The Image of God in Man - Article Example

The Bible tells us that, God created man in his own image; however, this image of nature and essence that God intended for man, is naturally tainted and corrupted by original sin. Alvin H. Franzmeier, in his article, made in the image of God and yet corrupted, examines the facts that relate this concept of ‘the image of God in man’ and the original sin brought to man by the devil. The purpose of this critique is, therefore, to find out the relationship between the original sin and the image of God in man. This critique draws its insights from Franzmeier’s understanding of the Biblical ‘image of God in man’, how that is related to the sinful and evil nature that is the man. The critique, therefore, unravels the author’s argument of a link between man and God despite corruption, and the relationship that exists between the image of God and the original sin.
Brief Summary
Franzmeier argues that man retains an aspect of God’s image in him, despite his sinful nature. According to him, a man might have lost the image of God, but he [man], is still unique and like God despite his corrupted nature. Franzmeier cites various verses from the Bible to strengthen his thesis. This paper aims at understanding where Franzmeier is coming from in is an argument, what message he seeks to convey and especially the techniques and resources with which he delivers his message. The paper also looks into the logic behind the author’s thesis statement, along with the strengths and weaknesses in the argument, in order to find out whether he leaves any stones unturned.

Critical Interaction
Franzmeier starts his argument by stating that there exists tension, between what theologians teach as the image of God as per the Scriptures, and what makes man in the likeness of God, despite his corrupted nature. He cites that man, despite being the highest of God’s creation, has lost his righteousness, morality and holy nature. He continues to cite that man has an inborn tendency to sin. Franzmeier supports his argument by stating that even Christians renewed in the image of God, imperfectly reflect this image. Franzmeier suggests that humans have retained an aspect of God’s image despite the original sin. According to him, God created Adam in his own likeness, male and female he named and blessed them after creation, and gave them dominion over the works of his hands. Here, the author is trying to show that God created man, and despite Adams's sin, he allowed them to have control over the rest of his creation, showing that God still viewed man in his own likeness.
Franzmeier cites a passage from 1 Corinthians which states that a man should not disguise himself, for he is the glory and the image of God. He further goes on to describe the original sin and its relates to human nature, citing the Lutheran confessions; original sin is the absence of the holiness, righteousness, truth and morality with which God originally created man. This original sin is the absence of the spiritual competence, gifts, powers and abilities acquired in paradise. The original nature and essence of man are corrupted by the handiwork of Satan, and for this reason, man cannot be condemned for his nature, but rather for his sin and evil deeds. Here, the author seeks to explain that, the man was given a brain, body, soul and the power to think and speak. This nature is corrupted deep within by the original sin, and that is why every human is evil and a sinner in the eyes of God Read More