Dignity and Destiny
Humanity in the Image of God
- Theology
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Published: 2015
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Publisher's Description
Misunderstandings about what it means for humans to be created in God's image have wreaked devastation throughout history -- for example, slavery in the U. S., genocide in Nazi Germany, and the demeaning of women everywhere. In Dignity and Destiny John Kilner explores what the Bible itself teaches about humanity being in God's image. He discusses in detail all of the biblical references to the image of God, interacts extensively with other work on the topic, and documents how misunderstandings of it have been so problematic. People made according to God's image, Kilner says, have a special connection with God and are intended to be a meaningful reflection of him. Because of sin, they don't actually reflect him very well, but Kilner shows why the popular idea that sin has damaged the image of God is mistaken. He also clarifies the biblical difference between being God's image (which Christ is) and being in God's image (which humans are). He explains how humanity's creation and renewal in God's image are central, respectively, to human dignity and destiny. Locating Christ at the center of what God's image means, Kilner charts a constructive way forward and reflects on the tremendously liberating impact that a sound understanding of the image of God can have in the world today.
Endorsements (8)
“John Kilner's comprehensive and engaging work brings fresh insight to a central but often misunderstood and misused concept. His careful biblical, theological, and moral reflection on being in the image of God is exceptional — a major contribution to the discussion.”
“This masterful treatment of the image of God is not abstract theology removed from everyday reality; rather, as Kilner shows, what's at stake is human dignity in every sphere of life. A clear and cogently argued work that will become the major source for future explorations of the topic.”
“In this richly documented text John Kilner makes a case for the theological centrality and historical impact of the idea that humans are made in the image of God - for good but also for ill. . . . All readers will be enriched by Kilner's thoughtful argument and challenged by his exploration of the potency of an idea.”
“The most exhaustive study of the image of God of which I am aware. . . . I especially appreciate Kilner's Christological emphasis. . . . This will become the new standard reference work on the subject, particularly given its rich documentation throughout.”
“A masterful book on the important biblical concept of the imago Dei, which has too often received cursory treatment. The breadth and depth of Kilner's scholarship are impressive, and his carefully crafted work is simultaneously astute and engaging. . . . Students and theologians will be consulting his Dignity and Destiny for years to come.”
“Kilner carefully demonstrates how theological convictions about the image of God matter profoundly for Christian life and witness. . . . Convincingly shows how poorly conceived or sloppy exegesis not only hampers an individual's love for God and others but also creates an ethos that reinforces broad injustices ranging from racism to disregard for those with disabilities.”
“A well-analyzed, nicely written study of the single most important truth undergirding respect for human life. . . . Our society, including the church, has a spotty record dealing with moral challenges — racism, poverty, gender roles, abortion — which are skewed by distorted views of what it means for us to bear the image of God. Kilner's book gives a soundly biblical understanding that can address these shortcomings.”
“Kilner handles the doctrine of imago Dei in a way that has been badly needed. Carefully holding the doctrine to its foundations in Scripture, he painstakingly documents a host of unwarranted extrapolations that theologians and preachers have let themselves construct. What's left after his thorough work of demolition? Plenty. The way has been cleared for the doctrine of the image of God to help guide our thinking about human nature.”
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