Matters of Life and Death What does it mean to be made in the image of God?
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Aug 21, 2024 Dive deep into the profound concept of Imago Dei, as the hosts explore what it means to be made in the image of God. They challenge traditional views on human dignity, emphasizing the importance of everyone, including the vulnerable and disabled. The discussion sheds light on the relational nature of humanity, drawing parallels to the Trinity and the significance of connections. Additionally, they tackle contemporary issues like artificial intelligence and bioethics, urging listeners to reconsider the sanctity of life in modern society.
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Imago Dei in Jewish vs. Christian Thought
- The concept of Imago Dei is central to Christian theology, unlike in Orthodox Jewish thought.
- The Old Testament rarely mentions it, focusing more on idolatry.
Old Testament Usage of "Tselem"
- In the Old Testament, "tselem" mostly refers to idols.
- Genesis 9 links "tselem" to the prohibition of murder, justifying capital punishment.
Humans as God's Representatives
- Ancient Near East texts often described representatives of a king as being "in the image" of the king.
- This suggests that humans, made in God's image, are his representatives on Earth.