Imago Dei And The Uniqueness Of Man

What does it mean when Christians say that man was created in the image of God? What are its implications for us? How is man different from animals and other life forms? Was both Adam and Eve made in the image of God? Is there any biblical basis for male headship in family and male leadership in the Church? "Imago Dei and the Uniqueness of Man" seeks to answer these questions through a thorough examination of Biblical teaching and by drawing upon relevant scholarship.

For two thousand years, Christians have been intrigued by the somewhat enigmatic Imago Dei references in the book of Genesis. Much theological ink has been spilled mulling over the significance and meaning of these words: "Let us make humanity in our image, according to our likeness . . . " In The Liberating Image, J. Richard Middleton takes on anew the challenge of interpreting the Imago Dei. Reflecting on the potential of the Imago Dei texts for developing an ethics of power rooted in compassion, he relates its significance to the Christian community's distinct calling in an increasingly violent world. The Liberating Image introduces a relevant, scholarly take on an important Christian doctrine. It will appeal to all Christians seeking to better understand what it means to be made in God's image.

The question "What is human nature?" is in vogue today. Like everything else, this concept is being deconstructed in the context of the reigning ideology of individualistic materialism. Is there a fixed human nature, or is this simply a manipulatable social construct with no objective reference? This book says: "Yes, there is: the imago Dei: man/woman created in the image of God." Hobson argues that this text from Genesis 1:26-28 is a God-given anthropological revelation that establishes the relational bond of human beings with their Creator and also with his creation, for which the imago equips us to be responsible stewards. Many of Hobson's essays were delivered as talks in parishes. They explore from multiple angles the import of the imago Dei for theological and sacramental reflection, apologetics, aesthetics, art, and, at a hands-on practical level, for pastoral counseling and inner healing. His texts, one of which opens with a discussion of genocide, contain incisive critiques of the dark side of modernity alongside wide-ranging demonstrations of the pertinence of the imago Dei to the current debates about human dignity and rights. His book is a ringing call to the church to take the measure of the value of this anthropological revelation for its proclamation of the gospel.

Throughout the course of human history, tension has existed between science and faith. The result of this has often been the separation of humanity's understanding of the natural world and their belief in God. But this need not be the case. In Imago Dei, the apparent contradiction existing between man's evolutionary origins and his faith in God is eliminated in favor of answering the more important and fundamental question: What does it mean for mankind to be made in the image of God? Next, the evolutionary development of the human species is united to the basic human belief in the existence of God to develop a philosophical union between science and faith. Only by recognizing the reality of their evolutionary beginning and embracing their spiritual union with God is it possible for humanity to achieve a genuine human status as the sole creatures bearing the image of God. Through this new understanding of the uniqueness of the human species in relation to the rest of the animal kingdom, it becomes possible to assign ethical value and meaning to Homo sapiens' actions as the creatures who bears the image of the Creator. This is evident in the topics explored in Imago Dei: NN Humans have an introspective self-consciousness that is not found in any other species. NN Mankind can recognize an existence beyond the present. NN Humanity can come to the conclusion that there is a Being greater than themselves in which their own being is grounded. NN Theologically, Homo sapiens assume the top branch on the tree of evolutionary development. NN Human beings can exercise self-control and are not solely focused on survival. This philosophical work provides refreshing insight about the apparent tension between science and faith, as well as what it means to be created in the image of God, the Imago Dei.

Imago Dei will serve as an indispensable resource for those wishing to deepen their grasp of the theological bases for Christian views of human dignity, as well as for those who believe that Christ's words "that they be one" (John 17:21) remain a theological imperative today

The doctrine of the imago Dei, that human beings are created in the "image and likeness of God," is an endlessly fascinating topic. Not only is it a central doctrine to Christian life and practice but also touches, perhaps even helps to form, every other doctrine of the Christian faith in one way or another. We do not think about God, in a Christian sense, as any other than the God who creates humanity in God's image. However, many of the details of this claim and what it means for human beings are left undefined by Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and it is not even mentioned in the creeds. This space leaves room for exploration. So the quest for what it means for human beings to be made in the image and likeness of God has never ceased to occupy theologians, clerics, and the laity alike. In this Companion, Peppiatt charts the developments of the doctrine through the ages, summarizing each position and perspective up to the modern day. This volume offers a compact but rich overview of the various ways in which this doctrine has been and is understood as well as pointing readers to further questions for consideration.

ccording to Scripture, humankind was created in the image of God. Hoekema discusses the implications of this theme, devoting several chapters to the biblical teaching on God's image, the teaching of philosophers and theologians through the ages, and his own theological analysis. Suitable for seminary-level anthropology courses, yet accessible to educated laypeople. Extensive bibliography, fully indexed.

Throughout the course of human history, tension has existed between science and faith. The result has often been the separation of humanity’s understanding of the natural world and their belief in God. But this need not be the case.