HUMAN DIGNITY AND 'IMAGE OF GOD'
Abstract
In this article the relation of the theological concept 'image of God' to the socio-juridical concept 'human dignity' is investigated. The popular equation of these concepts is subjected to academic scrutiny, and it is found that the differentiated use of 'image of God' in both the Old and New Testament permits different ways of interpreting this concept. Three historically interrelated and conceptually overlapping ways of interpreting 'image of God' is suggested and related to the concept of 'human dignity', namely as quality, duty and relation. In conclusion the helpfulness of particularly the relational interpretation is considered.Authors retain copyright and grant the Journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this Journal.
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