FAQs
("image of God"): A theological term, applied uniquely to humans, which denotes the symbolical relation between God and humanity.
What does imago Dei teach us? ›
Different Christians will have different understandings of what imago dei means. Some understand it to mean that humans share God's character and nature, or that humans are representatives of God on Earth. Others understand that it allows humans to be in communion with God, and gives responsibility over his creation.
What is the value of the imago Dei? ›
The implication is that all of humankind bears God's image, and are to be seen and treated with dignity from the very beginning of life to its end, regardless of what status they hold in society.
What is an example of the imago Dei? ›
An example of the importance of the physical body and the imago dei can be found in 2 Corinthians 4:4, in which Paul claims that Jesus Christ, in his entire being, is the image of God.
What does imago Dei have to do with human dignity? ›
Such an association can also be seen in Evangelium vitae, within which John Paul II affirms imago Dei—donated graciously in the act of creation, persisting in spite of sin, and destining human life for fellowship with God—as the theological concept undergirding respect for dignity as an a ethical imperative.
What are the three views of imago Dei? ›
A vast body of theological interpretation on the subject of the imago dei can also be summarized into three prominent (non-competing) ways that humans reflect the image of the God: Substantive (Characteristics) View. Functional View. Relational View.
What is the human person as imago Dei? ›
Within the conciliar vision, the imago Dei consists in man's fundamental orientation to God, which is the basis of human dignity and of the inalienable rights of the human person. Because every human being is an image of God, he cannot be made subservient to any this-worldly system or finality.
What does the Bible say about imago Dei? ›
The term has its roots in Genesis 1:27, wherein "God created man in his own image. . ." This scriptural passage does not mean that God is in human form, but rather, that humans are in the image of God in their moral, spiritual, and intellectual nature.
What is imago Dei and worth? ›
Affirming that humanity is made according to God's image and likeness provides a bulwark against such denigrating treatment: it underscores the infinite worth of every individual in their relatedness to God, and calls us to walk in a manner that corresponds to the infinite love and honor God shows human beings in dying ...
How do we reflect the image of God? ›
Our lives reflect the Lord when we shine light into the darkness. We bring hope where there is no hope. We walk with people as they suffer and we shower those around us with love. We strive to walk in light and love, always.
Imago Dei is an independent, interdenominational church of approximately 280 people from a wide variety of faith backgrounds. Though we are autonomous, we learn from the practices and traditions of other denominations and partner with other congregations for ministry health and effectiveness.
How to use imago Dei in a sentence? ›
But given that they are an image of God, an imago dei, a royal representative, I must think of them, and treat them, with royal dignity and respect.
What is imago Dei and why is it important in healthcare? ›
The imago Dei – From Genesis 1:26-27 we learn that each individual, regardless of ability or disability, bears the image of God. This is inherent, not imputed. This may be difficult to understand as we contemplate individuals born with anencephaly or afflicted with severe dementia.
What is the quote about the Imago Dei? ›
Imago Dei: your life is sacred because He has stamped His identity upon yours. Imago Dei: your life is sacred because He has stamped His identity upon yours.
What is the philosophy of Imago Dei? ›
“God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” . Mankind is described as being created in the image of likeness of God; created out of love to love and be loved.
What is the sanctity of life and the Imago Dei? ›
The doctrine is often described as a Judeo‐Christian one, with theological underpinnings. Human life is said by Christian and Jewish theologians to be sacred because the Bible describes humans as being made in God's image (the 'Imago Dei')3 and also because it depicts human life as a gift from God.
What is the importance of imago Dei in healthcare? ›
Both the healer and the one seeking healing are created Imago Dei and therefore possess innate human dignity; both are answerable to God; both were created to know, love and serve God in this life and to be with Him in Eternity (Baltimore Catechism).
What is the teaching on the image of God? ›
The Bible describes us as being made in the image of God or as God's image bearers. Basically, what this means is that we reflect something of God's nature and character to the rest of creation.
What is the concept of imago? ›
The Latin word imago simply means "image", but it has acquired a number of powerful connotations over time. Christian theology refers to the "imago Dei", the image of God in which human beings were created and with which they should strive to conform.
Why is it important to be made in the image of God? ›
First, to be created in God's image means that we have been given a unique status, a divine dignity as human beings. It means that God has set us apart and made us a very special creation in this world. As Christians we cannot forget the significance of this special honor that God has bestowed upon all humanity.
