I thought he said “sacred.”

    I copied and pasted. Perhaps there was a typo. Or perhaps that was what was written but he said Sacred either by accident or adlibbed. 

    • #10
  11. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Samuel Block (View Comment):

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Manny: No we did not share notes!

    The notes are written in our very DNA.

    🤔

    Or… perhaps it’s Mannygate!

    I smell the next impeachable offense. I could probably get a Hero of the Election Season Award from a major media organization if I float that along to the right people.

    Haha!  I will become the next whistle blower. Don’t give away my identity. ;)

    • #11
  12. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):
    (Be warned: I have notes! If you’re ready to talk about this now, I may break them out in more detail!)

    Duly warned. I cannot do it now. Shabbos in the UK comes early, and I am doing a concert after, then flying…

    • #12
  13. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    iWe (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):
    (Be warned: I have notes! If you’re ready to talk about this now, I may break them out in more detail!)

    Duly warned. I cannot do it now. Shabbos in the UK comes early, and I am doing a concert after, then flying…

    Right on, right on.

    I hope your arms don’t get too tired.

    Seriously, I hope the flying goes well.  (I love intercontinental flying these days.  Such cool machines, modern jets.  And sci-movies on my own personal screen.  So cool.)

    • #13
  14. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Manny (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Manny:

    Trump:

    “When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God’s creation. When we hold a newborn in our arms, we know the endless love that each child brings to a family. When we watch a child grow, we see the splendor that radiates from each human soul. One life changes the world… We cannot know what our citizens yet unborn will achieve. The dreams they will imagine. The masterpieces they will create. The discoveries they will make. But we know this: every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting. And above all, we know that every human soul is divine and every human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of Almighty God.”

    I thought he said “sacred.”

    I copied and pasted. Perhaps there was a typo. Or perhaps that was what was written but he said Sacred either by accident or adlibbed.

    Oops. I meant he said “divine” by accident. 

    • #14
  15. Aaron Miller Inactive
    Aaron Miller
    @AaronMiller

    We cannot know what our citizens yet unborn will achieve. The dreams they will imagine. The masterpieces they will create. The discoveries they will make. But we know this: every life brings love into this world.

    The danger of proceeding this way is that suggests the value of a person is realized in action, in a destiny that unfolds, rather than in the innate love by one’s parents (hopefully) and one’s Creator. 

    When a baby dies, it is sad not only because of who that baby might have become but because of who that child already is. Loving parents do not abandon babies if doomed to die within weeks or months. A baby dead just two weeks after being born is not just a failed attempt at a person worthy of love. 

    Faith in immortal souls is crucial. But even an atheist can understand that a baby is not just the hope of an adult-to-be. 

    • #15
  16. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    We cannot know what our citizens yet unborn will achieve. The dreams they will imagine. The masterpieces they will create. The discoveries they will make. But we know this: every life brings love into this world.

    The danger of proceeding this way is that suggests the value of a person is realized in action, in a destiny that unfolds, rather than in the innate love by one’s parents (hopefully) and one’s Creator.

    When a baby dies, it is sad not only because of who that baby might have become but because of who that child already is. Loving parents do not abandon babies if doomed to die within weeks or months. A baby dead just two weeks after being born is not just a failed attempt at a person worthy of love.

    Faith in immortal souls is crucial. But even an atheist can understand that a baby is not just the hope of an adult-to-be.

    Yes agree. I don’t think Trump is contradicting your point. His last sentence implies it. 

    • #16
  17. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    I know there’s this theory that Jerry Falwell is Trump’s spiritual advisor, but my money is on Melania.

    Oh the questions I would ask if I could interview her!

    • #17
  18. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Stina (View Comment):

    I know there’s this theory that Jerry Falwell is Trump’s spiritual advisor, but my money is on Melania.

    Oh the questions I would ask if I could interview her!

    Especially if it were private and off the record!

    • #18
  19. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    Manny (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    I know there’s this theory that Jerry Falwell is Trump’s spiritual advisor, but my money is on Melania.

    Oh the questions I would ask if I could interview her!

    Especially if it were private and off the record!

    Well I’d think an intimate and candid conversation with the First Lady was by far and away less possible than an interview =p

    • #19
  20. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    I was contemplating the Joyful Mysteries this morning while praying my Rosary, and it struck me that God incarnate in Jesus was once one of these unborn persons. God chose to enter into our full humanity with all its vulnerability and suffering — to sanctify all of it. Glory to God in the highest!

