Rethinking How We Interpret the "Image of God"

imago dei (post 2 of 5)

Yesterday I wrote on the 3 most common interpretations of“image of God” doctrine we find rooted in

Genesis. I gave a brief description and observation for each interpretation as it relates to our ability to assimilate science and faith.

As God’s image bearers we reflect his image, but in what way? Today I want to look further at how the intentions behind our interpretations may lead to a poorly framed worldview; as well as an image of a God that does not reflect the God of scripture.

The interpretation of the imago dei 

I want to look at today has to do with human capacities. That is, humans are made in the image of God because we share the same capacities as him.  Those capacities we share with God separate us from the rest of creation.

Physical, Mental, and Social Abilities – Humans are separated from the animals by our intelligence, rational think, ingenuity, use of language, and the depths of our social relationships.

From what we know about God he shares all of those characteristics with us. Jesus even had fully functioning fingers and toes. But what are the social and personal implications of defining the image of God by these shared characteristics.

What happens when someone lacks any one of these capacities? Are they still made in the image of God?

Babies are not the most intelligent creatures. Child physiologists suggest that for the first few months of life a child does not even recognize itself as a separate person than its mother. Mental and physical handicaps of all ages hamper humans abilities to function at their highest. As we age all of our God given capacities begin to fail us as well.

When we define the image of God by our capacities the value of life is defined by our usefulness. This would mean the image of God would decrease or increase in us by our current level of ability.

If we truly believe this then we are justified in abortion, or for that matter the killing of newborns. Once the elderly become a burden we may as well let them drift off to sea.

But if we understand the image of God to be our role and function in the universe then value is given to all human life. For example, a person may be an infant, elderly, or have Down syndrome but their divinely assigned task is no less than to reflect the image of God to the rest of creation. In that there is great value.

The purpose of being God’s image bearer is not to bring glory to any admirable attributes that we may possess but to humbly show the world what it means to be a representative of the King.




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