Erickson points out that the study of Theology is more than understanding how humans were created, but it also seeks to understand the purpose for which humans were created. Today, there are several alternative theories of humanity that are accepted as religious teachings which try to explain the science behind creationism. However, applying a biblical view of humanity and understanding the contours of Christian thought as it relates to these alternative theories can equip Christians when introducing the God who “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
Two alternative theories of humanity reflect those that believe humans as part of the animal kingdom; and the second theory suggests that humans do not “control their destiny.”
The animal view of humanity acknowledges animals and humans as the same which can be trained as one would train a dog or other animal. Humans vary from animals from slightly. This theory supports that human, like animals can be rewarded as well as manipulated and controlled.
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The second alternative view of humanity views humans as “pawns of the universe.” Essentially, humans have no voice in what happens to them in the world. They accept that bad things will happen for which humans are unable to prevent. This viewpoint requires that humans accept a negative view of the world because life won’t get any better. One major thinkers of this viewpoint was Albert Camus, an atheist and western philosopher, often referred by some as a “non-Christian…who stands in a relation of tension to Christianity. ”
In contrast, the heart of the biblical view of humanity rests with an intelligent and powerful creator, who made man and women in His Image. Humans were created for good “to love and serve him and to enjoy a relationship with him.” (book page?). God’s work was purposefully done and recorded in the book of Genesis. Specifically scripture states, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The biblical view of humanity shows the immense love God has for His people.
This is evidenced in scripture, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” The omnipotent God created humans and gave them province of the earth and value in His Kingdom. Not only were humans created in God’s image, but also for a specific purpose. With this purpose comes the realization that humans have a role in God’s Kingdom. Scripture supports this thought “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Biblical humanity is recorded in the Bible from people that were actually present when the events unfolded. To believe something other than biblical humanity would imply that the entire Bible is nothing but a story book. Christians know this is inaccurate. While the Bible contains numerous examples, one example can be found in Jeremiah 1:1-9, which is an account of personal statements about the Prophet Jeremiah and this covenant with God. Theologians that influenced biblical Christianity include Saint Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. All three have influenced Christian theology and religion by shaping the viewpoints of Christianity, faith, and spirituality.
One area of agreement offered by Erickson between a biblical worldview and the alternative viewpoint of humans having equal status as animals is that humans have a “kindship with the rest of God’s creation, and in particular with the human race.”
Scripture disagrees with the pawn of the universe theory, “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.’ This scripture fully God has especially selected humans to build and oversee His kingdom. This charge was not given to animals; rather this charge gives humans a purpose. A second area of disagreement involves the use of prayer. Christians pray with God to grow in relationship with Him and to ask for comfort and healing.
The Bible reveals that God answers prayers, specifically in the story of Paul’s stoning at Lystra as recorded in Acts 14:19-20, “Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe” God had given Paul a specific purpose and by the grace of God Paul was healed so that he could continue his mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
Christian theology and doctrine expresses not just who humans are, but also their purpose and does this with “careful, systemic study, and analysis.” The Bible is the authority for understanding and following a biblical viewpoint of humanity. This was God’s intended purpose for the humans he created in His image and for His purpose.
