We’re all made in the image of God (Genesis 1 v 27). That’s a theological statement. God made us to be like him—to reflect his character back to him and to refract his character out to the world.
Which means that it’s also much more than a theological statement. It’s also a philosophical statement. A political statement. A sociological statement. A missional, pastoral and ecclesiastical statement.
This is not just head knowledge. If we’re made in God’s image then every human being—no matter who they are, no matter where they are, no matter what they have done or have had done to them—possesses dignity. This profound truth is meant to capture our hearts and give good work for our hands.
This is a rich vision for humanity which needs to be reclaimed—and in his new book, The Dignity Revolution, Daniel Darling has offered a vital contribution to what could really be the cause of our generation.
“Don’t read this book if you don’t want to be challenged.” That’s the warning given on the blurb. So here are 15 quotes to show you that you really should.
“Human dignity must be at the heart of our Christian lives because it is at the heart of the gospel story.” (p. 16)
“Our dignity flows from and is rooted in the truth that we are like God … Our humility grows in the soil of the truth that we are not God.” (p. 23)
“To the extent that we mirror God, we also represent God in the world.” (p. 24)
“We don’t simply enjoy being made in God’s image. We are to live it out in how we relate to the rest of his creation.” (p. 25)
“A rejection of the image-giver always results in injustice against image-bearers.” (p. 35)
Jesus doesn’t allow us to separate gospel proclamation from social activism, as if they are irreconcilable.
“Much of today’s decline of Christian influence can be traced, not to secularism, but to the failure of significant sections of the church in the era of slavery and segregation.” (p. 72)
“The Bible assigns the God-endowed dignity of full personhood to the smallest of humans.” (p. 84)
“We must not listen to the lie that we must choose, that advocating for one area of dignity means we have done our duty and can ignore other assaults on human dignity.” (p. 92)
“Justice should matter to Christians more than anyone else because we know and we love a God of perfect justice.” (p. 97)
“Dignity in life and dignity in death are not found in avoiding suffering, but in knowing Christ. Both the fake gospel that promises a life without suffering and the ‘death with dignity’ movement that offers a death without pain are peddling false promises.” (p 127)
“Our neighbor’s ability to find life-saving care should matter to us. If God has created us as humans, body and soul, then God cares about our bodies and the bodies of our neighbors.” (p. 128-129
“You are not the sum total of your desires. You are not, at the heart of your identity, gay or straight. You are not single or married. You are not good or bad. You are God’s image-bearer.” (p. 159)
“We must continually ask ourselves not only what we are doing with technology but what technology is doing with us.” (p. 172)
“We should fight for religious liberty, for ourselves and for our neighbors. We should make compelling arguments based on the human dignity of every person.” (p. 199)
The Dignity Revolution shows us how wonderful, liberating and empowering it is to be made in God’s image. It's available to buy now.
Joe is our Vice President of Marketing. He lives in South London, UK with his wife and two daughters and is a member at River Church Sutton - part of the Newfrontiers network - where he runs a small group and various outreach activities.
