Imago Dei is latin for "image of God" . The conept that deals with the creation of humanity. The image of God has an illusive definition. Theologians are not in consensus on what is meant by the term. The term has its roots in Genesis 1:27, "God created mankind in his own image.." In way of a workable definition not much is clear from the scriptural evidence. What is clear is the the irreducible value of human life resulting form the statement. Below is a definition baced on the evidance and its profound implications for human life.
I. As far as definitions Go
1.) The image of God is not the physical external form of humanity. Humans do not look like God in that way.
2.) The imago Dei is a condition of man's creation. It is a characteristic of what is to be human, Image bearing goes deeper than mere form, and touches on the ontological essence of humanity. Thus to be human and to be in the image of God. The two can't be divided. Human equals image bearer.
3.) image of God implies that humans are not like the rest of creation. The image of God reveals the uniqueness of humanity in comparison to rest of creation.
4.) Image of God implies that humans are like God. This aspect of our humanness means we image God in some way or capacity. Thus, Human experience is an experience of image bearing. Yet if we Take the discution out of the realm of facts and place it in the realm of value the consept blossoms. In God's image to the degrees God has value is the degree humanity has value. God of the bible is transcendent, above all human measures of glory, honor, and worth. He is transcendent value. It follows, humanity has intrinsic value because we are made in the image of transcendent value.
II. More than an idea, a way of feeling about others
It may be that the imago dei was revealed not for our theological reflection but our ethical direction. The moral implications of the imago Dei are apparent in the fact that God is transcendent in value therefor to be made in his image mean the value of human life is:
(a) intrinsically located in our humanness thus cannot be changed in any way.
(b) individually applied for each person bears God's image in our common humanity
(c) universally mandated for all people without exception. Event human has the right to be treated in keeping with the value they possess. Almost naturally we assumed such a value of ourselves yet selfishly withhold the same assessment of others. Jesus assumes the imago dei standard of value in the golden rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
I have value because I am made in the image of God
Other people have value because they are made in the image of God
I should treat others with the dignity and self-respect, I have as a image bearer of God.
The golden rule is not grounded in a standered of self-love, or in aselfish impulse or enlighten self-interest but a dignity that rise from seeing oneself as an image bearer of God. At this point, we can begin to see the concept of the imago dei as more than a theological idea, but a way of feeling about others rooted in an objective value. Here is another example.
We can also deduce a standered of value for neighbor love from the Imago Dei. Assuming the proposition that humans are to love God in keeping with his transcendent value, then humans must love other humans, as each is an image bearer and expression of God.
Every human is my neighbor
Humanity has intrinsically valuable, just as I am valuable
I should love my neighbor in keeping with their intrinsic value.
Neighbor love has a standard of value rooted in the imago dei. A standard marked out by God's transcendent value and made concreat by our assessment of ourselves as image bearers. When we like the Good Samaritan, see someone in need we should see a being of untold value, worthy of respect and dignity on the grounds that they are human like us, made in God's image like us.
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