Introduction to Theological Anthropology

Course Assignments and Schedule

  • Due Dates:

    • A hard copy will be compared in class on Friday.

    • The reading report is due on the Wednesday evening of that week.

  • Reflection Guidelines:

    • One reflection is sufficient.

    • Can focus on a single chapter or combine materials from both chapters as if there were no break between them.

    • A full set of reflections is required for each chapter.

Introduction to Theological Anthropology

  • Definition:

    • Theological anthropology refers to the exploration of what it means to be human from a Christian perspective.

    • Key aspects include understanding human creation, purpose, composition, and theology surrounding humanity.

  • Scope and Limitations:

    • Not a complete philosophical anthropology and there are various schools of thought among Christians that may diverge on non-theological grounds.

    • It allows for differences in opinion based on philosophical reasoning rather than biblical or theological disparities.

The Dignity of Human Beings

  • Creation as the Pinnacle of Creation:

    • Human beings are seen as the final work of God’s creation.

    • They occupy a unique position as creatures that encompass both earthly and heavenly attributes.

  • Comparison with Angels:

    • Humans are considered the pinnacle of creation, possessing rational souls.

    • Angels are also rational, but humans uniquely blend material and spiritual aspects.

  • Micro-Cosmos:

    • Humans are described as a micro cosmos, reflecting the diversity and wonder of creation as a miniature replica of the greater universe.

Image and Likeness of God (Imago Dei)

  • Recent Trends:

    • A shift towards emphasizing the goodness, dignity, and likeness of humans similar to God, often neglecting the distinction between God and humanity.

    • Increased focus on aspects of similarity has overshadowed the fundamental differences between the divine and human nature.

  • Created Nature:

    • Emphasis on receiving a created nature that positions humans as passive recipients of God's creative action rather than active self-makers.

  • Catherine Tanner’s View:

    • Tanner promotes the idea of a plastic human nature with endless possibilities, which the speaker critiques as disregarding the specific delineations of human nature bestowed by God.

Theological Implications of the Doctrine of Human Nature

  • The Ultimate Nature:

    • Importance of being given a definite nature by God, emphasizing the guidance included in the divine act of creation.

  • The Relationship with God:

    • Humans are encouraged to seek understanding and guidance from God on how to fulfill their humanity.

Distinction of Image and Likeness in Genesis 1

  • Biblical References:

    • The dual terms “image” and “likeness” in Genesis 1 serve to intensify the concept of humans' reflection of God's nature.

  • Scholarly Perspective:

    • Most current interpretations treat these two terms as synonyms, enhancing the significance rather than presenting distinct concepts.

Attributes of Human Beings in God's Image

  • Key characteristics that may reflect the image of God in humanity include:

    • Rationality:

    • The capacity for thought, reasoning, understanding, and discerning truth from falsehood.

    • Creativity:

    • Humans, like God, possess the ability to create and innovate.

    • Mediatorial Role:

    • The capacity to mediate between God and creation, exercising dominion over the Earth.

    • Relationality:

    • The ability to form relationships with God and with one another, fundamental to human experience.

    • Dominion:

    • Humans have a role in sustaining and nurturing creation as co-rulers with God.

Structural Perspective on Imago Dei

  • Rational Soul as Core:

    • The primary historical emphasis is that the image of God lies within the rational soul of humans, allowing for understanding and will.

    • Contemporary scholarship has increasingly focused on relationality and functionality while downplaying structural aspects.

Rationality and Its Implications

  • Nature of Rationality:

    • Human rationality is qualitatively distinct from animal instinct or memory, allowing for abstract thinking, self-reflection, and moral decision-making.

  • Concept of Rational Soul versus Rational Mind:

    • Human rationality involves higher cognitive processes, unlike animal logic which lacks the same depth of reflection.

Faculty Psychology

  • Definition:

    • Faculty psychology examines the different traits or powers of the human soul, primarily focusing on intellect and will.

  • Calvin's Assertion:

    • Calvin argued that human understanding discerns good from evil; will chooses based on what understanding deems worthy.

  • Understanding and Will:

    • Intellect is responsible for discerning, and the will is the driving force to follow the good perceived by understanding.

Questions and Discussions

  • Nature of Choices:

    • Original sin showcases the tension and decoupling between will and intellect in humanity’s fallen state.

  • Human Dignity Regardless of Rationality:

    • Each individual is equally dignified by virtue of possessing a rational nature despite variations in cognitive abilities.

  • Evolving Discussions on Human Nature:

    • Various perspectives continue to generate debate, particularly regarding the nature of the soul, spirit, body, and the definitions related to human dignity and identity.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Review discussed concepts for a deeper understanding of theological anthropology and be prepared for a follow-up discussion regarding its implications on human ethics.

  • Next class is on Wednesday regarding the assigned readings.