Imago Dei Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Imago Dei - Research Paper Example In this attempt, Christianity, Judaism and Islam consider mankind as an image of God or consider them being created in the image of God. Genesis and Psalm are the Old Testament that are widely accepted and used as reference while discussing Imago Dei. Other testament passages are James 3:9 and 1 Corinthians 11:7. In order to understand the definition of Imago Dei, it is important to consider the actual meaning that can be derived out of this term, its theological aspects and human attributes that are perceived as a reflection of God and other perspectives present related to its functional view, relational capacity, humankind’s destiny and intellectual formation. Imago Dei not only emphasizes on religious aspects of this notion but also attempts to derive a scientific view out of this conception. In specific contexts, Christianity provides four definitions of Imago Dei. According to these definitions, humans bear similarity to God, they are God’s counterpart in this univ erse, human have dominion in this universe, and they are God’s representatives2. Substantive View of Imago Dei According to Gardoski, content and context of Genesis 1:26 help in viewing Imago Dei in a substantive manner. This substantive view illustrates that God has provided man with intelligence, volition, morality and spirituality. These characteristics helps man in operating as God on earth and this is how God has restored himself in creation of man which also differentiates him from other living beings. These spiritual and non-material aspects when combine with a physical body form a human in a holistic view3. Existence of man, his ability to function independently and rule the land does not make him capable of being a reflection of God. Instead, God gave him this body as a vessel or mean to enjoy the resources provided to him. However, along with these earthly blessings, he is also given an opportunity to exercise two significant corollaries of God’s image. These corollaries demand man to rule over other creation as the representative of God in whom all the trust and power of God has been bestowed along with enjoying cordial relationship with the creator and his creations. These corollaries provide us an indication as to why God made man his representative and created him in his image. Hence, this body provided to man is just a mean of fulfilling God’s will4. As far as view of a fallen man is concerned, a fallen man is a sinner who has digressed from the path of God but remains God’s creation and thus, inherits a reflection of God. However, for a fallen man, it is important to renew himself to be and act like God and live a life as God intends man to live. On the other hand, Christianity renders Jesus Christ as an example of restoration of Godly image in man and salvation believers expect to renew themselves in the same manner. Although attempt of seeking salvation in Jesus Christ does not restore the same image of God instead it affects the behavior and mannerism of the believer to match the conduct of God. Substantive view further illustrates that man attempts to match his actions to God’s and tries to seek conformity even in the daily life activities. Functional View of Imago Dei Imago Dei helps in identifying the functional purpose of humankind and his existence in a corporate sense. Hence, valuation of mankind can be performed and assessed. According to excerpts of Genesis in Klasson’