The Imago Dei
“Imago Dei” is a Latin phrase that means “image of God” (Ramos, 2012). The Bible explains that God created man in His own image and likeness (Ramos, 2012), and therefore, the concept of imago Dei is central to the Christian faith. In essence, it governs the beliefs that Christians carry with them in their daily activities. The acceptance or the doctrinal understanding of the image of God is essential in guiding believers in accepting other fundamental doctrines such as the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the doctrine of imago Dei cannot be overlooked in any way. This paper will present the various definitions and explanations of the concept of imago Dei as espoused by various theologians. I will also give my own concept of imago Dei and explain the meaning of the image of God in man.
Various Definitions and Explanations of the Biblical Concept of Imago Dei
Although there is a consensus among theologians and Christians that man is created in the image of God, there are various arguments on what is meaning of imago Dei. Among the most prominent argument is the one espoused by St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and John Calvin. The three held the substantial view of the imago Dei (Boyd & Eddy, 2009). The substantial view holds that imago Dei refers to the human soul. The understanding is that spiritually, man is different from other creations. Although there is a general agreement that the spiritual element of man is superior to that of animals, the theologians who hold the substantial view of the imago Dei have differed on what part of humanity manifest the soul. Features like communication, the ability to make rational choices, as well as man’s ability to love are a mark of the soul (Boyd & Eddy, 2009). The physical nature of man has a spiritual relationship to God’s nature. Man has a hand, which is physical. However, God also has a hand, which is spiritual (Jeremiah 1:9). However, there are also non-physical components which are similar.
The second definition of imago Dei sees man as a counterpart with God in the running of the universe. This view of imago Dei gained preeminence in the 20th century, although it has some predecessors. This relational view of imago Dei was advocated by Karl Barth, Barth, Von Balthasar and Moltmann. They argued that, in creation and life reflects the trinity of God (Robinson, 2011). The unity of God’s trinity is what should constitute our relationships with one another and with God. In this way, God desired communion or fellowship and working in unity as it is evidenced in His approach during creation (Robinson, 2011). God acted in unity with the Son and the Holy Spirit in the creation narrative. This fellowship is essential between God and man. The spiritual element of soul is not considered in this definition. However, the element of relationship is also inherent in the substantial view of imago Dei.
Another definition is that imago Dei refers to the status of people as created beings. This definition of imago Dei became popular in the 20th century, although it can be traced to the earlier church history. This definition connects imago Dei with the commission of God to humanity to rule and have dominion over all creation. The functional role of man reflects the image of God (Huyssteen, 2006). God is the creators and ruler of all that He created. By giving man dominion over the earth, God was sharing His nature with man. Common with this definition is the idea that having the imago Dei gives people the qualification to rule. This definition differs from the reason and rationality as would be advocated by the substantial view of imago Dei (Huyssteen, 2006). However, the element of relationship is evident in the definition because, in ruling, there must be structures and relationships among the leaders and the followers.
Other theologians define Imago Dei as the representative role of man on earth. This definition is similar to the functional role of man on the earth (Grenz, 2001). However, the major focus of the definition is that man is a custodian. God’s continued presence on the earth as well as His influence on the people is executed by those who represent Him here on earth. To fulfill this mandate, God had to give people His image.
My Own Concept of the Image of God
My understanding of imago Dei is based on the similarities between man and God. There are supernatural attributes of God that man is not endowed with. However, there are moral attributes, which God shares with man. It is important to understand the concept of the image of God before accepting other fundamental teachings in the Bible. The concept of imago Dei appears in the first book of the Bible, which shows it is an important doctrine. The image of God cannot be a physical idea because according to John 4:24, God is spirit and therefore, He is invisible (Colossians 1: 15).
The image of God therefore, refers to the inner and unseen attributes in man that reflect the spiritual nature of God. For instance, the moral attributes of God can be shared with man. Man was created to love man and God. God also loves mankind. In addition, God does show mercy. In essence, there are those moral attributes that God can share with man, thus reflecting the similarity between man and God. However, this does not equate man with God. There are non-moral attributes that man cannot share with God. For instance, God is omnipresent. Such attribute is out of reach of man. Therefore, my understanding on this notion is as far as man and God can share some attributes. These are not the same for other creations. There is no record of animals showing mercy or even angels doing so in the Bible or in recorded history. This ability is bestowed on people, and God also has similar traits.
The Image of God in Man
The ability of man to show certain character traits or to act in the same way as God reflects God’s image in man. This can be attested by the moral attributes that God shares with man. Secondly, the image of God left an implant of His trinity in the life of man. God exists in three persons as it is articulated in the scriptures (Berkhof, 2003). We have God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This image of God is reflected in the family set up, where we have the trinity of the father, mother and children. In addition, the dominion and governance structure of man reflects how the image of God is inherent in man. Governments are structured in a way that reflects the trinity of God. We have the executive, the judiciary and the legislature. The three arms of government show an apparent semblance to God’s trinity. Ideally, man reflects the image of God in his activities here on earth. Quintessentially, it is only man who was created in the image of God. The above definitions of imago Dei go at length in explaining what the image of man means. In comprehensive way, the image refers to the ability to think and act in a rational way. It also includes the ability to dominate and represent God in the world (Berkhof, 2003).
Conclusion
In conclusion, imago Dei is a fundamental doctrine in Christianity. The Bible says that God created man in his own image and likeness. This does not means that God has a physical body like man; neither is man a wholly spiritual being. However, the creative power of God as well as His moral attributes clearly depicts a similarity in thinking and actions between God and man. The substantial view defines imago Dei as the human soul. However, there are disagreements on what makes up the human soul. Relational definition of imago Dei sees people as God’s counterparts here on earth. This definition advances relationships between people and God. The other definition of imago Dei views people as having dominion over the earth. It focuses on the ability of people to rule God’s creation. This definition is similar to the image of God as representation. God’s presence of the earth can be accomplished by giving the people the imago Dei. My own definition of imago Dei combines these definitions by advancing the moral attributes that God shares with people. Indeed, the image of God can be seen through the character traits that God shares with His people.
References
Berkhof, L. (2003). Manual of Christian Doctrine, second edition. Arlington Heights: Christian Liberty Press
Boyd, A. G. & Eddy, R. P. (2009).Across the Spectrum: understanding issues in evangelical theology. Grand Rapis, MI: Baker Publishing Group.
Grenz, J. S. (2001). The Social and the Relational Self: a Trinitarian theology of the Imago Dei. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press.
Huyssteen, V. W. (2006). Alone in the World: Human uniqueness in science and theology. Cambridge: Eerdmans Publishing.
Ramos, E (2012). Convert: From Adam to Christ. Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos.
Robinson, D. (2011). Understanding the Imago Dei; the thought of Barth, Von Balthasar and Moltmann. Barlington: Ashgate Publishing Company.
