Image of God (notes)

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: <DISCLAIMER BEGIN> This post is put together from notes and my rememberance of Sunday's discussion and it is not to be taken as a substitute for individual thought and research. <DISCLAIMER END> As a matter of fact, it IS to be taken as an encouragement for individual thought and research... : Three different patterns to look at the Image of God and how it is manifested in us... : - Concept introduced by John Lee's discussion regarding the Biblical "seed of faith." : > Substantive - The image of God is some inherent "awesomeness" : - Introduced by Nancy Fairchild. : - We are born with "awesomeness" in us, but it is waiting for God's action : to make it manifest. (Armenian view simplified) : - We are born with no inherent goodness (perhaps a structure that could : somehow be traced back, like a woman born with a special gift of love is : twisted into prostitution), and the awesomeness exists ONLY by the : pure grace of God. (Calvinistic view simplified) : ** "Substantive" defined: : 1. Betokening or expressing existence (the verb "to be") : 2. Depending on itself; independent. : "He considered how sufficient and substative this land was to maintain : itself without any aid of the foreigner." - Bacon : 3. Enduring; Solid; firm; substantial. : "Strenght and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in : a pwerfule and substative manner." - Hazlitt : 4. Pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, : the law, substantive. : > Relational - The image exists completely within the experience of the relationship. : - Presented as spiritual "antennae" or receptors by Mike Cleary. : - "Spiritual Existentialism" - Meigs : > Functional - The image of God exists in you only through the things that you do. : - Introduced by Steve Meigs. : - Actions such as feeding the poor. : - What happens when we die? Does the image of God exist when we pat angels : on the back? (Simplified) : J

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