Because of Who We Are

A Fresh Perspective on Calvin's Doctrine of the Image of God and Human Dignity

Bibliographic Data

ID3134248
AuthorsSam Neulsaem Ha (0000-0002-3586-3290, Calvin University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume15
Issue10
Pages1162
Publication date2024-09-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel15101162
OpenAlexW4402826204
LanguageEN
References cited21

Scholars have connected Calvin's idea of the imago Dei with the modern concept of inherent human dignity. Others have emphasized how Calvin tried to use the image of God to promote the significance of human dignity without connecting it with political theories. These arguments may be justifiable to some extent. However, my concern is that these scholars focus on the image of God in others rather than on how it transforms individuals who live out its renewal. For Calvin, the restoration of the image of God by the Holy Spirit aimed at enabling a holy and righteous life. In his thought, this life was marked by visible excellence, reflected in social virtues expressed toward others. Based on these insights, I show that, according to Calvin, treating others with dignity, honor, and love is not only made possible by recognizing them as bearers of God's image but is primarily driven by the renewal of God's image within those who display these actions and attitudes through the work of the Spirit. This fresh perspective on Calvin's doctrine of the image of God and human dignity can be presented by analyzing Calvin's pneumatological account of the imago Dei

Aesthetics · Art · Dignity · Doctrine · Environmental ethics · Epistemology · Image of God · Political science · Theology · Visual arts · Historical Legal Studies and Society · Law · Multicultural Socio-Legal Studies · Philosophy · Reformation and Early Modern Christianity

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