The Image of God
Over the years I have read and heard a lot of teaching on how mankind was created in the image of God.
I would say that since God introduced me to Reformed Theology; I have heard even more teaching on the image of God.
Much of it had to do with how original sin did not stop mankind from having the image of God.
Today however; (maybe I missed it) was the first time I have ever heard Reformed Christians say that mankind lost the image of God in the fall.
When I read it, I decided to read afresh how some of my favourite theologians viewed the subject.
I then decided to engage the person, showing Scripture for the position I believe in Biblical.
I received the following reply.
Tom Hardy The Reformed people I’m aware of who would agree with my position are in the Dutch Reformed tradition (and certainly not all of those either). I realize my position on the matter is closer to that of the Lutherans. But the Reformed confessions and catechisms all cite the biblical definition of the image of God as “true knowledge, righteousness and holiness,” and either strongly imply that it was lost at the fall or leave that answer ambiguous. The discourse about a “marred image” can’t be found in Scripture or the other Reformed standards. Historically, Reformed theologians have distinguished between a “broader” and “narrower” definition (the former being retained and the latter lost at the Fall), but in practice, even most Reformed people these days speak of all humanity indiscriminately as “image bearers,” yet seldom define what they mean by that.
That is the response I got back concerning the image of God.
I have not decided yet on if I am going to respond.
However, I thought I would get some others thoughts on what this person said.
Is this an issue, worth the discussion?
Thanks
Tom
