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In God's Image A Biblical Vision for Being Human

May 9, 2024

What does it mean to be human?

Recapturing a biblical vision of being human is essential for us to live well as followers of Jesus in a broken and confused world. The Bible records that life as God intended in the garden of Eden went off the rails when humans failed to keep God’s single command and put their desires and interests ahead of God, seeking to become like him. 

Today, many people live from the belief that they are the centre of the world and that they can create their own sense of reality, instead of submitting to a reality that is given to them by God. We are witnesses to the problems this worldview creates through the brokenness of four significant human relationships: our relationship with God, our relationship with others, our relationship to our world, and our relationship with ourselves.

Recording

We apologize for the poor video quality (the camera had trouble adjusting to the natural light).

Presenters

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies for Leadership

Mark Wessner, PhD

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies for Leadership
  • What does it mean to be created in the image of God?
  • How does the life of Jesus model what it means to be human?
Associate Professor of Mission and Theology

Doug Heidebrecht, PhD

Associate Professor of Mission and Theology
  • What does it mean to be created male and female? How does this interface with the current cultural understanding?
  • What is the relationship between the flesh / human body and the sinful nature?
Associate Professor of Theology

Brian Cooper, PhD

Associate Professor of Theology
  • What is the relationship between our sense of self and having been created by God?
  • If part of being human is to be in relationship with God and in community, what are the implications for marriage, church, and society?
Master of Arts, Counselling Psychology

Thaleia Sawatzky, MA

Master of Arts, Counselling Psychology
  • What characteristics and practices would be evident in a church aiming to minister to those who struggle to live out a biblical vision of being human?
  • How can we invite people to follow Jesus if their vision of being human is centred within the current culture?