Abstract:
Taking cognizance of the fact that language - especially metaphorical
language - can be expressive of deeplying cultural or religious symbol
sets in man, the study explores the possible original content of the
syntagma ei"~JII TOU Beou in both the Old and the New Testament. It is
argued that there is a definite shift in the symbol set of which the concept
(metaphor) 'image of God' is expressive. Whilst the Old Testament
usage of the term probably attests to the conviction that humankind is
part of the genus God and may even resemble him physically, the New
Testament substitutes Jesus Christ for man as the primary carrier of the
'image of God'. Humankind in general does not reflect that image any
more. It is only to be found in those who through faith in Jesus Christ
regain the image of God. Our thesis is that the concept of 'image' is to
be regarded as much an ethical injunction as it is an ontological statement.
The faith of adherents to the community of believers finds expression
in distinctive behavior - that is, in conduct that clearly identifies
them as reflecting the image of God.
