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The concept of God's image in Christianity

In Christianity, God's image reflects humanity's inherent connection to the divine despite sin's impact, asserting the value of human life and emphasizing attributes like intelligence and free will. This concept is essential for understanding the relationship between humans and God, suggesting that individuals can embody holiness through transformative experiences, akin to those of biblical figures like Jacob. Ultimately, God's image symbolizes a divine likeness, guiding believers towards a deeper spiritual existence and reinforcing the notion that humanity can manifest divine qualities.

Synonyms: Divine likeness, Spiritual embodiment, Spiritual representation, Celestial form, Holy image

In Finnish: Jumalan kuva; In Spanish: La imagen de Dios; In German: Gottes Bild; In Dutch: Gods beeld; In Malay: Gambaran Tuhan; In Swedish: Guds bild; In French: Image de Dieu

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'God's image'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to the traits that are received into the virtuous soul, and the body of the one who possesses such a soul is a temple of God, and in the soul God dwells because it has been made after His image.[1] (2) A reflection of the divine, representing the qualities of God, and implying a likeness to the divine, suggesting a path to holiness.[2] (3) The likeness or representation of God that humans and reasonable beings are said to be created in.[3] (4) The concept discussed in relation to angels and men within the fragments examined.[4]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This phrase refers to the concept of humanity being created in the likeness of the divine, indicating qualities like reason, conscience, and the capacity for interaction with the divine presence.[5] (2) The concept indicating that humanity retains essential elements of God's likeness, despite the impact of sin.[6]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The only way in which, out of the mire and clay of earth, there can be formed a fair image of holiness, is that Jacob's experience, in deeper, more inward, more wonderful form, should be repeated in each one of us. We should behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, and draw from Him our righteousness.[7]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The text mentions that the security of the social world is guaranteed by God's making human life inviolable on the ground of man's bearing this, highlighting the value of human life.[8]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The representation of man as created in a likeness to God, emphasizing the attributes of intelligence and free will.[9]

From: The city of God

(1) The text asserts that since humans are most properly understood to be made in this way, it is the part of humans that brings them closer to the Supreme.[10]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) There was in man, as created according to this, a natural appetite to resemble God, which was first planted in him by the Author of his nature, which we should strive to emulate.[11]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Plural form: Gods' images.