HUMAN DIGNITY AND 'IMAGE OF GOD'

In this article the relation of the theological concept 'image of God' to the socio-juridical concept 'human dignity' is investigated. The popular equation of these concepts is subjected to academic scrutiny, and it is found that the differentiated use of 'image of God' in both the Old and New Testament permits different ways of interpreting this concept. Three historically interrelated and conceptually overlapping ways of interpreting 'image of God' is suggested and related to the concept of 'human dignity', namely as quality, duty and relation. In conclusion the helpfulness of particularly the relational interpretation is considered