Three Theories of the Image of God in Man and the Final Correct Theory!

Question 1

Structural/Substantive Views - Something about our constitution

Answer 1

1. ) Image as rationality

2. ) Image as morality (our moral capacity)

Question 2

Relational Views: Image as Communion with God

Answer 2

1. ) Created to relate to God and others
2. ) Nothing constitutional about the image
3. ) Image is present in the act of response to God
4. ) PROBLEM: would mean that image is lost in sin b/c sin breaks our relationship with God

Question 3

Functional Views: Image as Rule Over Creation (Lister Approved)

Answer 3

1. ) Finds the image in our function as vice-regents
2. ) Argues the issue it must be decided contextually
3. ) Immediately after “image and likeness”, the passage calls us to an exercise of dominion
4. ) Thus proper function includes our 3-fold relationship: to God, others, and nature

Question 4

Functional Holism

Answer 4

1. ) Functional receives the emphasis in the text
2. ) But carrying out the function IS ONLY MADE POSSIBLE BY HAVING THE REQUISITE structural capacities (moral, spiritual, mental, relational)
3. ) Relationships are part of the expression of the function
4. ) Dependent upon relationship to God
5. ) Designed as communal beings