Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 179:716 (Oct 2022)
Article: The Relationship Between The "Imago Dei" And Unbelievers
Author: Kymberli M. Cook

BSac 179:716 (October-December 2022) p. 400

The Relationship Between The Imago Dei And Unbelievers

Kymberli M. Cook

kymberli M. Cook is Assistant Director of the Hendricks Center and a PhD student at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas.

Abstract

Unbelievers can be unintentionally left out of discussions surrounding the imago Dei due to differing interpretations of the tension between the New Testament and Old Testament accounts. Such an oversight may reduce appreciation of each person’s dignity and result in a lack of respect and care in public discourse. This study argues for the post-fall inclusion of unbelievers in the concept of the imago Dei by examining four prominent interpretations of the image and asserting that each can accommodate such an understanding.

All humanity was created in the image of God. Human dignity is grounded in that image. All humans—including unbelievers—therefore are afforded the dignity of being made in God’s image. In the history of interpretation of the imago Dei these are contested assumptions. Humans were created in the image of God at creation (Gen 1:26–27), but was it lost in the fall? Is it only restored in Christ? Humans have dignity, to be sure, but is it grounded in the image or somewhere else? Are unbelievers—those who reject Christ, who is the complete and perfect image of God—really in God’s image if they refuse to be conformed to the image of Christ? If they are not in Christ, how can they be in the image of God? The conclusions to these questions have heavy implications for the nature of creation, humanity, revelation, salvation, and eschatology. As a result, there are at least half as many interpretations of the image as there are questions, which deepen the complexity and make conclusions more elusive.

Yet these questions are highly relevant. When the dignity of all humanity is forgotten, relegated, or unintentionally overlooked by those in the body of Christ, the name of our God is disparaged.

BSac 179:716 (October-December 2022) p. 401

The belief that Christians are superior in skill or knowledge can lead to an arrogant tone in discussions in the public square. This posture poorly reflects our Savior, who “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Phil 2:6).1 This may also raise questions for unbelievers (and perhaps even believers) concerning core characteristics that God has disclosed about himself, including his love and provision. My goal is to argue that God has given his image to all humanity, particularly thos...