Human as God
Paul GI Apis
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12, NIV)
This verse is part of Jesus' discourse to His disciples before the crucifixion. He encourages them, assuring them that those who believe in Him, in His message, and in his Path, will do great deeds, through faith, through the work of the Holy Spirit, and through their own work.
Applying an approach of logic, we can say that, in the words of Napoleon – we all have "In the bag, the marshal's baton" – with the necessary effort, openness, skill, knowledge and work, we will do what we know Jesus was doing. Even more so because we have his support with God the Father. In other words, by keeping the alignment with the divine flow of things and life, by doing what we have to do, we attract upon ourselves, concretely, from the Universe, the Great Architect, the environment, Life, God, resources, solutions and favorable conjunctures over what we would consider 'normal' in the extrauterine life of the 3D daily existence. Obviously, what we have to do is the effort, the effort for this work and accept, receive, take the gifts, make them our own, and gratefully use those gifts in spreading the Light.
(Much) below you will find more quotes from the bible regarding these aspects.
Please reflect on this perspective!
- Man Compared to God in the Bible
- Where in Other Sacred Texts Is Man Compared to God?
- list of quotes about humans as divine beings, creators, or reflections of divinity from great thinkers
- Protagoras (Greek Sophist, c. 490–420 BCE)
- Plotinus (Neoplatonic Philosopher, 204–270 CE)
- Hermes Trismegistus (Hermetic Texts, Late Antiquity)
- Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (Renaissance, 1463–1494)
- Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
- Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)
- Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677)
- Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961)
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
- William Blake (1757–1827)
- Rumi (1207–1273)
- HUMAN SEEN AS GOD
- Quotes from Modern Masters and Remarkable Figures About Humans as Creators, Like God
- Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961)
- Nikola Tesla (1856–1943)
- Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
- Osho (1931–1990)
- Deepak Chopra (b. 1946)
- Dr. Wayne Dyer (1940–2015)
- Marianne Williamson (b. 1952)
- Eckhart Tolle (b. 1948)
- Paulo Coelho (b. 1947)
- Tony Robbins (b. 1960)
- Gregg Braden (b. 1954)
- Brené Brown (b. 1965)
- Rumi (interpreted by contemporary scholars)
- Man as God – Quotes in the Bible
1. Man Compared to God in the Bible
The Bible draws several comparisons between man and God, highlighting the relationship between the Creator and His creation. These comparisons emphasize either the resemblance, the special status of man in creation, or the fundamental differences between God and humanity.
The most direct example is found in Genesis 1:26-27:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
This passage shows that humanity carries something of the divine nature, being made in the image and likeness of God.
2. Differences Between God and Man
While man is created in God’s image, there are significant limitations. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God emphasizes the vast difference between His ways and thoughts and those of humanity:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
This underscores God’s infinite superiority in wisdom and power.
3. Likeness Through Christ
In the New Testament, the comparison between man and God takes on a deeper meaning through Christ. Believers are called to follow the divine example and to become “like Him.” In 1 John 3:2, it states:
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
This comparison highlights the spiritual transformation of humanity through a relationship with God.
4. God Dwelling Within Man Through the Holy Spirit
In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul speaks of God’s presence within man:
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
This passage shows that man can have a direct connection with God through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
5. Attributes Compared
- Holiness: God calls humans to mirror His holiness. In Leviticus 19:2, it says:
“Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
- Love: In 1 John 4:7-8, John declares that love is God’s essence and that those who love are like Him:
“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
In short
The Bible compares man to God by highlighting the divine image in which humans were created, their call to mirror God’s attributes, and their potential for transformation through Christ. At the same time, it maintains a clear distinction between the Creator and His creation, underscoring humanity’s dependency on God. These comparisons invite humans to aspire to divine standards while recognizing their reliance on God’s grace and guidance.
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2. Where in Other Sacred Texts Is Man Compared to God?
