In my books and blogs and in many blog posts the term “image of god” is used, often concerning the cognitive capacities of the mind of human beings. in the book testable faith: a reasons to believe anthology, a chapter is entitled “The case for the image of god.” I am including an excerpt from that chapter that clarifies what this term means:
“. . . two new testament passages (colossians 3:10 and ephesians 4:24) shed light on [what the image of god means]. . . in these passages, paul encourages the christians at colossae and ephesus to allow the holy spirit to transform them into the image of their creator. these passages imply that god’s image includes our capacity for knowledge, understanding, love, holiness, and righteousness. in other words, according to paul, the image of god refers to attributes we possess as humans. . . . we would argue that to serve as god’s representatives on earth and to enter into a relationship with our master required that we possess attributes that resemble god’s, at least in some measure. another way to put it: because we resemble god - at least in part - we can be granted the responsibility to function as his vice regents on earth and we have the privilege to uniquely enter into a special type of relationship with god. . . . we identify four characteristics that give parameters to the concept of god’s image.
human beings possess a moral component. we inherently understand right and wrong and have a strong, innate sense of justice.
humans are spiritual beings who recognize a reality beyond this universe and physical life. we intuitively acknowledge the existence of god and have a propensity for worship and prayer. we desire to connect to the transcendent.
human beings relate to god, to ourselves, to other people, and to other creatures. there is a relational aspect to god’s image.
humanity’s mental capacity reflects God’s image. human beings possess the ability to reason and think logically. we engage in symbolic thought. we express ourselves with complex, abstract language. we are aware of the past, present, and future, and we display advanced creativity through art, music, literature, science, and technical inventions.