Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 82 No. 3, 2012.
Original scientific paper
Man – The Image of God and His Moral Responsibility
Bruna Velčić
; Theology in Rijeka, Dislocated Studies of Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Rijeka, Croatia
Abstract
This article concerns the question of moral responsibility of humans created »in the image of God« (Gen 1:26-28). In the first part of the article the author analyzes the meaning of the expression »the image of God« (1:26.27) and concludes that humans are created »as an image«, a concrete representation of God on earth (= »representative«), and »as a likeness«, a representation that is similar to God (= »representational«). Based on a comparison of Gen 1:26-27 and 5:1-3, which both belong to the same author (P8), the terms ṣelem and demûth are understood as both interchangeable and synonymous, as are also the prepositions be and ke, which are to be understood in the sense of beth essentiae. According to the royal ideology of the ancient Near East, the »image« of God on earth was the king. In the Bible, however, the royal dignity of the image of God is given to every human being, equally to man and woman, who together, as well as individually, are the »image of God« (1:27).
In the second part of the article the author discusses the consequences of human creation as the »image of God« and the moral responsibility that such creation implies. Being the »image of God« gives humans a particular dignity: the life of a human being is sacred and is more valuable than the life of any other living creature. Procreation, which humans have in common with other creatures, becomes a task in which the »image of God« must perform reasonably and responsibly, with respect for the Creator and for the dignity of the human being. Finally, as God’s representatives on earth, humans receive two specific tasks: to »subdue« the earth (1:28) and to »rule« over all living beings (1:26-28). These tasks do not indicate approval for humans to ruthlessly exploit nature or take part in violent dealings with other living creatures. Humans are meant to fill the earth and make it their home. They are to use natural resources and wildlife potential to ensure their own survival, but their use of earth’s resources is not without limits because the human being is not the supreme master but only the manager to whom God entrusted his creatures. The world God created is a beautiful and harmonious world, a world in which every creature has its place and task, and is an integral part of the whole. As God’s stewards on earth, humans are called upon to preserve the harmonious world that God created, ensure its survival as well as a peaceful coexistence with all living creatures. Being created in the »image of God« gives humans superiority over all creation, but it also provides accountability to preserve the created world. Governance over the world given to humans does not entail »dominion« but rather »management« of God’s entrusted assets.
Keywords
image and likeness of God; human dignity; responsible procreation; use of earth’s resources; preservation of the created world; management of entrusted assets
Hrčak ID:
90417
URI
Publication date:
8.11.2012.
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