What does it mean to be human and made in the image of God? This collection of essays explores the question from a wide range of theological and philosophical perspectives.

All people have dignity because they are created in the image of God. This theological belief has been a liberating force among its believers, providing a myriad of beautiful implications in our world. On the other hand, where the idea of being created in God’s image has been misunderstood, the implications can be devastating. Created in the Image of God brings together leading experts to discuss what it means to be made in image of God and to bring clarity and guidance for implications in the midst of our cultural confusion. The overall approach of this work, though distinct and focused in each of the chapters, reflects a consensus understanding that men and women have been created in God’s image, that they have fallen and are influenced by sin, that Christ has provided redemption through his vicarious death and resurrection, and that there is hope in the promise of eternal life in Christ. Christ succeeded where Adam failed (Rom 5:12-21; 1 Cor 15), allowing those who trust in him to enjoy and glorify him forever. The rich chapters within, and their helpful application to human dignity issues, will help our world to regain a sense of the marvelous privilege that is ours as image bearers and how that should impact our engagement with complex dignity issues of our day.

Made in the Image of God is a book that provides key concepts for understanding the nature and personhood of God and mankind, while providing deeper insights into how we as human beings relate to God physically, emotionally and spiritually in a metaphysical way, both now and in the future. Within this study, there are discussions on such topics as The Nature of God, The Nature of Mankind, The Trinity, and Jesus Christ as God and Man, while providing concepts that will help open the door to understanding God's revelation concerning himself, as revealed through the Scriptures. One reader commented: "After fifty years of being a Christian and doing lots of Bible study, this book gave me the clearest understanding of the Trinity and their interaction with me." Made in the Image of God is good resource material for supplementing studies in: Bible, Theology, Apologetics, Anthropology, Metaphysics or Philosophy of Religion. Book Excerpts "As I stated before, God never asks us to do anything that does not take place within the Godhead. Remember the words in Scripture? "Children, obey your parents" (Ephesians 6:1), or "Wives, submit yourself to your husbands" (Ephesians 5:22, KJV), or "Husbands, love your wives" (Ephesians 5:25). These concepts come from God's personal examples, and more specifically, the Father's love for the Son and Jesus' submission to the Father." p. 90 "In reality, mankind is still metaphysically in God's likeness, but God's image in mankind has been altered by sin. We can no longer duplicate or reflect God's attitudes as we once could do. That is, we can no longer be holy as God is holy. Our morality has been altered and no longer has the capability to duplicate or reflect God's image. So what is the answer? Can this image be repaired or made whole again? The answer is, YES! Mankind can be made into a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the image mankind once displayed can be restored once again." p. 149

We are told in the Scriptures that God desires that we know Him more than He desires sacrifices (Hosea 6:6). The way to know God is through the study of His word, the Bible, and a personal relationship with Him through our acceptance of the salvation offered through His Son, Jesus. The primary goal of Created in the Image of God is for us to know God through studying the Trinity, the three-part structure of God, as presented in the Bible and comparing and contrasting the Trinity with the three-part structure of mankind, who is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Created in the Image of God attempts to bring forth relevant Scriptures as pertaining to the Trinity and the creation of mankind, as well as applicable thoughts of theological scholars as they pertain to this topic. Through the study of the trichotomic structure of mankind, we will see how mankind is able to relate to God, the meaning of regeneration at salvation, the distinction between the indwelling and the filling of the Holy Spirit, the root cause of addictive behaviors, the reason that mankind is above and different from the rest of the animal kingdom, and the purpose and cause of prevenient grace. Above all, the hope of Created in the Image of God is that it leads readers to know God more fully, so that we can love him more wholly.

ccording to Scripture, humankind was created in the image of God. Hoekema discusses the implications of this theme, devoting several chapters to the biblical teaching on God's image, the teaching of philosophers and theologians through the ages, and his own theological analysis. Suitable for seminary-level anthropology courses, yet accessible to educated laypeople. Extensive bibliography, fully indexed.

"The Catholic Church in its social teaching has consistently rooted its mission in the dignity of the human person created in the image of God. For three years Catholic scholars from various disciplines participated in a seminar on human dignity. The fruits of their conversation are presented in this engaging and readable collection." "Ideal for college courses on religious and social issues or adult education groups, the essays in this volume are also useful for personal study."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

What does it mean to be created in the image of God? How can the existence of evil be explained if we believe in a good and loving God? What is the precise meaning of the notion of original sin? How can God transfer the guilt of humanity to one innocent individual, or should we rather dispense with the notion of penal satisfaction? The first part of Created in the Image of God grapples in a concise manner with these and other elusive and controversial theological and anthropological issues. The second part proceeds to address societal issues that relate to dignity, equality, and freedom. How can human dignity and the dignity of the environment be reconciled? Are the values of freedom and equality natural enemies? When does theology become a tool of oppression? How should we evaluate neo-liberalist economic theory after the greatest recession since the Depression? This book cautiously attempts to provide some answers that might help modern society to re-invent itself in a tumultuous age.

When we live and think according to how God created us, it promotes mental and physical health. This book gives scientific evidence of how our thoughts affect our health and happiness. Scriptures are given that tells us how God wants us to think and science gives evidence of our physical and mental health when we live as God created us, with a mind of love and hope. Also given is how our mental and physical health is affected when we do not live and think in accordance to the way God created us. If we live with fear, worry, anxiety, or anger, it can be toxic to our health.

The question "What is human nature?" is in vogue today. Like everything else, this concept is being deconstructed in the context of the reigning ideology of individualistic materialism. Is there a fixed human nature, or is this simply a manipulatable social construct with no objective reference? This book says: "Yes, there is: the imago Dei: man/woman created in the image of God." Hobson argues that this text from Genesis 1:26-28 is a God-given anthropological revelation that establishes the relational bond of human beings with their Creator and also with his creation, for which the imago equips us to be responsible stewards. Many of Hobson's essays were delivered as talks in parishes. They explore from multiple angles the import of the imago Dei for theological and sacramental reflection, apologetics, aesthetics, art, and, at a hands-on practical level, for pastoral counseling and inner healing. His texts, one of which opens with a discussion of genocide, contain incisive critiques of the dark side of modernity alongside wide-ranging demonstrations of the pertinence of the imago Dei to the current debates about human dignity and rights. His book is a ringing call to the church to take the measure of the value of this anthropological revelation for its proclamation of the gospel.

Created in God's Image teaches accountability for each individual's actions and helps the reader understand who God created him or her to be. Our primary goal for providing this book is to help understand the mysteries of God's wonderful creation of the human race. It teaches how His wonderful plan, for us as individuals, works and how it can cause every person to be happy and fulfilled during this life. It will aid you in developing and maintaining relationships with others, especially with the Lord Jesus Christ. Included in this study is a Special Personal Profile and a certificate of completion. Church leadership, high school seniors and leadership groups of any organization can greatly benefit from this study. Upon earning a passing grade on the final exam, a certificate of completion is issued.