The comparison between man and God also appears in various spiritual traditions and sacred texts, exploring themes of resemblance, divine potential, and the relationship between the Creator and creation. Here are examples from major religions and philosophies:
1. The Quran (Islam)
In Islam, the Quran emphasizes the relationship between humans and Allah, though it maintains a clear distinction between Creator and creation. Humans are seen as “khalifah” (stewards or vicegerents) of God on Earth.
- Resemblance:
In Quran 38:71-72, God speaks of creating man and giving him a divine spirit:
“When I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, then fall down in prostration to him.”
This suggests that humans carry a spark of the divine, granting them a unique position in creation.
- Differences:
Allah’s uniqueness is emphasized in Quran 112:4:
“And there is nothing comparable to Him.”
This affirms God’s transcendence and the limitations of human nature.
2. The Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism)
In Bhagavad Gita, the relationship between the individual self (Atman) and the universal divine (Brahman) is central.
- Resemblance:
“Atman is Brahman.” (Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7)
This statement highlights that the essence of every human being is divine and a part of God.
Additionally, Krishna states in Gita 13:22:
“The Self is the same in all beings, unchanging but experiencing different states in each body.”
- Differences:
Krishna makes it clear that while humans share a divine essence, He is the Paramatma (Supreme Self):
“I am the source of all creation; everything emanates from Me.” (Bhagavad Gita 10:8)
3. The Torah and Talmud (Judaism)
In Judaism, humans are described as being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), but God remains wholly distinct.
- Resemblance:
The concept of “Tzelem Elohim” (Image of God) implies that humans have divine qualities, such as moral responsibility and creativity.
“You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)
- Differences:
God’s uniqueness and incomparability are emphasized in Isaiah 40:25:
“To whom will you compare Me? Or who is My equal?”
4. Buddhist Texts
While Buddhism does not focus on a personal God, it emphasizes the divine potential within every human being through enlightenment.
- Resemblance:
The Sutra Nirvana states:
“All beings possess the nature of Buddha.”
This suggests that every person has the potential for divine realization.
- Differences:
Humans are seen as caught in the cycle of suffering (samsara), and only through spiritual practice can they realize their Buddha-nature.
5. Tao Te Ching (Taoism)
In Taoism, humans are seen as part of the divine flow of the universe (Tao).
- Resemblance:
“Man follows Earth. Earth follows Heaven. Heaven follows Tao. Tao follows its own nature.” (Tao Te Ching 25)
This places humanity within the cosmic order, connected to the divine essence of Tao.
- Differences:
Tao is beyond human comprehension and form, making any direct comparison to humanity impossible.
6. Zoroastrian Texts
In Zoroastrianism, humans are created by Ahura Mazda (God) with a divine purpose: to combat evil and promote truth.
- Resemblance:
Humans have free will, reflecting a divine attribute, and are guided by their Fravashi (divine spirit).
“People must choose between Asha (truth) and Druj (falsehood).”
- Differences:
Ahura Mazda is perfect and omniscient, while humans are fallible and mortal.
7. Hermetic Texts
The Hermetic tradition explicitly compares humans to God, emphasizing unity and divinity.
- Resemblance:
“What God is, man is; and what man is, God is.”
This reflects the belief that humans are microcosms of the divine macrocosm.
8. Gnosticism and Esotericism
In Gnostic texts, humans are often described as carrying a divine spark trapped in the material world.
- Resemblance:
“Know yourself, and you will know the universe and God.”
This suggests that self-discovery leads to divine understanding.
9. Other Traditions
- Shamanism: Humans are intermediaries between the divine and the material world, capable of accessing spiritual realms.
- African Traditions: Humans are seen as divine intermediaries connected to cosmic forces and ancestral spirits.
In short
Sacred texts across traditions explore the comparison between man and divinity, highlighting both resemblance and difference. While some emphasize the divine potential within humanity, others maintain the unique transcendence of God.
