Imago Dei PowerPoint

Imago Dei: 

Imago Dei The APU Family Reflects on God-honoring Diversity

What does the concept imago Dei mean to you personally?: 

What does the concept imago Dei mean to you personally?

Chinaka DomNwachukwu, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Education; Professor of Teacher Education: 

Chinaka DomNwachukwu , Ph.D. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Education; Professor of Teacher Education “ All of humanity shares a common ancestry in God our Maker . He made us in His image, allowing us to share a common perishable substance of dust. Whereas other environmental and evolutionary factors may explain the variations in our pigmentation , our souls reflect the image of God without any variation . Our souls are susceptible to both good and evil regardless of the tone of our skin. All of our souls are able to be saved through the grace of God if only we can believe and allow Christ to come in and take His place. The soul is a feature we share with no other creature of God. That is the very fact that makes us special . "

Mary Shepard Wong, Ph.D. Director, Online & Field-Based TESOL Programs Professor, Dept of Global Studies, Sociology, and TESOL: 

Mary Shepard Wong, Ph.D. Director, Online & Field-Based TESOL Programs Professor, Dept of Global Studies, Sociology, and TESOL “ Imago Dei means to me that all humans are made in God's image and so all cultures, all languages, and all peoples have intrinsic value and worth . Imago Dei means that we are ‘ unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny in God's great universe and once we seize that truth, and put it into practice,’ according to Dallas Willard, we ‘ are living eternally in the moment .’"

Gyoungsin “Daniel” Park, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chair of MBA Programs: 

Gyoungsin “Daniel” Park, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chair of MBA Programs “ Seek His wisdom first. Others are as precious as I am to God .”

Sally Alonzo Bell, Ph.D., LCSW Professor, Dept of Undergraduate Social Work: 

Sally Alonzo Bell, Ph.D., LCSW Professor, Dept of Undergraduate Social Work “It re-enforces the Christian value that I am made in the image of God; therefore, I am no less nor no more than all humanity . As such, I must seek justice for all and love all because, like myself, they are also made in the image of God."

Alexander Jun, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Doctoral Higher Education: 

Alexander Jun, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Doctoral Higher Education “Being created in a sovereign and all knowing God's image means never having to question if He made a mistake making me the way He did - the color of my skin, my height, my hair, my ‘small’ eyes."

Mari Luna De La Rosa, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development: 

Mari Luna De La Rosa, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development “At a foundational level, I understand that higher education as my academic discipline is that God intended learning as a good process that reflects parts of what it means to function as human beings created imago Dei . God meant for humans to learn; God’s design was that learning would be a delightful capacity for humans to possess... the very nature of our efforts becomes deriving meaning, purpose, and direction in helping those we teach to uncover what was envisioned when, with delight, God created them as learners."

Don Thorsen, Ph.D. Chair, Dept of Theology and Ethics Professor of Theology, Graduate School of Theology: 

Don Thorsen , Ph.D. Chair, Dept of Theology and Ethics Professor of Theology, Graduate School of Theology “It epitomizes the best of what it means to be human , since we are more than mere flesh and bone.  Unlike other creations, people possess inherently a divine prototype that distinguishes them. It also points to the reason why God loves and cares for people so much; we are made in God’s image and God provides for us as parents provide for their children, at least, in the best sense of the analogy of parenting. Since people have equally been thought to be created in the image of God, there exists an inherent equality between people …God’s image persists—theologically speaking—and so all people should be looked upon as God looks upon them—as a part of God’s creation, for whom God cares, and thus for whom we should care as well.”

Evelyn Shimazu Yee, M.L.I.S. Associate Professor, Head of Community Relations for the University Libraries: 

Evelyn Shimazu Yee, M.L.I.S. Associate Professor, Head of Community Relations for the University Libraries “He is there like the wind. I see the effects of his movement in my life journey . For this finite human, Christ is my concrete answer. He is our visible model or “image of God” sent to bridge that gap for our unenlightened mind’s eye. Of Christ’s outward physical characteristics, I am told little; only that there was no comeliness to him. But his character, this Godly image, is described repeatedly in hundreds of ways as a humble carpenter’s son, a figure head Shepard , the incarnate God who incredibly laid down his life for us undeserving and washed other’s feet. Although he had all power, he was the essence of self-control, humility, and sacrificial purposeful service .”

