"The human being, God's partner in this great enterprise, can be viewed as a kind of lens that concentrates and focuses the Divine Light in the world. Creating in our world here is an ongoing joint effort. Jesus is represented as saying, 'My Father is still working, and I also am working' (John 5:17). His expectations for the rest of us were framed by the fourth evangelist as, "The works that I do you also shall do, and greater works than these shall you do." (John 14:12). If we read this in light of what we understand about cosmic evolution, what a vision opens! Creation isn't over. This isn't the peak. 'What we shall be has not yet appeared' (I John3:2). The sense of partnership with God, of being integrated into the creative act, is a powerful insight. Insight into God, insight into human nature.
"Despite our misgivings about our undoubtedly wayward behavior, the Western tradition persists in affirming that human nature is made in the 'image and likeness' of God (Gen.1:26). The stories in the Book of Genesis show human beings whose first strong desire is to be 'like God,' especially by being wise and knowing how to tell good from evil (Gen. 3:5-6). This encourages me to put forward the idea that the 'image and likeness' consist of the human being's central urge to be like God in being creative and generous. . . .
"Believe in God, and believe also in yourselves. Even a little sure confidence coupled with vision can perform miracles. Mustard-seed faith can move mountains. Understand how the divine energy works by constantly giving itself away. Tie into this energy with faith, hope, and imagination, and nothing will be impossible for you (Matt. 17: 20)."
