PhilokaliaKnowledge Map

Theology & Dogma

Image & Likeness of God

Image & Likeness of God, by unknown; originally scanned and uploaded by Michael Romanov, Printed for the week of September 12 through September 19, 1999; 13 October 2007 (original upload date)
unknown; originally scanned and uploaded by Michael Romanov, Printed for the week of September 12 through September 19, 1999; 13 October 2007 (original upload date) Public domain

Humanity is created 'in the image' (kat' eikona) and 'according to the likeness' (kath' homoiosin) of God (Genesis 1:26). The 'image' is the inherent capacity for reason, freedom, and relationship with God. It can be obscured but never destroyed. The 'likeness' is the dynamic goal, theosis, the actualization of the image through free cooperation with grace.

Sources

  • Genesis 1:26-27 the Septuagint
  • St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies V.6.1 ANF
  • St. Maximus the Confessor, Ambigua 7
  • Vladimir Lossky, Mystical Theology, Ch. 6 CCEL

Connections

Find on the map