Imago Dei

Imago Dei is the Latin phrase meaning image of God. Since in Genesis it talks as humankind being created in the image of God I believe it is a central theme to understanding human existence, something I'd like to understand for a number of reasons. It is a central theological theme in Christianity, Judaism and Sufi Islam albeit understood within each religion differently. Because of this it seems an important topic to consider and attempt to tackle.

Basically, the Image of God can be understood in three ways: substantive, relational or functional. In the substantive understanding of the Image of God human beings have some characteristics that are found in God. The relational understanding of Image of God maintains that while human beings may have some of the traits of God the image only becomes clear when one is in relationship with God. The functional understanding of the Image of God states that we as human beings were charged with a task by God, ruling over the earth and by doing this we mirror God's rule over the universe.

Of course this is on the tip of the iceberg when it comes to discussing the Imago Dei and each of these three ways of understanding has various nuances that will be explored further. But, for now, the Imago Dei seems to be a vital point of interest in understanding who man is in his existence and since that is a pertinent topic in any intellectual path we shall continue to visit it in the future.