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3. list of quotes about humans as divine beings, creators, or reflections of divinity from great thinkers
1. Protagoras (Greek Sophist, c. 490–420 BCE)
“Man is the measure of all things: of those that are, that they are, and of those that are not, that they are not.”
This suggests that humans are the standard through which reality is understood and defined, placing them in a central role in creation and knowledge.
2. Plotinus (Neoplatonic Philosopher, 204–270 CE)
“The soul of every human being is a spark of the universal divine soul.”
Plotinus posits that each person carries a fragment of the divine and can return to unity through contemplation and enlightenment.
3. Hermes Trismegistus (Hermetic Texts, Late Antiquity)
“God is unlimited, and so is man. What God is, man is; and what man is, God is.”
The Hermetic texts imply an identity between humanity and the divine, emphasizing humanity’s participation in divine nature.
4. Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (Renaissance, 1463–1494)
“Man is a great marvel. He can become like the angels or descend to the level of animals. Man is the sculptor of his own being.”
In his work “Oration on the Dignity of Man”, Pico highlights humanity’s freedom and divine potential.
5. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“Man is something that shall be overcome.”
“I teach you the Overman. Man is a rope stretched between the animal and the Overman—a crossing…”
Nietzsche envisions humanity as a transitional state, capable of transcending itself and becoming a creator of values akin to a god.
6. Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)
“Man is neither angel nor beast, but the one who wishes to be an angel may become like a god.”
Pascal emphasizes humanity’s spiritual potential to aspire toward divinity while recognizing human fragility.
7. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832)
“The divinity is everywhere, even in us; God is our own being, our innermost essence.”
Goethe describes the divine as inherent in human nature and the cosmos, suggesting a unity between humanity and God.
8. Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677)
“God is nature (Deus sive Natura), and man is an integral part of it.”
Spinoza argues that humanity is an expression of divinity, as part of the universal nature that is itself God.
9. Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961)
“Every man carries within him a divine spark. This is his essence, and seeking his soul is a search for the divinity within him.”
Jung explores the idea that humanity can access the divine through self-discovery and individuation.
10. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Man is a piece of the universe made conscious of itself.”
In Emerson’s transcendentalist view, humanity is a direct manifestation of divinity, capable of creating and influencing reality.
11. William Blake (1757–1827)
“All religions are true insofar as man is God.”
Blake suggests that divinity is inherent in humanity and that realizing this divine nature is the key to spiritual understanding.
12. Rumi (1207–1273)
“You are a mirror of the divine. Why seek outside yourself what is already within you?”
Rumi, the Sufi mystic, emphasizes that humans are reflections of divinity and that their inner self is a manifestation of the Creator.
In short
Throughout history, great thinkers have seen humanity as a reflection of divinity, either as a creator, a divine essence, or a being capable of manifesting divine attributes. These perspectives have shaped philosophy, theology, and spirituality, offering humanity a vision of its potential greatness and responsibility.
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4. HUMAN SEEN AS GOD
The statement that “man is God” is less common in monotheistic sacred texts, as they generally maintain a clear distinction between Creator and creation. However, in some spiritual traditions and philosophies, this idea is explored and supported, emphasizing the divine nature of humans or their unity with the divine. Here are examples from various traditions:
1. The Bible (Christianity)
While the Bible does not explicitly state that “man is God,” it hints at humanity’s divine potential or likeness to God.
- In John 10:34, Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6:
“Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I have said you are gods”?’”
- Psalm 82:6 reads:
“I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’”
Some interpret this as a metaphor for humanity’s divine authority or potential, while others see it as a call to spiritual transformation.
- Union with God:
In Christian mysticism, the concept of theosis (divinization) suggests that humans can become one with God through grace:
“I in them and You in Me, that they may be brought to complete unity.” (John 17:23)
2. The Upanishads and Hinduism
In Hindu philosophy, the idea of humanity’s identity with the divine is central.
- Atman is Brahman:
The Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 states:
“Atman (the individual self) is Brahman (the universal self).”