Richard Martinez, Ed.D. Associate Professor of Education: 

Richard Martinez, Ed.D . Associate Professor of Education “As educators, we need to MODEL our values and beliefs in all we do...especially as Christian educators. As Parker Palmer would say..." we teach who we are ." So, how do we model the LOVE and CARE of Christ in all we do? This should be at ALL levels of a Christian organization. In John 21, our Lord reinstates Peter...and he asks three times for him to FEED and CARE for His sheep. He did not qualify this by saying take care of the sheep that are like you...or that you understand...or like...but He emphasized that we take care of ALL of His sheep !  That to me...is how we model HIS wonderful LOVE in all we do!”

Frances Wu, Ph.D. Global Learning Specialist, Center for Global Learning and Engagement; Lecturer, Dept of Global Studies, Sociology, & TESOL: 

Frances Wu, Ph.D. Global Learning Specialist, Center for Global Learning and Engagement; Lecturer, Dept of Global Studies, Sociology, & TESOL “When we remind ourselves that our students are created by God in His own image , we first will develop a level of respect for these individuals as human beings. They are not simply material beings (i.e., consumers of education), or cognitive beings. Rather, as David Smith (2008) puts it, they are deeply spiritual beings who face moral dilemmas, not just commercial choices; experience pain and suffering at a deeply emotional and spiritual level, not just physical; and need significance and purpose in life, not just material gratification ."

Alexander Koops, D.M.A. Director of Undergraduate Music Education, Symphonic Band Conductor, Director of Azusa Conservatory of Music Community Music School: 

Alexander Koops , D.M.A. Director of Undergraduate Music Education, Symphonic Band Conductor, Director of Azusa Conservatory of Music Community Music School “Being made in the image of God means being made to be creative in my life and work as well as living in a way that follows Jesus' example and Micah 6:8--to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God . It also means I need to value every human being I meet and have a chance to interact with because we are all made in the image of God. I acknowledge that while we live in a fallen world and are all infected by sin, we still strive, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live like Jesus, and help bring his light to the whole world, including everyone around us .”

Andree’ Robinson-Neal, Ed.D. Executive Director, Graduate Student Support Services: 

Andree’ Robinson-Neal, Ed.D . Executive Director, Graduate Student Support Services “ Imago Dei represents who we should be, not just in Christ, but in our personal and professional relationships . It is how we should carry ourselves when at our best and at our worst.”

Robert A. Muthiah, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Ministry, Graduate School of Theology: 

Robert A. Muthiah , Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Ministry, Graduate School of Theology “The phrase imago Dei points me to the theological claim that every human being is created in the image of God.  Though humanity is fallen, yet something of that image remains in each and every person. Wesleyan theology foregrounds the process of fully restoring this image of God in each of us – we call it sanctification . An understanding of the imago Dei calls us to honor the other, even if we have deep disagreements.  As Christians, we should honor what is good and God-given in others, whether or not they share our convictions .”

Ray McCormick, Ph.D. Professor, Dept of Communication Studies: 

Ray McCormick, Ph.D. Professor, Dept of Communication Studies “In the creation account of Genesis, humanity was created in the image of God.  Therefore, as image bearers, each person has a spark of divinity which requires that each individual be given the dignity and respect that would be rendered to our Lord and Creator .  This image of God is what separates us from other created creatures and serves as a foundation for our treatment, care, and love for our fellow image bearers."