    Beautiful post, Manny.

    • #20
  21. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    I was contemplating the Joyful Mysteries this morning while praying my Rosary, and it struck me that God incarnate in Jesus was once one of these unborn persons. God chose to enter into our full humanity with all its vulnerability and suffering — to sanctify all of it. Glory to God in the highest!

    Beautiful post, Manny.

    Thank you WC. Actually thank you all. 

    • #21
  22. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    When I click the follow button on your post, I’m being bounced out ?

    • #22
  23. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    When I click the follow button on your post, I’m being bounced out ?

    The one in the first sentence?  I just tried it. It took me directly to my old post. No clue why it happens to you. Does it happen to anyone else? 

    • #23
  24. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Manny (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    When I click the follow button on your post, I’m being bounced out ?

    The one in the first sentence? I just tried it. It took me directly to my old post. No clue why it happens to you. Does it happen to anyone else?

    The link works for me. So does the Follow/Unfollow button.

    • #24
  25. Manny Coolidge
    Manny
    @Manny

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Manny (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):

    When I click the follow button on your post, I’m being bounced out ?

    The one in the first sentence? I just tried it. It took me directly to my old post. No clue why it happens to you. Does it happen to anyone else?

    The link works for me. So does the Follow/Unfollow button.

    Oh she meant that follow button. I have no control over that. 

    • #25
  26. Painter Jean Moderator
    Painter Jean
    @PainterJean

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    I was contemplating the Joyful Mysteries this morning while praying my Rosary, and it struck me that God incarnate in Jesus was once one of these unborn persons. God chose to enter into our full humanity with all its vulnerability and suffering — to sanctify all of it. Glory to God in the highest!

    Beautiful post, Manny.

    What strikes me when I’m meditating on the Joyful Mysteries is one aspect of the Visitation: the first human who recognizes Jesus as Lord and Savior, apart from Mary of course, is an unborn child – John the Baptist!

    • #26
  27. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Painter Jean (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    I was contemplating the Joyful Mysteries this morning while praying my Rosary, and it struck me that God incarnate in Jesus was once one of these unborn persons. God chose to enter into our full humanity with all its vulnerability and suffering — to sanctify all of it. Glory to God in the highest!

    Beautiful post, Manny.

    What strikes me when I’m meditating on the Joyful Mysteries is one aspect of the Visitation: the first human who recognizes Jesus as Lord and Savior, apart from Mary of course, is an unborn child – John the Baptist!

    Yes! And Jesus is only early first trimester!

    • #27
  28. Samuel Block Support
    Samuel Block
    @SamuelBlock

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    Painter Jean (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    I was contemplating the Joyful Mysteries this morning while praying my Rosary, and it struck me that God incarnate in Jesus was once one of these unborn persons. God chose to enter into our full humanity with all its vulnerability and suffering — to sanctify all of it. Glory to God in the highest!

    Beautiful post, Manny.

    What strikes me when I’m meditating on the Joyful Mysteries is one aspect of the Visitation: the first human who recognizes Jesus as Lord and Savior, apart from Mary of course, is an unborn child – John the Baptist!

    Yes! And Jesus is only early first trimester!

    Dubya C, (@westernchauvinist) or @painterjean

    This sounds like a post! 

    • #28
  29. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    Also, Jacob and Esau appear to have their personal identities when they’re still in womb.

    Jeremiah 1. Psalm 139, I believe. Maybe more.

    • #29
  30. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Samuel Block (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    Painter Jean (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    I was contemplating the Joyful Mysteries this morning while praying my Rosary, and it struck me that God incarnate in Jesus was once one of these unborn persons. God chose to enter into our full humanity with all its vulnerability and suffering — to sanctify all of it. Glory to God in the highest!

    Beautiful post, Manny.

    What strikes me when I’m meditating on the Joyful Mysteries is one aspect of the Visitation: the first human who recognizes Jesus as Lord and Savior, apart from Mary of course, is an unborn child – John the Baptist!

    Yes! And Jesus is only early first trimester!

    Dubya C, (@westernchauvinist) or @painterjean!

    This sounds like a post!

    I’ve been contemplating a series on the mysteries of the Rosary. . .

    • #30
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