Imago Dei as human identity : a theological interpretation

Title

Imago Dei as human identity : a theological interpretation

Files

School/Department

Talbot School of Theology

Description

Theologians and Old Testament scholars have been at odds with respect to the best interpretation of the imago Dei. Theologians have preferred substantialistic (e.g., image as soul or mind) or relational interpretations (e.g., image as relational personhood) and Old Testament scholars have preferred functional interpretations (e.g., image as kingly dominion). The disagreements revolve around a number of exegetical questions. How do we best read Genesis 1 in its literary, historical, and cultural contexts? How should it be read theologically? How should we read Genesis 1 as a canonical text? This book charts a path through these disagreements by offering a dogmatically coherent and exegetically sound canonical interpretation of the image of God. Peterson argues that the fundamental claim of Genesis 1:26 28 is that humanity is created to image God actively in the world. Made in the image of God is an identity claim. As such, it tells us about humanity s relationship with God and the rest of creation, what humanity does in the world, and what humanity is to become. Understanding the imago Dei as human identity has the further advantage of illuminating humanity s particular metaphysical makeup.

Canonically, knowledge of the contours and purpose of human existence develops alongside God s self-revelation. Tracing this development, Peterson demonstrates the coherence of the OT and NT texts that refer to the image of God. In the NT, Jesus Christ is understood as the realization of God s image in the world and therefore the fulfillment of the description of humanity s identity in Genesis 1. In addition to its specific focus on resolving interdisciplinary tensions for Christian interpretation of the imago Dei, the argument of the book has important implications for ethics, the doctrine of sin, and the doctrine of revelation.

Keywords

Theological anthropology, Image of God, Identity

ISBN

978-1575064338

Publication Date

1-28-2016

Document Type

Book

Publisher

Eisenbrauns

City

Winona Lake

Disciplines

Christianity | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Comments

Journal of theological interpretation supplements ; 14.

Imago Dei as human identity : a theological interpretation


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