Human Dignity: A Biblical and Psychological Perspective

It is necessary that our world obtain a better idea of what the concept of human dignity entails. All the ills of society ¿ crime, violence, child neglect, abuse of women, alcoholism, drug abuse, poverty, greed, polution of the environment and discrimination against minorities ¿ boil down to a disregard of human dignity. Christians believe that God created man in his image. That means that God intended man to be holy, without sin, righteous and filled with love. Unfortunately, the Fall destroyed much of this divine image, but enough of it is left to prevent mankind from becoming totally diabolic. Therefore, every human being, as a creature of God, possesses human dignity and it is the duty of every Christian to respect and promote that dignity. The Church, as the body of Jesus Christ, is called upon to be the space in which human beings can regain their dignity. This book explores the concept of human dignity from a biblical perspective, but also takes the insights of psychology into account. It is meant for all committed Christians who would like to render a service to their fellow human beings and to honour God in the process.