Image of God

The theological idea that human beings are created in the likeness of God. It grounds religious accounts of human nature, moral responsibility, and human dignity.

Human dignity: The inherent worth attributed to every human being, often grounding claims to respect and rights. The image of God is a major theological basis for treating every person as worthy of respect.
Genesis 1: The first chapter of Genesis, describing creation and humanity's formation in God's image. Its account of male and female created in the divine image is the idea's central scriptural source.
Tselem: A Hebrew word meaning image or representation, used in Genesis for humanity's relation to God. Its range of meanings informs interpretations of the biblical phrase translated as image of God.
Substantive interpretation of the image of God: An interpretation locating the divine image in human qualities such as reason, freedom, or moral capacity. It contrasts with accounts that locate the image primarily in relationships or vocation.
Christian views of abortion: The diverse Christian ethical and theological positions on abortion. Arguments about fetal human dignity sometimes appeal to the image of God.
Human rights: Rights held by people by virtue of being human, rather than through a grant from a government. Some religious arguments connect the image of God to universal rights and equal protection.
Genesis 2: A biblical creation narrative depicting the formation of the first human and life in Eden. Its account of human formation and vocation is often read alongside Genesis 1's image language.
Demut: A Hebrew word meaning likeness or resemblance, paired with image in Genesis's creation account. Its pairing with tselem raises the question of whether image and likeness name distinct aspects.
Relational interpretation of the image of God: An interpretation locating the divine image in human relationships with God and with other people. It shifts attention from individual capacities to the relational life humans are created to share.
Disability theology: Theological reflection that centers disabled people's experiences and critiques exclusionary religious ideas. It challenges accounts that make rational ability or independence prerequisites for bearing God's image.

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