Carmen Imes, author of 'Being God's Image,' discusses the meaning of the image of God and challenges common misconceptions, explores the relationship between the image of God and the image of Christ, emphasizes the communal dimensions of scripture, and explores the theological significance of Jesus' gender and the role of women in God's saving event.
Every human is the image of God, irrespective of their abilities or capacities.
Jesus as the new Adam represents all of humanity, emphasizing the inclusion of women in God's saving event.
Deep dives
The Importance of Recognizing Human Dignity and Image of God
The book 'Being God's Image' by Dr. Carmen Iams explores the significance of recognizing human dignity and the image of God. It emphasizes that every human being is the image of God, regardless of their abilities or capacities. The book challenges the notion of attaching the image of God to certain human qualities and discredits hierarchy and exploitation among humans. It highlights the responsibility of humans to rule over creation with benevolence, collaborating with one another and ensuring that all beings have access to the resources they need. Through a fictional illustration of her neighbor, Colton, who has intellectual disabilities, Dr. Iams exemplifies the importance of recognizing the full human dignity of every individual, irrespective of their intellectual capacity.
Unpacking the Relationship Between Jesus, Gender, and Salvation
Dr. Carmen Iams delves into the theological implications of Jesus being male in her book 'Being God's Image.' She argues that Jesus is the new Adam, representing all of humanity, while recognizing the essential role of Mary, a woman, in the incarnation of Christ. Dr. Iams draws from the work of theologian Amy Peeler to explore the participation and inclusion of women in God's saving event. By discussing the gospel, Dr. Iams challenges the common focus on heavenly salvation and emphasizes the significance of embodied existence and God's intentions for this created world. This broader understanding of the gospel provides a sense of purpose and meaning in people's lives, as they recognize their role in caring for creation and participating in God's restoration.
The Need for a Holistic Understanding of the Gospel
Dr. Carmen Iams argues for a more comprehensive understanding of the gospel, one that extends beyond a focus on heavenly salvation. She goes against the common narrative of asking Jesus into one's heart solely for the purpose of eternal life. Instead, Dr. Iams argues for a gospel that encompasses God's good intentions for the physical world and humanity's role as caretakers of creation. This comprehensive view of the gospel instills a sense of purpose in individuals' lives, emphasizing the significance of their present work and their contribution to God's grand design. By presenting the gospel in this way, Dr. Iams invites people to live fully and engage actively with the physical world, recognizing the eternal impact of their actions.
The Significance of Recognizing and Embracing Diversity
In her book 'Being God's Image,' Dr. Carmen Iams highlights the importance of embracing diversity in relation to the image of God. She argues that every human being, regardless of race or ethnicity, is the image of God and possesses full human dignity. This understanding challenges hierarchical systems and oppressive dynamics that devalue certain individuals or groups. Dr. Iams emphasizes the biblical call for cultural diversity and the embracing of different languages as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel. By recognizing the beauty of diversity, Dr. Iams invites readers to value and celebrate the uniqueness of each person, while acknowledging the unity found in worshiping the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
Episode: Matt speaks with Carmen about her latest book Being God’s Image, why “being” (not necessarily “bearing”) matters to this subject, what we often misunderstand about the Image of God, and […]
