“God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27
We read in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis that God created human beings in his image and likeness. If we know who God is and what God is like, then we can know what we are called to become and be like as well. This Creation activity will help students reflect on what they know about God and how they can think and act more like him.
God’s Image and Likeness
All you will need for this activity is a simple sheet of blank paper. To set this activity apart, you might even use legal size paper instead.
On the middle of the paper, ask the students to draw a picture of God. This might be challenging for them and that’s OK. It is actually quite profound to witness what they draw each year. Don’t give them any clues or hints. Let them be creative with what they draw.
Next, around the picture, have them list words and phrases that describe God. Again, this may be challenging at first but no matter where the students are in their faith journeys they have already picked up a certain idea of who God is.
- What is God like?
- What does God do (for us)?
- What does the Bible say about God?
- What does the Church say about God?
- What have you learned about God?
Have the students share their pictures if you wish. Also, list on the board all the different ways the students described God and give the class the opportunity to write down additional ideas on their papers.
Our Image and Likeness
Now, have the students flip the paper over.
In the middle of this side of the page, have them draw a picture of themselves.
Around this picture, have them list words and phrases that describe them.
- What are they like?
- What do they like to do?
- What do their parents say about them when they talk to their friends?
- What do their friends say about them?
Again, give them the chance to share their pictures and their descriptions.
(If you gave the students the opportunity to create the images with markers, the end result of this activity can be very fascinating. Sometimes the blend of drawings on each side makes the point of this activity beautifully: we are made in God’s image and likeness.)
The Likeness of God
Now have the students circle or star all the ways in which they are like God right now. What words or phrases are similar or the same? Circle those.
Finally, challenge them to pick one word or phrase from the description of God and write it under their picture. Draw arrows pointing to this new word or make it stand out in some other way. Ask them what they will need to do to make that word or phrase a reality in their life.
Genesis Worksheets
For a large collection of downloadable Genesis worksheets including one on being created in God’s image and likeness, check out The Religion Teacher’s Genesis Worksheets. The digital workbook can be purchased separately, but it is also available to premium members of The Religion Teacher.
