Hand of God

The prohibition of images of God

The biblical prohibition on the making of images of God – “Thou shalt not make unto thee any carved image” – has left deep traces in the visual culture of Christianity. Where the human face of God could not be represented, often only a symbol of His presence remained: the hand. Reaching out from heaven, as a sign of divine intervention. However, that hand – however much it seems to accommodate humanity – does not relieve us of the duty to act on our own. The suggestion of a miraculous salvation is tempting, but remains just that: a suggestion. We live at a time when the foundations of social and moral life are under pressure, where populism, institutional injustice and authoritarian tendencies are eroding shared values. Sooner or later, we will be faced with choices that transcend our own self-interest. Perhaps miracles really can happen – if we are willing to join hands. If we dare to act together, at the cost of personal sacrifice if necessary, recognizing that there is a greater good at stake.