Final answer:
The Bible teaches that man was created in the image of God in Genesis 1:27, which emphasizes the special relationship between humanity and the divine. This concept is also artistically represented in cultural works such as Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The teaching that man was created in the image of God can be found in the initial chapters of the Bible, particularly within the Book of Genesis. Genesis 1:27 states, "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This verse clearly asserts the understanding in Judeo-Christian tradition that human beings are reflections of God's image, which is a foundational component of the relationship between people and their creator.
The portrayal of this creation can also be seen in cultural and artistic representations, such as the center panel of the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo, which depicts the outstretched hand of God giving life to Adam, symbolizing the connection between man and God.
It's important to also consider interpretations like Hick's, which suggest a non-literal understanding of the creation story, viewing humanity as continuously being shaped by and part of God's ongoing creation, a concept that allows for the existence of suffering and improvement of the soul.