Christian Spiritual Formation as the restoration of the imago Dei

Richard Shawn Grassel

Etd

Christian Spiritual Formation as the restoration of the imago Dei

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Richard Shawn Grassel. Christian Spiritual Formation As the Restoration of the Imago Dei. Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry (Ambridge, PA). rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/a72c368d-2a45-43be-9b58-b71e023f53ba.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

R. S. Grassel. Christian Spiritual Formation as the restoration of the imago Dei. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/a72c368d-2a45-43be-9b58-b71e023f53ba

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Richard Shawn Grassel. Christian Spiritual Formation As the Restoration of the Imago Dei. Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry (Ambridge, PA). https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/a72c368d-2a45-43be-9b58-b71e023f53ba.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Richard Shawn Grassel

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In Copyright

Abstract

This thesis argues that the telos of Christian Spiritual Formation is the restoration of the imago Dei in humankind. In the Biblical Theology chapter, I analyze six key biblical texts (Gen 1:26-27; Exod 20:4; Isa 40:18; Psa 115:3-4; Heb 1:3; Col 1:15) that deal with the concept of 'image.' I then relate them to my understanding of the imago Dei and its relationship to the disciplines of Christian Spiritual Formation, especially as a means of outlining the Creation, Fall, Reconciliation and Restoration of Humankind through Christ. The Systematic Theology chapter highlights the Substantialist or Ontological interpretation of the imago Dei and argues the importance of how 'right being' precedes 'right doing.' The Field Research chapter explores two 'right doing' motifs often found in youth ministry: 1. 'Saved from Hell' versus 'Saved to Christ,' and 2. 'Sin Management' versus 'Becoming like Christ.' the Conclusion emphasizes that our authentic, systematic renewal in Christ (being) necessarily impacts the nature and degree of right (doing) behavior.

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