Abstract
‘Are we special?’ In response to this question, Christian theology has traditionally sought comfort in the notion that humanity is created in the image of God. In light of modern scientificknowledge, is this self-understanding still feasible? Are there different ways in which imago Dei can be understood? Is it possible for imago Dei to be both grounded in its Christian heritage,while also being helpful in the science and religion conversation? This article criticallyexamines the notion of imago Dei and proposes an interpretation that could be credible andacceptable to both science and Christian anthropology.
Highlights
The aim of this article is to address the following research question: ‘How are human beings special when considering the doctrine of imago Dei in light of contemporary scientific knowledge?’ This article argues that human distinctiveness is not embedded in an understanding of imago Dei, which elevates humanity above the rest of creation, but gleaning from science, it proposes a theological approach which emphasises the uniqueness in our ability to consciously and deliberately strive towards a more naturally integrated existence
A recent conference of the European Society for the Study of Science and Theology (ESSSAT) asked the following question pertaining to humankind: ‘Are we special?’ (European Society for the Study of Science and Theology 2016)
Irrespective of how we deal with these questions, we discover that we have so far declared our theological blind spot: we treat imago Dei as a fixed notion, as if we know what it is ... as if we know what God looks like
Summary
A recent conference of the European Society for the Study of Science and Theology (ESSSAT) asked the following question pertaining to humankind: ‘Are we special?’ (European Society for the Study of Science and Theology 2016) With this enquiry, perspectives from science and religion considered the notion of human uniqueness. Perspectives from science and religion considered the notion of human uniqueness The complexity of this question became apparent as participants offered arguments, ranging from how human beings are peculiar at a molecular level, to the distinctiveness of life (and human life) in the context of the universe. Considering this question from a theological perspective, the traditional Christian anthropological doctrine of imago Dei played a prominent role in discussions. Given the above-mentioned possibility, it is permissible to conclude that humanity occupies a central cosmological position in a Christian doctrinal worldview
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