Final answer:
In Christian thought, humans are created in God's image with a special status, given dominion over the earth, and created as male and female to underscore community and relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three key characteristics of God's creation of man, according to the Christian tradition, reflect a unique relationship between the divine and humanity. First, humans are created in the image of God, which implies a special status among all creation with the capacity for wisdom, morality, and relationship with God. Second, the creation of man marks the climax of the creative process, with humans given dominion over the earth, signifying a responsibility to steward creation. Thirdly, the creation account in Genesis indicates that humans were created as male and female, suggesting relational and communal aspects intrinsic to human nature.