Christian History Almanac Monday, March 9, 2026
Mar 9, 2026
A mailbag-style exploration of what God might look like and how traditions portray the divine. Discussion of scriptural limits on depicting God and different readings of the commandment about images. Consideration of Christ as the image of the invisible God and contrasts between Eastern light imagery and Western anthropomorphic depictions. Ends by pointing listeners back to Jesus as the key to knowing the Father.
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Jade's Simple Question Sparks Big Theology Conversation
- A listener named Jade asked simply, What does God look like, which prompted a broader conversation about depiction and attributes.
- Dan shares a classroom moment where his wife asked if humans resemble God because of communicable attributes, illustrating everyday curiosity.
Jesus As The Image That Answers What God Looks Like
- God is described as spirit and invisible, so human physical likeness offers limited insight into God's true nature.
- Dan van Voorhis connects John 14 and Colossians 1.15 to show Jesus as the revealing image of the invisible God, shifting the question to Christ.
Why The Commandment Didn't End Religious Imagery
- The commandment against making images aimed to prevent idol-making, not to deny all religious art; Dan argues God forewarned because he would later reveal himself.
- He cites Colossians 1.15 to argue that Christ fulfills the need for depiction by being the visible revelation of God.
