The Imago Dei: A Priestly Calling for Humankind

The creation of humankind in the Image of God is perhaps the most foundational tenet of theological anthropology yet it is rarely understood in the fullness of what it represents. Too often focus is placed on the divine image as a condition. A study of the Scriptures suggests that it is better understood not as a condition but rather as a commission of humanity to a role specifically a priestly role. This book delves into the recognition that the Image of God is nothing less than a divine commission over all of humanity to serve as priests within the temple of creation. It examines not only the creation of humankind as a priesthood in the opening chapters of Genesis but also the echoes of this anthropological interpretation throughout the Scriptures and the resulting ramifications for future biblical and theological studies. Heres a groundbreaking provocative and valuable study of a key topic--the Image of God. Using Exodus 19:6 as the focal point to understand Genesis 1:26-28 Swann argues that the Image is not a human condition but a calling of humankind into priesthood. From the exegesis of Genesis 1 the proposal ranges far and wide into aspects of biblical theology in both testaments. Swanns view revisits an ancient alternative with fervor and skill; it deserves a wide hearing. --Bruce Corley Senior Fellow Professor of New Testament and Greek B. H. Carroll Theological Institute A detailed and sustained theological presentation that takes seriously a wide range of biblical texts is a joy to encounter. John Swanns thesis is just such a book. It is also a timely contribution to a continued and growing interest in the field of biblical theology. --Rick Johnson from the foreword John Thomas Swann is the senior pastor of Ross Baptist Church in Gary Indiana. His work has been presented at the Southwest Evangelical Theological Societys regional meeting and published in the Lexham Bible Dictionary and in the unfolding Word application from Wycliffe Associates.