This profound statement suggests that the essence of every human being is identical to the essence of God.
- Tat Tvam Asi (You Are That):
This phrase from the Chandogya Upanishad emphasizes that each individual is a manifestation of the divine.
3. Sufism (Islamic Mysticism)
In Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, the unity between man and God is often emphasized.
- Mansur al-Hallaj, a famous Sufi mystic, declared:
“Ana al-Haqq” (“I am the Truth”).
“Al-Haqq” is one of the names of God in Islam, implying a unity between the divine and human essence. While controversial, this reflects the Sufi belief in union with God.
4. Gnostic Texts and Esotericism
In Gnosticism, humans are seen as containing a divine spark trapped in the material world.
- Self-knowledge as divine realization:
“Know yourself, and you will know the universe and God.”
This reflects the idea that discovering one’s true self is synonymous with realizing one’s divinity.
5. Hermetic Texts
Hermeticism explicitly claims that humans share divinity with God:
- Unity with the divine:
“What God is, man is; and what man is, God is.”
This philosophy holds that humans are microcosms of the divine macrocosm.
6. Buddhism
While Buddhism does not focus on a personal God, it emphasizes the divine nature of all beings.
- Buddha-nature:
In the Sutra Nirvana, it is written:
“All beings possess the nature of Buddha.”
This implies that every human being has the potential to realize their divine essence through enlightenment.
7. Taoism
In Taoism, humans are considered integral parts of the Tao (the Way), which is the ultimate source of existence.
- Unity with Tao:
“Man follows Earth. Earth follows Heaven. Heaven follows Tao. Tao follows its own nature.” (Tao Te Ching 25)
This suggests that humanity is an inseparable part of the divine flow of existence.
8. Zoroastrianism
In Zoroastrianism, humans are created with a Fravashi (divine spirit) that guides them towards truth and righteousness.
- While humans are not equated with God (Ahura Mazda), their divine spirit reflects the essence of the Creator.
9. African Spiritual Traditions
In many African traditional religions, humans are seen as carriers of divine energy or as intermediaries between the spiritual and physical realms.
- Ancestral connection: Humans are believed to embody divine qualities inherited from ancestral spirits.
10. Other Perspectives
- Shamanism: Shamans are often viewed as temporarily becoming one with divine forces during rituals.
- Transcendentalism (Ralph Waldo Emerson):
“Man is a piece of the universe made conscious of itself.”
This reflects the belief that humans are manifestations of the divine cosmos.
In short
The idea that “man is God” appears most explicitly in Hinduism, Hermeticism, and certain mystical traditions like Sufism and Gnosticism. It emphasizes humanity’s divine potential or unity with the Creator, often as a call to self-discovery and spiritual transformation. While many traditions maintain the distinction between man and God, others suggest that divinity resides within each person.
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5. Quotes from Modern Masters and Remarkable Figures About Humans as Creators, Like God
Here is a selection of quotes from contemporary masters and highly respected figures that explore the idea of humans, like God, being creators and shaping the world:
1. Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961)
- “Man is a divine spark, and through his imagination and creativity, he becomes a co-creator of the universe.”
Jung viewed creativity as an expression of the divine archetype within the human psyche, bringing humanity closer to divinity.
2. Nikola Tesla (1856–1943)
- “Man is the creator of his own destiny. What he thinks, he becomes.”
Tesla emphasized the power of thought as a creative tool, mirroring the divine force of the universe.
3. Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
- “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Imagination is what creates the future.”
Einstein considered imagination, a divine attribute, essential to humanity’s ability to create new realities.
4. Osho (1931–1990)
- “Man is the creator of his own universe. He is God in manifestation, turning his dreams into reality.”
Osho highlighted humanity’s divine responsibility to shape life and the world.
5. Deepak Chopra (b. 1946)
- “You are the universe in motion. Within you lies the power to create reality, just as God created the cosmos.”
