In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller talks with Richard Middleton about one of the Christian theology's most foundational and widely discussed ideas: humanity as the image of God (imago dei). Yet despite how important this concept is, its meaning has long been debated.

Does the image of God refer to some special human trait like reason? Does it describe our capacity for relationship? Or is it primarily about a task God has given humanity? Together Kirk and Richard discuss Genesis 1:26–28 and unpack its theological implications.

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Outline:

(00:00) What Is God’s Image?

(00:47) Meet Richard Middleton

(02:11) Context Context Context

(03:24) Human Vocation In Genesis

(05:55) Reading Genesis 1:26

(06:49) Why It’s Debated

(07:47) Assumptions and Exegesis

(11:52) Representing, Not Resembling

(12:53) Substantial View Explained

(15:54) Relational View And Barth

(21:11) Vocational Functional View

(24:39) Image as Gift and Call

(27:29) Dignity Beyond Abilities

(29:14) Image and Likeness Debate

(31:07) Case for Vocational Image

(37:27) Imago Dei Ethics

(40:38) Christ and New Humanity

(42:36) Abraham Israel and Mission

(46:06) Ancient Near East Context

(49:28) Practical Takeaways Preaching

(52:18) Final Thanks and Outro