Event Detail

Feb 21: Anthropology (Sin)

The doctrine of creation describes us as made in the image of God (imago Dei). What makes us, us? This rests neither in our capacities nor physiology, but in our relationality with God, through our moral minds. It is our biological brains that gave rise to our moral minds. But what drives our drives? In our universal quest for security and significance, our minds lead us to achieve heights of greatness and also inflict unimaginable evil. What then is the origin, the current state and the future of the imago Dei, the image of God? Are human beings (homo sapiens sapiens) unique? We are the only surviving hominids today. Why did the Cro-Magnons survive while the Neanderthals became extinct? Our symbolic species, able to pass on vital information over time, possess insight, and contemplate our future, has become the supreme global predator, able to destroy life as we know it. We shall consider the doctrine of man in relation to community, international economics, labor relations, the dignity of the person, issues concerning medical ethics, animal rights etc. What is mankind? Biological, spiritual, emotional, created good but nor perfect. 1) We Are Made But Not Born Equal; 2) We Are Valued In Relation To God - Relation, not capacity (potential, accomplishments, parasitic or symbiotic connections, power, trickery, dishonesty).