365betÓéŔÖ

The concept of Image of God in Christianity

The Image of God in Christianity denotes that humanity is created in the likeness of the divine, reflecting God's characteristics, such as personality, self-consciousness, and moral attributes. This concept signifies the inherent dignity and purpose of human life, underscoring the sacredness of each individual as part of Creation. It also emphasizes the unique role of human beings in reflecting divine qualities, serving as a basis for understanding commandments and the nature of one's relationship with God.

Synonyms: Divine likeness, Divine image, Likeness of god, Representation of god, God's likeness, Celestial form

In Dutch: Beeld van God; In Finnish: Jumalan kuva; In Spanish: Imagen de Dios; In German: Bild Gottes; In Malay: Imej Tuhan; In Swedish: Bild av Gud; 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 'Image of God'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The concept of man being created in the image of God is significant, referring to the fleshly form of humanity, and this is based on the creation of man from dust.[1] (2) This is what the man is, and the man ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is this, according to the provided text.[2] (3) This term refers to the firstborn of every creature, illustrating a resemblance to the invisible God, suggesting a form that reflects divine attributes or characteristics in a specific context.[3] (4) According to the text, Christ is called the image of the invisible God, suggesting a representation or manifestation of the divine nature in a form that can be perceived or understood by people.[4] (5) This refers to the concept of humans being created in God's likeness, as discussed in the context of marriage and the creation narrative.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) The person will manifest to himself the primordial light upon the world, as the text references the restoration of this image.[6] (2) The divine likeness in which man was created, suggesting both a physical and spiritual resemblance to God, emphasized in the context of Adam's creation.[7] (3) The representation or likeness of God in humanity, which is posited to be a heavenly and incorruptible form distinct from earthly beings.[8] (4) The idea that Adam was created reflecting a divine state, which is originally genderless before the separation into male and female.[9]

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: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This phrase is used to explain that human life is sacred, which is a foundational concept in understanding the commandments and their implications.[10] (2) This refers to the belief that humanity reflects certain attributes of God, signifying dignity and value as part of creation.[11] (3) The belief that humanity was created to reflect the attributes and character of God, signifying inherent dignity and purpose.[12] (4) The inherent qualities in human beings that reflect God's character, including personality, will, and self-consciousness.[13] (5) Refers to the likeness that Christ's followers are meant to embody, reflecting Christ's nature and character in their lives.[14]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The concept that man is created in the likeness of the divine being is a fundamental basis for the existence and function of parables.[15] (2) The essence of man, who owes himself to God, according to the text.[16] (3) A theological phrase indicating that man was created to reflect God's nature, contrasting with being brute or beastly.[17] (4) The concept that humans are created in the likeness of God, reflected in the practice of rest and worship on the Sabbath.[18] (5) The aspect of humanity that reflects God's characteristics, which remains even after the fall.[19]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Man is made in the image of God, which is a universally received idea despite any contrary beliefs that may exist about human nature.[20] (2) The theological concept that humans are created to reflect God's character, communicated through the work of the Holy Spirit.[21] (3) A concept that denotes the resemblance of man to God, as expressed in Genesis, indicating man's unique position among creation.[22]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) A term used to describe the divine glory of the Mediator in Christianity, reflecting God to humanity.[23] (2) The concept that humans were created in a likeness to the divine, embodying certain qualities of the Creator.[24]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This describes the aspect of humanity that reflects divine qualities, such as reason and intelligence, distinguishing humans from other animals.[25] (2) The likeness that humans bear to God, which allows them to participate in the divine nature, especially expressed in ways of grace and charity.[26] (3) Refers to the divine likeness that is said to be impressed upon the nature of the angels, allowing them partial knowledge of God.[27] (4) The concept that man reflects aspects of God's nature, designated not merely as an image but as being 'to the image,' pointing to an incompleteness in the human likeness to God.[28] (5) This concept refers to human beings reflecting God's nature and dignity, thus deserving honor.[29]

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) The belief that humans are created in God's likeness, used to emphasize the severity of the wolf's actions against them.[30] (2) The belief that humanity reflects certain divine attributes of God.[31]

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) The inherent likeness or representation of God within humanity, which informs their purpose.[32]

From: The city of God

(1) The text states that God made man in His own image, by creating for him a soul endowed with reason and intelligence, so that he might excel all the creatures of earth, air, and sea.[33]

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) This phrase refers to the soul, which is an image of God, and it should not be prostituted to base things unexpressibly below their own nature.[34] (2) This refers to the original state of humanity, before the fall, and it represents the likeness of God.[35] (3) The unique characteristic of humanity that allows it to reflect the nature of the Creator, distinct from other creatures, particularly angels.[36] (4) The concept that humanity reflects God’s nature, encompassing rational and moral attributes.[37] (5) Refers to the unique likeness in which humans are created, indicating their dominion over other creatures.[38]

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.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures

(1) The belief that Adam was created in the likeness of God, reflecting divine beauty and qualities.[39]

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) The belief that humans reflect divine qualities and have the potential for goodness.[40]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Plural form: Image of gods.