Doctrine of Man
Chris Hefner
What is lost if man has not been made in God’s image?
Inherent dignity
Inherent morality
Cultural security
What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
Capacity for Rational Thought
Capacity for Moral Choice
Capacity for Artistic Creativity
Capacity for Social Relationships
Capacity for Humble Relationships
God created man in his image for relationship and for rule
Implications from man in Relationship and Rule
Philosophically, we are not co-equal with creation as an evolved species within it
We are not subordinate to creation as if Mother Earth, or Gaia, is somehow superior to us
We are not lords of creation as if all of creation answers to our beck and call
Rather, we are to be stewards of creation managing it well and in care in which God gave us responsibility
Takeaways:
Recognize that God’s gender design reveals our need for interdependence and respect for others
We must see ourselves with equal parts wonder and humility
We must be willing to be the vocal minority living and communicating the biblical design regardless of the shifting culture
We must take our responsibility to rule creation seriously and carefully
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
