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Author Peterson, Ryan S.

Title The Imago Dei as human identity : a theological interpretation / Ryan S. Peterson
Published Winona Lake, Indiana : Eisenbrauns, 2016

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Description 1 online resource
Series Journal of theological interpretation supplements ; 14
Journal of theological interpretation supplements ; 14.
Contents Seeking a theology of the imago dei -- Image as substance, function, or relationship? -- Image as identity -- Divine revelation and canonical interpretation of the imago dei -- The canonical unfolding of the imago dei -- The identity interpretation and the Christian tradition -- Conclusion
Summary 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. -- Provided by publisher
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes Revision of the author's thesis: Ph. D. Wheaton College (Ill.) 2010
Print version record and CIP data provided by publisher
Subject Image of God.
Identity (Psychology) -- Religious aspects -- Christianity.
Identification (Religion)
Theological anthropology -- Christianity.
RELIGION -- Christian Theology -- Anthropology.
Identification (Religion)
Identity (Psychology) -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
Image of God
Theological anthropology -- Christianity
Genre/Form dissertations.
Academic theses
Academic theses.
Thèses et écrits académiques.
Form Electronic book
LC no. 2015043624
ISBN 9781575064345
1575064340