Imago Dei: A contemporary theological and hermeneutical reflection

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the concept of Imago Dei, rooted in the biblical narrative from theological and hermeneutical dimensions. We assert that humanity’s creation in the image and likeness of the divine serves as a foundational principle influencing contemporary discourses on human dignity, moral responsibility and social justice. This discussion is contextualised within the frameworks of feminism, postcolonialism and ecological perspectives. While there is an acknowledgement of the importance of other religions, the use of the Hebrew Christian Bible in this study subsumes that it has a bias towards Christianity. However, the concept intersects with human rights, ethics and interfaith dialogue in addressing systematic inequalities that make people vulnerable to ecological crises like pandemics and disasters alongside human-made crises like economic and socio-political failures. This article is theoretical and thus uses a hermeneutical lens on literature to respond to the question: What are the theological and hermeneutical reflections on Imago Dei, and how do contemporary perspectives enrich our understanding of human identity and relationships? The study presents the concept of Imago Dei as an ethical concept from a historical perspective using the relationist and functionalist interpretation models rather than from the substantialist model. Key findings suggest that embracing the doctrine of the Imago Dei has the potential to inspire deeper compassionate activism, promote social equity and advocate for environmental stewardship, thereby responding to urgent moral challenges of our time. By reimagining this doctrine, this study contends that Imago Dei can catalyse transformative action, compelling individuals and communities towards a renewed commitment to justice, inclusivity and a holistic appreciation of all creation within the divine narrative.
Contribution: The article contributes to theoretical and hermeneutical discussions of the theology of the Imago Dei. The study provides a contemporary definition of Imago Dei given feminist, ecological, postcolonial and narrative approaches.