Chapters
BIBLE STUDY
1. Read Genesis 1:26–28. What does the text itself indicate is involved with being created in the image and likeness of God?
2. What does Genesis 1:26–28 tell us about man? What does it tell us about God?
3. Read Colossians 1:15. Christ is said to be the image of the invisible God. What is the difference between Christ as the “image of God” and Adam as the “image of God”? What are the similarities?
4. Read Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. How do these passages of Scripture relate to the doctrine of the “image of God”?
5. What are some biblical analogies of God that could be dangerous if pressed too far?
6. Provide at least one biblical example illustrating Augustine’s statement that anything we affirm about God analogically, we must deny univocally.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Why is the doctrine of the image of God so important in our attempts to learn about God?
2. Why is it important to remember that even our common abstract language about God is anthropomorphic?
3. Discuss Thomas Aquinas’ categorization of language. Is the classification helpful? Is it accurate? Explain.
4. Augustine said that anything we affirm about God analogically, we must deny univocally. Do you agree or disagree? Defend your answer.
APPLICATION
1. Have you ever considered what it means for you to be created in the image of God?
2. How does the discussion of the different types of human language help you as you seek to know God more intimately?
3. What is your reaction to the knowledge that God condescends to our level to communicate to us?
1. Read Genesis 1:26–28. What does the text itself indicate is involved with being created in the image and likeness of God?
2. What does Genesis 1:26–28 tell us about man? What does it tell us about God?
3. Read Colossians 1:15. Christ is said to be the image of the invisible God. What is the difference between Christ as the “image of God” and Adam as the “image of God”? What are the similarities?
4. Read Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. How do these passages of Scripture relate to the doctrine of the “image of God”?
5. What are some biblical analogies of God that could be dangerous if pressed too far?
6. Provide at least one biblical example illustrating Augustine’s statement that anything we affirm about God analogically, we must deny univocally.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Why is the doctrine of the image of God so important in our attempts to learn about God?
2. Why is it important to remember that even our common abstract language about God is anthropomorphic?
3. Discuss Thomas Aquinas’ categorization of language. Is the classification helpful? Is it accurate? Explain.
4. Augustine said that anything we affirm about God analogically, we must deny univocally. Do you agree or disagree? Defend your answer.
APPLICATION
1. Have you ever considered what it means for you to be created in the image of God?
2. How does the discussion of the different types of human language help you as you seek to know God more intimately?
3. What is your reaction to the knowledge that God condescends to our level to communicate to us?