Nancy Brashear, Ph.D. Professor, Department of English: 

Nancy Brashear, Ph.D. Professor, Department of English “ Imago Dei means living "image of God" in my daily life . It represents the loving relationship that God shares with us, His children, and his command that we love one another. That means that I have a responsibility to live an authentic life that reflects the fruits of an open relationship with God and His humanity as I strive for the gift of "wholeness" in my daily living . I choose to be a positive participant with God and others, and I pray for sensitivity and reconciliation for myself and others in my personal human journey.”

Sandra Richards Mayo, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Foundations and Trans-Disciplinary Studies: 

Sandra Richards Mayo, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Foundations and Trans-Disciplinary Studies “The concept of imago Dei means living in authentic community with others , where the dividing lines of Black and White, rich and poor, young and old, and able-bodied and sick are transformed in the realization of God’s true intent for humankind. It means living as a community of difference, brought together with our fragmented social identities, and transformed into our Christ-like identities .  The concept of Imago Dei is an expression of God’s redeeming love, which heals broken identities and augments social and cultural definitions that leave us with only a partial or limited view of the self. Imago Dei is the fulfillment of God’s ultimate desire for a world living in the midst of diversity .”

Carole Lambert, Ph.D. Director of Research Professor, Department of English: 

Carole Lambert, Ph.D. Director of Research Professor, Department of English “ Imago Dei means that every human being, regardless of mental and physical capacities, race, religion, ethnicity, and even conduct, bears God within him or her and must be treated with respect .”

Kenneth L. Waters, Sr., Ph.D. Associate Dean, Division of Religion and Philosophy; Professor of Biblical Studies: 

Kenneth L. Waters, Sr., Ph.D. Associate Dean, Division of Religion and Philosophy; Professor of Biblical Studies “The imago Dei is the spiritual DNA that makes all of us one family in the household of God . As the image of God in which we are made, it is not merely similarity in form or mind, it is the mark of our common origin in the creative will of God, and of our divinely-given purpose to be instruments of God’s love .”

What does imago Dei mean in the larger context of Azusa Pacific University?: 

What does imago Dei mean in the larger context of Azusa Pacific University?

Mary Shepard Wong, Ph.D. Director, Online & Field-Based TESOL Programs Professor, Dept of Global Studies, Sociology, and TESOL: 

Mary Shepard Wong, Ph.D. Director, Online & Field-Based TESOL Programs Professor, Dept of Global Studies, Sociology, and TESOL “What imago Dei means to APU is the hard work of exposing our own deep prejudices and biases, acknowledging them, asking forgiveness for them, and making the sacrifices to move towards a more equitable and just community and campus .  In 2004, I joined the Provost and 18 faculty and staff to travel to Washington D.C. to become a part of the APU Imago Dei Diversity team. Through listening to each other's stories, sometimes told through tears of pain, we began to grasp the difficulty and importance of learning to view and value one another as made in the image of God."

Gyoungsin “Daniel” Park, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chair of MBA Programs: 

Gyoungsin “Daniel” Park, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chair of MBA Programs “We are family in God. We respect authority, but we are equally important. We are different in many ways but can be unified in Him .”

Alexander Jun, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Doctoral Higher Education: 

Alexander Jun, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Doctoral Higher Education “We need to recognize that God intended for us to rely on one another's diverse experiences and perspectives in order to fully understand His purpose and guidance in our lives .  Without embracing those different from ourselves and learning from what they have to offer, we cannot fully live life abundantly in Christ."

Don Thorsen, Ph.D. Chair, Dept of Theology and Ethics Professor of Theology, Graduate School of Theology: 

Don Thorsen , Ph.D. Chair, Dept of Theology and Ethics Professor of Theology, Graduate School of Theology “Justice is the great virtue that has to do with how we consider one another, how we value one another, and how we treat one another ... nothing should prevent us from treating others with the same kind of justice that we would want to receive from them if our situations in life were exchanged.  It is my hope and prayer that Christians might be considered more than just fair, but considered to be those who ‘go the extra mile’ in treating those different from us—for any reason—with justice as well as love, hospitality, and compassion .”

