The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1

by J. Richard Middleton

Publisher:

Brazos

, 2005

Overview

For centuries, biblical scholars as well as lay Christians have been intrigued by the somewhat enigmatic Imago Dei references in the book of Genesis. Much theological ink has been spilled mulling over the significance and meaning of these words: “Let us make humanity in our image, according to our likeness . . . ”

In The Liberating Image, J. Richard Middleton takes on anew the challenge of interpreting the Imago Dei. He argues that the study of the Imago Dei might function as a theological and ethical resource in the contemporary world. Reflecting on the potential of the Imago Dei texts for developing an ethics of power rooted in compassion, he relates their significance to the Christian community’s calling in an increasingly violent world.

The Liberating Image presents a careful exegesis of Genesis 1:1-2:3, reading the role of human beings as “royal-priestly mediators of God’s presence and power on earth, entrusted with the task of shaping earthly life in accordance with the Creator’s purposes.” Following a deft discussion of the Ancient Near East contexts and parallel texts, Middleton outlines "the distinctive challenges represented by the worldview of Genesis 1."

Scholarly and fresh, with pages of rich and fascinating footnotes, The Liberating Image explores a relevant, deeply informed take on an important Christian doctrine. It will appeal to theologians and laypeople alike and will be useful as a text in courses on systematic or biblical theology, or studies in Ancient Near East contexts of scripture.

“An excellent contribution to biblical exegesis and biblical ethics. . . . Scholars and preachers alike, particularly those who stress right relationships with the whole of creation as the key to human survival, will find study of this book to be time well employed.”--W. Sibley Towner, Interpretation

Key Features

• Explores the meaning of image
• Considers image in its ancient Near Eastern context
• Explores image in relation to its implcations for ethics

Contents

The Meaning of the Image

• The Challenge of Interpreting the Imago Dei
• The Imago Dei in the Symbolic World of Genesis 1

The Social Context of the Image

• An Ancient Near Eastern Background for the Imago Dei
• The Matrix of Mesopotamian Ideology
• Genesis 1-11 as Ideology Critique

The Ethics of the Image

• Created in the Image of a Violent God
• Imaging God’s Primal Generosity

Praise for The Liberating Image

In an image-saturated culture that 'brands' personal identity in terms of consumer choices while rendering the planet an ecological wasteland, can the ancient biblical notion of humans created in the 'image of God' be good news? In a world of violence in which a ‘war on terrorism’ is given near-mythological legitimation by means of an us/them ideology that dismisses the ‘enemy’ as the forces of chaos opposed to the civilizational order of democratic capitalism, does the biblical view of creation offer a counter-ideological alternative? Richard Middleton thinks so. In this wonderfully rich book Middleton deeply respects the text as he attends to its rhetorical, historical, and cultural meaning in such a way that we might hear it speak to us anew. Here is ‘theological’ interpretation at its very best--an exhaustive and lucid study that will not only change how we think about the imago Dei but perhaps change how we engage in biblical scholarship.

--Brian J. Walsh, University of Toronto

Middleton exhibits a powerful capacity for big issues, a patience with detail, and a sure theological sensibility. His study ranges all the way from comparative historical analysis to contemporary issues of ideology critique. The result is a study of a crucial biblical-theological phrase that is sure to become a benchmark in exegetical-hermeneutical work. Middleton’s unwavering theological focus keeps the detail in the service of big issues, and culminates with a wondrous affirmation of a generous God. Such a God stands over against ancient modes of parsimonious violence and, by implication, over against contemporary practitioners of the same parsimonious violence. A most important read!

--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

I have long thought that the description of humanity as made in God’s image (along with the rest of Genesis 1-3) has been the subject of so much comment over the centuries that we could never get behind all that interpretation to its inherent meaning. Richard Middleton’s fascinating book has made me think again.

--John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1
• Author: J. Richard Middleton
• Publisher: Brazos
• Print Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 304
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Resource ID: LLS:LBRTNGMGMGGNSS1
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2021-04-29T17:08:35Z

About J. Richard Middleton

J. Richard Middleton is Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern Seminary, located on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. He also serves as adjunct professor of Old Testament at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology in Kingston, Jamaica. He served as president of the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association from 2011 to 2014.