Debates about the term “Image-Likeness” in Genesis 1:26-27
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v17.n1.pe01589Keywords:
Image of God, Likeness, Sin, Human Nature, ExegesisAbstract
Abstract: This article study the meaning of “image and likeness of God,” as found in Genesis 1:26 and 27 in the Masoretic text, used to describe humankind’s creation. Through a biblical anthropological view, this article aims to bring awareness regarding our existence’s purpose. This article use the Canonical Theology method, which takes four corollaries: (1) sola Scriptura; (2) a high view of the revelation-inspiration of the biblical canon; (3) the dual authorship (divine and human) of the canonical text; and, (4) the grammatical-historical procedures of exegesis. This article start with an outlook through the various interpretations of the “image of God” in history, not being normative but suggestive. After that, it present an exegesis of Genesis 1:26 and 27, critiquing John F. Kilner’s book Dignity and Destiny, since it is currently the book with the most extensive study on the proposed topic. To conclude, this article recapitulate and suggest applying the proposed study as a worldview for our theological, sociological, and ecological relationship. The blueprint that exists in ourselves stipulates how we will think and act. Topics such as socialism, feminism, racism, sexual differences, infanticide, ecologism, veganism, even ordination to the pastoral ministry should be read and discussed through a “human” perspective.
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