The Image of God: An Idea and Its Consequences

Few ideas have been more consequential than the Judeo-Christian description of humanity as made in the image of God. Much of the modern world—from human rights to public policy to justice efforts—was formed by this idea and continues to live off the cultural capital it generated. At the same time, the modern world’s most fundamental shifts and deepest conflicts are rooted in disagreements over the nature and identity of the human person. This session will explore the idea of the image of God in terms of its historical significance, biblical framing, and cultural relevance.