Human similarity to God and procreation in the context of the biblical account of creation Cover Image

Biblijska teologija ljudske prokreacije u kontekstu stvaranja čovjeka
Human similarity to God and procreation in the context of the biblical account of creation

Author(s): Anto Popović
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Katolički bogoslovni fakultet

Summary/Abstract: This article consists of three parts. The first part considers the creation of human beings within the broader context of the first biblical account of creation (Gen 1:1–2:4a) and provides the detailed structure of Gen 1:26-28 with the interlinear translation. This structure shows that key expressions related to the human procreation are at the very heart of the passage (creation of male and female /Gen 1:27/, God’s blessing and command to be fruitful /Gen 1:28/). The second, central part of this article analyses from the exegetical and theological point of view the five key expressions in the account of creation of humans (Gen 1:26-28): 1) “Let us make man (humankind)” (Gen 1:26); 2) “In our image, according to our likeness” (Gen 1:26.27); 3) “Male and female he created them” (Gen 1:27); 4) “Blessing and fruitfulness” (Gen 1:28); 5) Dominion and subduing (“Rule over and subdue” - Gen 1:26.28). Thus isolated specific features in the biblical account of creation of man are the indicators of the exceptional dignity of human beings as to his/her origin as well as to his/her function within the created world. The importance and dignity of human procreation is intimately related to and inseparable from this unique dignity of human being. The third part addresses briefly the question of human dignity and procreation from a history of salvation perspective and within the context of the contemporary ecological, socio-political and bioethical issues.

  • Issue Year: 2007
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 7-44
  • Page Count: 38
  • Language: Croatian