"Made in the Image of God" - How the Tripartite Mind-Body-Spirit Structure of Humankind Mirrors the Trinitarian Structure of God, an Ontological Theory

Abstract

This thesis presents a new ontological theory of imago Dei (the image of God) in humankind. Chapter One analyzes in-depth what it means to be made in the image of God, and what is required of any theory of imago Dei to be regarded as a plausible potential theory of how the image of God is represented in humankind. Chapter Two discusses Trinitarian theology as well as accepted truths of the Trinitarian structure and functioning. Chapter Three presents a new ontological theory of the image of God in humankind. This theory purports that humans have a tripartite (three-part) structure – mind, body, and spirit – that represents a sort of trinity in humankind which mirrors the Trinitarian structure of the Godhead and serves as God’s image in humanity. Chapter Four discusses mind-body-spirit health and wellness and suggests a holistic approach to healthcare that considers the whole of what it means to be human, made in imago Dei.