Chopra connected human consciousness and creativity to the divine essence within.
6. Dr. Wayne Dyer (1940–2015)
- “You are what you believe. If you believe you are a creator, you will find the divine power to create the life you desire.”
Dyer emphasized self-perception as the key to unlocking creative potential.
7. Marianne Williamson (b. 1952)
- “When we express our creativity, we manifest the divine spark within us.”
Williamson viewed human creativity as an extension of divine creation.
8. Eckhart Tolle (b. 1948)
- “The present moment is where you become a creator. From the point of full awareness, you create alongside God.”
Tolle emphasized conscious presence as the tool for divine creation.
9. Paulo Coelho (b. 1947)
- “When you follow your dream, the universe conspires to help you create it.”
Coelho spoke about aligning human desires with divine forces of creation.
10. Tony Robbins (b. 1960)
- “Your life is your creation. Every choice you make is an act of creation.”
Robbins saw each decision as an opportunity to manifest the creative power of humanity.
11. Gregg Braden (b. 1954)
- “Our heart is a reflection of the divine mind. Through our thoughts and emotions, we are co-creators of reality.”
Braden explored the connection between consciousness, emotions, and the ability to create reality.
12. Brené Brown (b. 1965)
- “Creativity is our act of rebellion against fear. It is how we express the divine within us.”
Brown viewed creativity as a connection to inner divine power.
13. Rumi (interpreted by contemporary scholars)
- “You are the universe. Everything you create is an extension of your divine soul.”
The words of the Sufi mystic Rumi continue to inspire with their messages of creativity as a sacred act.
In short
These quotes illustrate contemporary perspectives on humanity’s creative capacity as a direct reflection of divinity. They emphasize human responsibility, freedom, and potential to create in harmony with divine forces.
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6. Man as God – Quotes in the Bible
The Bible contains several passages emphasizing humanity’s ability to accomplish great things through faith, divine assistance, or awareness of their connection to God. Here are some examples:
1. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:13, NIV)
This verse highlights that through faith and the power of Christ, humans are capable of overcoming any obstacle and achieving remarkable things.
2. Matthew 17:20
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
(Matthew 17:20, NIV)
Here, Jesus explains the power of genuine faith, emphasizing that even a small amount can lead to seemingly impossible outcomes.
3. John 15:7
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
(John 15:7, NIV)
This verse highlights the connection between the believer and God, enabling humans to receive blessings or power to accomplish great deeds.
4. Mark 9:23
“Everything is possible for one who believes.”
(Mark 9:23, NIV)
Jesus affirms here that true faith unlocks limitless possibilities, emphasizing the relationship between belief and the ability to create or transform.
5. John 4:4
“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
(1 John 4:4, NIV)
This verse encourages believers, reminding them that the divine power within them surpasses any external force.
6. Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
(Isaiah 40:31, NIV)
This verse speaks of the spiritual renewal and energy that come from faith.
7. Psalm 8:4-6
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
(Psalm 8:4-6, NIV)
This passage emphasizes humanity’s role as a being created “a little lower than God,” with authority over creation.
8. Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
(Ephesians 3:20, NIV)
This verse affirms that God, working through humans, can accomplish far beyond human limitations.
9. Luke 10:19
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
(Luke 10:19, NIV)
This verse underscores the authority and protection granted to believers through their connection to God.
10. Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)
This shows how God transforms human weakness into strength, enabling believers to overcome limitations.
In short
These biblical passages emphasize that through faith and a connection to God, humans possess the potential to accomplish extraordinary, even impossible, things.
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1. Rumi (Sufism)
- “You were born with wings. Why prefer to crawl through life?”
- Rumi, a Sufi mystic, often speaks of humans as reflections of the divine, capable of transcending their limitations and realizing their God-like essence.
2. The Upanishads (Hinduism)
- “Tat Tvam Asi” (“You are That”).
- This phrase from the Upanishads reinforces the idea that the essence of the self is identical to the divine.
