The Imago Dei

By Erin Bird

If you've been part of Riverwood for more than 3.6 weeks, you have probably caught on that I talk quite a bit about God's image that was placed in mankind at creation. This theology about God's image within humans is often called "the Imago Dei." For me, the "Imago Dei" is a critical part of the gospel. And (in my opinion), this key theological idea speaks into a number of current issues our culture is talking about.

So I want to begin a series here in on the blog about the Imago Dei. But I need to warn you - we will be diving into some contentious political issues. In our divisive culture, this can be a dangerous thing for me to do. I rarely jump into political discussions for two reasons:

1. I value relationship more than being right.
2. I am more concerned about a person knowing Jesus than I am about them holding the same political view as me.

However, I am going to step into the political fray a bit to show you, my church family, how the Imago Dei affects our view of people, which will possibly affect our politics.

So let me say this before we shift this series into gear next week: Even if you disagree with my conclusions, please know that I love you, and I do not want you to leave the Riverwood family if you hold a different viewpoint. The Body of Christ, the Church, is all about Jesus, not about everyone holding identical political worldviews.

At the same time, I hope you will read with an open mind, and not just think through the filter of Fox News or CNN or NPR or whatever your parents or university professor taught you. (After all, godly wisdom is open to reason.) I will not be trying to convince you to support Trump or trash Trump. I will not be stumping for a political candidate or political party. Rather, my aim will be to help you see how the Imago Dei leads us to love like Jesus loved and live like Jesus lived. (And if I'm wrong, you can pray that God will help me understand the truth. 😁)

So be sure to join me next Thursday here on the blog as we jump into the highly-charged topic of race.