Fulfilling the Image of God: A Biblical Framework for a Christocentric Natural Law Theory and Human Flourishing

Abstract

What is a proper biblical description of the relationship between the natural law and humanity’s status as image bearers of God? In this dissertation, I contend that the imago Dei and the natural law hold a complementary and interdependent relationship, as both are grounded in humanity’s telos and reinforce each person’s call to holiness in Christ. Because humanity was uniquely created to reflect God, we are fashioned with a particular kind of structure, set of relations, and vocational calling. The natural law reaffirms God’s proper design, order, and telos for human life, and as a result, grounds each person’s everyday desires and longing to participate in human flourishing by seeking after basic moral goods. Yet, these yearnings are not as “natural” as we have often described. Rather, each person’s inherent desire to live a meaningful life is grounded in their true calling and God-bestowed identity in Christ, as his image bearers. Hence, a Christocentric natural law theory aims to properly connect with and contend for a definition of strong human flourishing, which rightfully incorporates the eschatological—and teleological—nature of the good, true, and beautiful life in Christ himself. In chapter 1, I introduce the notion that the doctrine of the imago Dei frequently grounds foundational claims offered, or assumed, in the works of theological anthropology, Christian ethics, and political theology. Yet, many natural law theories are neither comprehensive, nor seek proper integration with the field of biblical theology in their treatment and utilization of the imago Dei. In chapter 2, I analyze how a host of natural law proponents, both classical and contemporary, utilize the doctrine of the imago Dei in their arguments. I contend that a Christological view of the image greater supports and best develops a biblical framework of the imago Dei, as well as the natural law. In chapter 3, I survey both historical and contemporary views on the imago Dei, noting each’s positive contributions and areas of potential critique, and close by advocating for the Christological account (though there remains a need for ethical integration). In chapter 4, I construct a theological framework for a Christocentric approach of the “law written on [our] hearts” (Rom 2:15 ESV), which addresses the need to reframe the natural law in broader anthropological terms and offer a framework of weak and strong human flourishing. In chapter 5, I address the implications of this work by offering a comprehensive and constructive articulation, sourced in biblical theology, theological ethics, and the natural law, for how the church ought to posture itself and serve as God’s royal ambassadors, exercising their God-given identity as the image bearers in Christ. In chapter 6, I review this project’s overarching thesis, restate its central arguments, and offer potential opportunities for future research.