Sally Alonzo Bell, Ph.D., LCSW Professor, Dept of Undergraduate Social Work: 

Sally Alonzo Bell, Ph.D., LCSW Professor, Dept of Undergraduate Social Work “In the larger context of the university, we are all required to model God's love and justice for all . We are to stop discrimination in whatever form on campus and to reach out to those who are marginalized, oppressed, or devalued, and provide with understanding and support . And, for those who are oppressors, who do the marginalizing and devaluing, we must also reach out to them with compassion and offer corrective information and experiences ."

Richard Martinez, Ed.D. Associate Professor of Education: 

Richard Martinez, Ed.D . Associate Professor of Education “In the definition for cultural proficiency, authors note that for an organization to be culturally proficient, this must be modeled in the VALUES AND BELIEFS as well as the POLICIES AND PRACTICES of the organization. So, every fiber of our university should model this ‘mosaic’ of LOVE and UNDERSTANDING that can only come from the Holy Spirit as we allow ourselves to be used as HIS instruments in the world !”

Alexander Koops, D.M.A. Director of Undergraduate Music Education, Symphonic Band Conductor, Director of Azusa Conservatory of Music Community Music School: 

Alexander Koops , D.M.A. Director of Undergraduate Music Education, Symphonic Band Conductor, Director of Azusa Conservatory of Music Community Music School “As a musician and a music teacher, I really like to celebrate the fact that God is an amazingly creative God, as we can see in everything around us, like nature, and complex human life, but also his creativity in how he would save the world through Jesus. We as humans have this really unique ability to be creative in all realms of life such as science, math, writing, and music, among many other areas . As a teacher of future music teachers, I love to share that it is our calling to teach kids to be creative, and we are doing this as we are made in God's image, and He was the ultimate Creator.”

Sandra Richards Mayo, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Foundations and Trans-Disciplinary Studies: 

Sandra Richards Mayo, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Foundations and Trans-Disciplinary Studies “The concept of imago Dei means that, as Christian educators, we have a responsibility to rethink diversity, not only from a position of educational quality, but also from the kingdom perspective . It means that we can no longer speak of diversity in terms of expanding representation, nor can we simply rely on evidence from cognitive theory which demonstrates that students learn to think more critically when presented with different viewpoints (i.e., that diversity is essential to learning). While these arguments are compelling, they are not sufficient in light of what scripture brings to bear on our understanding of “God-honoring diversity.”

Robert A. Muthiah, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Ministry, Graduate School of Theology: 

Robert A. Muthiah , Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Ministry, Graduate School of Theology “One of the strengths of APU is the priority it gives to developing and celebrating diversity among students and faculty, primarily in relation to ethnic and cultural location.  This is an issue of boundary-crossing, a move grounded in Ephesians 2 (among other places) where Christ calls us to tear down the walls that divide us . At APU, we have the opportunity to embrace and learn from brothers and sisters who come from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and as we do so, we become a stronger, more Christ-like community.”

Nancy Brashear, Ph.D. Professor, Department of English: 

Nancy Brashear, Ph.D. Professor, Department of English “ Imago Dei , as applied to the larger context of our university, refers to the relationship we have with each other, faculty, students, administration, and service providers within the university--as well as within the community. We must consciously build these relationships with the underpinning love that God commands us to practice . This means setting our human "default" to believe the best in each other and to work together as a body to support God's will and work in our university .”

Kenneth L. Waters, Sr., Ph.D. Associate Dean, Division of Religion and Philosophy; Professor of Biblical Studies: 

Kenneth L. Waters, Sr., Ph.D. Associate Dean, Division of Religion and Philosophy; Professor of Biblical Studies “In the context of the university, the imago Dei is where the quest for truth begins and ends . It is the measure of every discipline, doctrine, and idea.  Even those who deny the imago Dei cannot escape its influence. No  school of thought, philosophy, system, or ideology will last unless it in some way honors the Imago Dei in all of us .”

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 : 

“Beloved, let us love one another , because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7