What does imago dei mean? Well, Imago is the Latin term for image. Dei is Latin for God. Therefore, imago dei literally means the image of God. But what, exactly, does it mean to be in the "image of God?"
Does it simply mean that we physically look like God, having two arms, two legs, a nose, etc? Or does it
mean that we display some of God's personality traits, such as love, gentleness, and creativity? If the second
definition is true then that means that everyone-from the criminals in your local prison to the Good Samaritian worker-are made in the image of God, having displayed some level of the personal attributes of God. However, there is a complication in that belief. We believe that God is loving. So if we are made in His image
then why we do oftentimes act in unloving ways? Is it because we have somehow detracted from or thrown off any plans of acting like we are made in God's image to do our own thing? Or is possible that God is not loving, and therefore could not create beings capable love? But if so, then where did such people as Mother Theresa get their love and compassion for hurting individuals?
In his essay, Steven Fettke deals with this concept of imago dei but from a completely different angle. Instead asking how the image of a loving God can exist in the immoral human race, he asks how the image
of God imprints itself on the human race. In other words, in what way does the image of God appear in everyday life? Eichrodt claims, "For man (sic) to be created in the likeness of God's image can only mean that on him, too, personhood is bestowed as the definitive characteristic of his nature (3)." Fettke relates
this concept to the mentally challenged. It is difficult to pin down exactly how the mentally challenged are made in God's image because we generally can't get past their problems and needs to see the true person. Fettke believes that this is one of the issues within the church community; many of them are stuck in the belief that because the mentally challenged can't contribute to the community or can't overcome their disability the way the community believes they should, they are not worth the time or effort.
Its hard to think that everyone is made in God's image sometimes. This includes our annoying younger sibling and the person that we can't stand listening too. But we really do need to focus on loving others as God loves them. It is an unconditional love and we are to display this because we are all made in God's image just as you are saying. You made some great points expecially about what if God isn't made out of love since we always don't love? Where then did Mother Theresa get her love from?? Interesting thought.
ReplyDeleteYou have made some strong points in what you've said here. Yes, there are times when we can't see the handicapped person for who they are, because we can't get pass the disability.
ReplyDeleteI actually make myself available to the handicap person. I want to be friendly toward the handicap one. When I'm in the grocers or somewhere, I go out of my way to acknowledge the handicap person.
I really have a big heart for people, that's a part of my personality!
I agree with what you said about needing go get past the disability and see the person. They are made and loved by God just as we are and they too can contribute to and further the Kingdom of God.
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