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Abstract

The imago Dei is initially established as a relational concept which calls human beings to exist in a special relationship with God. It is asserted that the aspect of the imago Dei which-survived the Fall is humankind's need and desire for relationships. From this understanding, psychological theories which view people as “object-seeking beings” and theological systems which acknowledge human beings’ search for God are viewed not as in opposition, but rather as having discovered a unitary phenomenon emanating from the imago Dei. The conceptualization of internal object relations is employed to understand the dynamic interrelationship between self, God and significant others in an individual's experience. Finally, in light of this framework, a model of human development is proposed which examines this dynamic interrelationship.

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Imago Dei and Object Relations Theory: Implications for a Model of Human Development

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References