The Worth and Purpose of Humankind Defined Essay Example for Free

The Worth and Purpose of Hu small-armkind Defined EssayWhat is Imago Dei? Imago Dei is our worth and our draw a bead on defined. What does it mean that valet de chambre is created in the image of idol? In what different ways have theologians defined this term, and what should we empathize it to mean today? What difference does it reach for those who opinion to the authority of theologys word, and what implications does this leave us with both now and for eternity? When minding for the definition of Imago Dei, angioten viciousness-converting enzyme can look several(prenominal) places. First, one can look to the interpretations of Biblical scholars who have commit their time to studying al-Quran. Second, one can look for themselves all through the Bible for the definitions and contexts provided. Third, one can look to what the world believes or doesnt believe about Imago Dei, as is evident in both the injustices and humanitarian efforts of our time. Lastly, one can look at their own life- at what they have experienced and how they have lived their lives and discover what they believe or dont believe about being created in the image of beau ideal.Thus said, I shall begin by answering the question, How have Bible Scholars defined Imago Dei? Most scholars agree with a basic outline of Imago Dei as is found in scripture, but on that point ar several different ways of understanding its context. Theologian Wayne Gruden defines the image of beau ideal as The nature of man that he is like deity and represents God (Gruden 1244). In Creeds of Christendom, Biblical scholar Phillip Schaff (1819-1893) explains that being made in the image of God means that God mean for us to know him intimately and to be in a reconciled relationship with him. composition was originally formed later the image of God. Hisunderstanding was embellish with a authorized and saving knowledge of hisCreator, and of spiritual things his heart and will were upright, allhis affect ions pure, and the whole Man was holy (Schaff 521). Schaff also notes the importance of knowing Gods design and original plan for us before the fall of man.God intended for us to be just like Him- holy, pure, and righteous in his sight (Schaff 521). Scholars of The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology have defined the image of God asa fundamental biblical doctrine, an image that is sullied by sin and that is restored by divine salvation (Elwell 545). Scholar Millard J. Erickson believes that it is critical to understand who God is and who we atomic number 18 to Him. He says, The implications of the image of God should inspire us and set the parameters for our cipher of all humanity (Erickson 170). Erickson believes that the image of God goes beyond the substantive, relational, and functional views and that one must draw conclusions from all of scripture. I agree with Erickson that one finds a elliptic definition of Imago Dei in Gods word. So then, what does scripture say about Imag o Dei?After much study of the Bible, Scholar Millard Erickson has outlined the places in scripture where Imago Dei has been best defined and explained. The first is in Genesis 126-27 Then God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the mankind, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him male and female he created them. This is recapitulated in Genesis 51 When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Then in Genesis 96, we learn Whoever dribbles the blood of man, by man shall his blod be shed for God made man in his own image. Here we see that being created in the image of God implies that we have great worth and our lives be valuable to God. From this verse, we also see that sinful human beings continue to bear Gods image. In the New Testament, th e learn about the image of God as we learn about Jesus. In James 39, we learn that God hates when we neglect to respect and honor each other, as those who bear Gods image. With the tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who argon made in the likeness of God.Much of the New Testament also explains that we are conformed to a greater extent and much into Gods image- we become to a greater extent like Him through the process of salvation. 2 Corinthians 318 says, And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Erickson explains that from searching scripture, Bible scholars and church leaders have come to have one or more of three views on the Image of God- the substantive view, the relational view, or thefunctional view. The substantive view states that humankind has many of the same qualities and characteristics as God. The se include the physical, mental and spiritual likeness of God. The relational view states that we understand what it means to be made in the image of God through knowing him in a personal relationship (Erickson 122). We also better understand who God is and who we are through human relationships, such as the love relationship between a husband and wife (Erickson 123).Even more so, we understand the image of God through knowing the person of Jesus- For Jesus is the very likeness of God, and we become more like God through knowing Christ. The functional view holds that we understand who God is and who we are through what we do. In our dominion over creation and in our being commissioned by Christ to make disciples, we do our best to learn about all that God has given us and to honor God with our lives. We learn about God by following Christs example and by living a life worthy of our calling (Eph. 41). This is the basis of what scripture tells us about what it means to be made in the image of God. Does everyone have a basic understanding of Imago Dei, then? What does what is liberation on in the world today, and the way that most people treat each other reveal about what people believe about this unresolved?Let us look at both the good and bad social realities of our culture, and ask ourselves, What does life look like for those who seek to understand and accept what God says about Imago Dei compared to what life looks like for those who do not know God? The list of atrocities and injustices through time is endless. One does not have to look far to see the evil that has resulted from people rejecting God and oppressing one another. Slavery, war, greed, and oppression- an ocean of these disasters has swept through time, making every child ask why? and how could this be? Today, still, there are injustices to the human race that are hard to understand. In fact, people look everywhere for answers- to the media, to scholars, to historians, and to their leaders, bu t their search is in vain.Their hearts are left burning and throbbing. What then has led to the bullying of children, the gossip, and most frightening, the genocides that never cease to degrade the human race and leave us asking, Why? It is this Man has rejected God and does not know who he is, and in turn, they do not know whotheir Creator has intended them to be. The more I see of the world, the more I know I have been spared. In knowing who God is and who he says I am, I have been set set free. I am free to forgive, free to love, free to honor, and free to value each person that God has made in his own image.Knowing that every person on earth has infinite worth in Gods sight, so much that he came to earth to die a criminals death on a cross for their sins, that they might trust Him and be reconciled to the Him who loves them and treasures them more than they could ever imagine- this changes everything. I have seen the difference that believing the truth about God and about me no t only in my own life, but also in the lives all around me. That others know we are Christians by our love is true in not all, but many communities of believers. When I see love that doesnt look for any in return I know that there is an understanding of Imago Dei. For the sake of the Nations and for the sake of the church, my prayer is that Imago Dei will continue to be understood and lived out, that all might know God and be reconciled to him.What is Imago Dei? Imago Dei is where humankind finds all of their worth. It is what drives our convictions and frees us to love, forgive, and value each other. Theologians explain that the image of God is often understood through the substantive view- that we are like God in having the same physical, mental and spiritual qualities and abilities that he has, the relational view- that we understand who God is and who we are through a relationship with Him and through our relationships with others, and the functional view- that we better underst and what it means to be made in the image of God through our experiences and actions, in living our lives for Christ. What difference does it make to know who God is and who he says we are? All of the difference in the world- literally.Works CitedElwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich Baker Book House, 1984. Print. Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester, England Inter-Varsity Press, 1994. Print. Erickson, Millard J, and L A. Hustad. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids, Mich Baker Academic, 2001. Print. Schaff, Philip. Bibliotheca Symbolica Ecclesiae Universalis The Creeds of Christendom.Grand Rapids Baker, 1966. Print.