Imago Dei As The Basis For Human Dignity

Abstract

This paper situates the foundational understanding of and the value for human dignity on the principle of the imago Dei (image of God). Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, therefore their dignity which is inherent on this image should be valued and respected. The paper reviews the scriptures and the Church’s tradition, especially the Second Vatican Council documents, to illustrate how the Church’s perception of imago Dei has shaped its understanding of the dignity of the human person over the centuries. Despite a momentary attack of the Modern Era on imago Dei the review highlights that the theme of imago Dei has been central to biblical revelation and to the Christian anthropology of the Fathers of the Church down to Vatican II and beyond.