He distinguishes between the simple ability to choose and "true freedom," which he defines as the voluntary desire to do God's will . 📝 Expert Reviews & Summaries REVIEW: Created in God's Image by Anthony Hoekema
Here's a brief write-up on the topic:
Theologians often cite Hoekema’s work to support . Because every person is an image-bearer, this dignity remains true regardless of age, physical ability, or social status, informing modern ethical debates on topics like bioethics and disability. Where to Find the Work Legally created in god 39s image hoekema pdf free
| Chapter | Topic | |---------|-------| | 1 | Humans as image-bearers – biblical terms ( tselem, demuth ) | | 2 | Historical views (Augustine, Calvin, Barth) | | 3 | The image as structural, functional, and relational | | 4 | The fall and the image (not erased but distorted) | | 5 | Redemption in Christ – the image restored | | 6 | The eschatological future – perfected image in resurrection | | 7 | Practical implications: ethics, work, gender, society | He distinguishes between the simple ability to choose
Hoekema begins by examining the biblical basis for the concept of humanity being created in God's image. He notes that the phrase "image of God" (imago Dei) is found in Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (NIV) This passage establishes that humanity was created to reflect God's character, attributes, and nature. Where to Find the Work Legally | Chapter
Hoekema argues that the image of God is not limited to physical characteristics, but rather encompasses the entirety of human nature, including intellect, emotions, and will. He also notes that the image of God is not something that can be lost or destroyed, but rather it is a fundamental aspect of humanity that has been affected by the fall into sin.
If you’d like, I can summarize specific chapters or explain Hoekema’s view of the image of God in detail — just let me know.