In this episode of Soul Care in Real Life, Brian sits down with Dr. Carmen Imes, Old Testament scholar and author of Bearing God’s Name and Being God’s Image, for a conversation that is both grounding and quietly disruptive.
Together, they revisit the Old Testament—not as a relic of the past, but as a living invitation to rethink who we are and how we live. Dr. Imes helps untangle common misunderstandings about God’s wrath and love, revealing a vision of God that is deeply relational, holy, and committed to human flourishing.
The conversation takes a surprising turn into one of the most misunderstood commandments—“taking God’s name in vain.” What if it’s less about what we say and more about how we live? What if bearing God’s name is a calling that reshapes our speech, our leadership, and our presence in a fractured cultural moment?
At the heart of it all is a powerful, clarifying truth: to be human is to be made in the image of God. That identity carries both dignity and responsibility. It pushes back against dehumanization and invites a way of life marked by integrity, humility, and care for others.
This episode offers a steady, hope-filled vision for navigating a tense and uncertain world—rooted not in fear, but in a deeper understanding of God’s character and our shared calling.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the relevance of the Old Testament or wondered what it really means to live as God’s image in everyday life, this conversation opens up fresh and meaningful ground.
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