("image of God"): A theological term, applied uniquelyto humans, which denotes the symbolical relation between God andhumanity. The term has its roots in Genesis 1:27, wherein "Godcreated man in his own image. . ." This scriptural passagedoes not mean that God is in human form, but rather, that humansare in the image of God in their moral, spiritual, and intellectualnature. Thus, humans mirror God's divinity in their ability toactualize the unique qualities with which they have been endowed,and which make them different than all other creatures: rationalstructure (see <!g>logos), complete centeredness, creative freedom,a possibility for self-actualization, and the ability for self-transcendence.
Imago Dei - Longer definition: The term imago Dei refersmost fundamentally to two things: first, God's own self-actualizationthrough humankind; and second, God's care for humankind. To saythat humans are in the image of God is to recognize the specialqualities of human nature which allow God to be made manifestin humans. In other words, for humans to have the conscious recognitionof their being in the image of God means that they are the creaturethrought whom God's plans and purposes can be made known and actualized;humans, in this way, can be seen as co-creators with God. Themoral implications of the doctrine of imago Dei are apparent inthe fact that if humans are to love God, then humans must loveother humans, as each is an expression of God. The human's likenessto God can also be understood by contrasting it with that whichdoes not image God, i.e., beings who, as far as we know, are withoutself-consciousness and the capacity for spiritual/ moral reflectionand growth. Humans differ from all other creatures because oftheir rational structure - their capacity for deliberation andfree decision-making. This freedom gives the human a centerednessand completeness which allows the possibility for self-actualizationand participation in a <!g>sacred reality. However, the freedom whichmakes the human in God's image is the same freedom which manifestsitself in estrangement from God, as the myth of the Fall (Adamand Eve) exemplifies. According to this myth, humans can, in theirfreedom, choose to deny or repress their spiritual and moral likenessto God. The ability and desire to love one's self and others,and therefore, God, can become neglected and even opposed. Strivingto bring about the imago Dei in one's life can be seen as thequest for wholeness, or one's "essential" self, as pointedto in Christ's life and teachings.
To return to the previous topic, click on your browser's 'Back' button, or select from the topics list.
Certainly! My expertise lies in theology and religious studies. I've extensively studied the concept of the "image of God" and its theological implications across various religious traditions.
The "image of God" refers to the symbolic relationship between the divine and humanity, stemming from Genesis 1:27, where it's mentioned that humans were created in God's image. This doesn't imply a physical resemblance but rather signifies that humans reflect aspects of God in their moral, spiritual, and intellectual nature.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Genesis 1:27: This scriptural passage establishes the foundational idea that humans are created in the image of God, emphasizing the non-physical attributes that mirror God's nature.
-
Imago Dei: This Latin term encapsulates the concept of humans bearing the image of God. It encompasses two key aspects: God's self-actualization through humanity and God's care for humanity. It implies that humans are the means through which God's plans and purposes are made known and realized. This concept suggests that humans participate as co-creators with God.
-
Human uniqueness: Humans differ from other creatures due to their rational structure, capacity for moral and spiritual reflection, and freedom of choice. This freedom, while reflecting the divine image, also allows for the possibility of estrangement from God, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve.
-
Moral implications: The doctrine of imago Dei underscores the moral responsibility of humans to love God and fellow humans, as each person is an expression of God's image. Neglecting or opposing this likeness to God can lead to a lack of self-love, love for others, and ultimately, love for God.
-
Quest for wholeness: Striving to manifest the image of God in life is seen as a pursuit of completeness or one's "essential" self, aligning with Christ's teachings and life as a model for achieving this likeness to God.
These concepts collectively elucidate the theological understanding of the "image of God" and its implications for human identity, morality, and spirituality.
