The Imago Dei as Human Identity: A Theological Interpretation

by Ryan S Peterson

Theologians and Old Testament scholars have been at odds with respect to the best interpretation of the imago Dei. Theologians have preferred substantialistic (e.g., image as soul or mind) or relational interpretations (e.g., image as relational personhood) and Old Testament scholars have preferred functional interpretations (e.g., image as kingly dominion). The disagreements revolve around a number of exegetical questions. How do we best read Genesis 1 in its literary, historical, and cultural contexts? How should it be read theologically? How should we read Genesis 1 as a canonical text? This book charts a path through these disagreements by offering a dogmatically coherent and exegetically sound canonical interpretation of the image of God. Peterson argues that the fundamental claim of Genesis 1:26–28 is that humanity is created to image God actively in the world. “Made in the image of God” is an identity claim. As such, it tells us about humanity’s relationship with God and the rest of creation, what humanity does in the world, and what humanity is to become. Understanding the imago Dei as human identity has the further advantage of illuminating humanity’s ontology. Canonically, knowledge of the contours and purpose of human existence develops alongside God’s self-revelation. Tracing this development, Peterson demonstrates the coherence of the OT and NT texts that refer to the image of God. In the NT, Jesus Christ is understood as the realization of God’s image in the world and therefore the fulfillment of the description of humanity’s identity in Genesis 1. In addition to its specific focus on resolving interdisciplinary tensions for Christian interpretation of the imago Dei , the argument of the book has important implications for ethics, the doctrine of sin, and the doctrine of revelation.

Genres: Theology

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2016

Reviews

[Christopher Kou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the book on this topic that I was hoping for. Excellently argued. The structure of the book is a bit stiff, given that it is a fairly direct adaptation of a doctoral dissertation, but this does not detract from the material in the least. I found it an enjoyable read, and I am largely convinced of his thesis, though I think there are a few things I might add to the thesis. Peterson has provided a solid foundation of imago Dei from which to work in future studies of theological anthropology. He does not dismiss past positions, but adopts their strengths while effectively critiquing their weaknesses.

If Peterson is lacking anything, it is in his direct treatment of the philology of the Hebrew, in which he sidesteps the linguistic issues that surround Genesis 1:26-27. He makes reference to some debates, but that is not really what he is getting at in this monograph. While I think he could strengthen his case by closer exegesis of the primary text, I don't see anything linguistically that would overthrow his position. No doubt Peterson decided the same and decided to leave the Hebrew to Hebrew scholars.

For the best in-depth studies on the Hebrew issues, see Randall Garr's monograph and David J. A. Clines' article in Tyndale Bulletin, 1968 (republished with slight revisions in 1998).

[Carmen Imes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and carefully researched. A compelling account of the Bible's teaching on the imago Dei.