As our culture moves away from being predominantly shaped by Christian principles to one where the church operates more as a minority influence, the imago Dei remains present in every human life. We routinely deny our design, and we often stray from God’s perfect desires for human flourishing, yet the imago Dei continues to express itself in culture.
Engaged on Mission
From Christendom to Apostolic Mission, written by James Patrick Shea, describes our current cultural context as one of “Apostolic Mission.” The term as described in this book refers to a situation where the broader culture doesn’t support or assume Christian values. Instead, the Church finds itself in a position like that of the early apostles—engaged in a mission to witness to the Gospel in a society that may be indifferent or even hostile to its message.
In contrast, within a Christendom context the Church and its teachings hold a central place in society. The culture is shaped by Christian values, and the expressions of the imago Dei are largely understood within that framework. People recognize human dignity and worth as reflections of God’s image, often reinforced by the societal norms and laws rooted in Christian ethics.
But in our current missional context, the Church’s role is not one of maintaining a Christian cultural framework but actively engaging in evangelization and witness with our whole lives.
Our expression of the imago Dei in this cultural context is, therefore, less about sustaining established institutions and more about living out and proclaiming the truth of God’s image in a secular society.
The church now finds itself in the margins rather than at the center. This missional moment calls for a return to the early church’s posture—one of witness, proclamation, and countercultural living.
Defining Cultural Expressions of the Imago Dei
In our context, cultural expressions of the imago Dei are seen in how individuals and communities reflect God’s image through their actions, relationships, and societal contributions. These expressions are not confined to the walls of the church but are evident in everyday life, where believers live out their faith in a society that may not share their values.
The imago Dei is expressed through acts of love, justice, creativity, and stewardship. For example, when individuals advocate for the dignity and worth of every human being—whether in fighting against human trafficking, advocating for the preborn, or caring for the marginalized—they are embodying the imago Dei.
In short, when humans act like Jesus, we express the imago Dei in its purest form.
The Role of the Church in on Mission
In a missional context, the church must take an active role in shaping culture by being a witness to the imago Dei. This involves more than just preaching and teaching; it requires the church to be a living example of God’s image through community engagement, social justice initiatives, and the creation of beauty in the arts and other cultural expressions.
As Elizabeth Graham states, “From the imago Dei springs the concept that every person, regardless of their utility, their station in life, or their talents, has value and inherent worth.” This understanding drives the church’s mission to uphold the dignity of all people, from the preborn to the elderly, and to stand against any cultural forces that seek to diminish that dignity.
In a culture that no longer places the things of God at the center, we are now left with the responsibility to play offense with hope, light, and life. The church now must realize that we are on mission, not only to protect and defend the vulnerable, but to carry the life-changing Gospel message with us wherever we go.
Our culture changes when people change, and people don’t simply change based on exhortations from other humans. For people to change, they must be transformed. Our reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power must increase, and our efforts to uphold the imago Dei in our culture must be relentless.
The Imago Dei as a Countercultural Witness
In a society that increasingly values individuals based on their productivity, utility, or social status, the church’s commitment to the imago Dei serves as a countercultural witness. By affirming that every person is made in the image of God, the church challenges the prevailing cultural narratives that reduce human beings to mere commodities or cogs in the economic machine.
This countercultural witness is evident in how the church advocates for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. It is seen in the way believers care for creation, recognizing that stewardship of the earth reflects the imago Dei. It is also expressed in the arts, where creativity and beauty are seen as expressions of God’s image in humanity.
Humans carry value because they carry the imago Dei.
Conclusion
As we navigate a culture not of Christendom but one in which we are on mission, the imago Dei remains a foundational truth that guides our understanding of human dignity and worth. In this context, the expressions of the imago Dei must be both bold and humble, reflecting the character of Christ in a world that desperately needs to see His image. The Church, in its apostolic mission, has the opportunity to be a beacon of hope, proclaiming and living out the truth that every person is made in the image of God and is therefore of infinite worth.
Join us as we walk through our Image of God study over the next several weeks. Access the study for free!
