The Doctrine of Humanity

Contours of Christian Theology #5

by Charles Sherlock

At the end of the twentieth century the forces of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, social status, life-style and sexual preference threaten to disassemble any notion of universal "human nature" or "human condition." In light of this historical moment, the Christian doctrine of human nature is ripe for rethinking and reformulation. Charles Sherlock sees this theological task as demanding a "double focus." To reflect on the subject of human nature, he says, is like "moving around the different areas of an ellipse with two focal points": humans as made in the image of God and the particular realities of human existence. Both must be brought into sharper, more detailed focus in our quest to understand human nature. The result of Sherlock's "double focus" isThe Doctrine of Humanity. Sherlock notably engages the communal dimension of humanity in its social, creational and cultural aspects before examining the human person as individual, as male and female, and as whole being. He offers a timely and engaging look at what it means to be human on the continuum between our creation in the divine image and our recreation in the image of Christ.

Genres: Theology, Anthropology, Reference, Christian, Textbooks

303 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 1996

Reviews

[Jaden A · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Contours of Christian Theology by InterVarsity Press has always seemed to be a good launch pad for further exploration on a given doctrine. This time, however, I felt unimpressed. Sherlock focuses ten chapters:

1. The Image of God in Ancient Israel
2. The Image of God Renewed in Christ
3. The Image of God in Christian Thought
4. Human Life in Society
5. Human Life in Creation
6. Human Culture
7. The Unique Person
8. Being a Woman
9. Being a Man
10. The Whole Person

Sherlock presents a lackluster defense of a functional view of God’s image in chapters one through three and relegates topics such as total depravity to a paragraph and transmission of sin to a six page appendix. This was disappointing.

The one thing I do appreciate about this book, however, is that Sherlock touches upon areas of anthropology that might otherwise be overlooked in a survey of Biblical anthropology. For example the author mentions Richard Niebuhr’s explanatory framework set forward in the book 'Christ and Culture' that aims to understand which model best explains how Christ relates to culture (Fundamental Opposition, Fundamental agreement, Synthesis, Tension, Conversion).

Additionally, the second appendix on inclusive language and being human, though eight pages, presents a weighed defense in favor of Biblical translation embracing inclusive language (e.g., opting for the word "person" instead of "man" in those instances where the Biblical text speaks plainly of both men and women).

[Harman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Doctrine of Humanity is a survey of Christian theological anthropology, presenting an answer to the question of “What does it mean to be human” drawn from a Christian worldview, centered on Jesus Christ (13, 16). The aim of that presentation is to challenge the reader to “shape your own answer, in the light of the Christian faith” (14). This challenge is directed toward theological students, and thus is reasonably technical in its exegesis and reference to philosophical and theological data (17).
The primary point, with which Sherlock begins each chapter, is that “to be human means to be made ‘in the image of God’” (16, etc.). Beginning with Trinitarian reflection, humanity as both a corporate body and as individuals bears God’s image as it is relational with God, the self, the other human, and the other creature (animate and inanimate) (41). The archetype of humanity is Jesus Christ, the true Image of God; it is by Him that fallen humanity is redeemed and reconstituted in His Body, the Church, by the power of the Holy Spirit who renews and conforms humanity as it is being redeemed into the likeness of the very Christ whose Body they are (50, 67, 160). As such, Sherlock’s doctrine of humanity is Christological insofar as Christ is the both the image in which we are made and the archetypal human, soteriological insofar as Christ’s atoning work on behalf of fallen humanity frees them to enter into Him. It is pneumatological and ecclesiological insofar as true humanity is made members of the mystical Body of the Church by the presence of the Spirit, and it is eschatological insofar as the Spirit’s work is powerfully enacted yet unfinished until the eschaton.
Sherlock holds the above theological witness essential as it “deal[s] with realities which transcend any particular human experience” (21). However, he adheres to what he deems a ‘double focus,’ by which he presents the theological framework while balancing it with the particularities of human life as experienced by various groups and individuals (73). Therefore he is straightforward about the fact that the cultural and personal framework from which he draws illustrations and expressions of content are limited to his personal experience as a “male, a middle-aged Australian of English and Irish descent, married to my Anglican parish priest (and co-theologian), with two adult sons” and further (14). As such, he illustrates his theological framework in the thick of real humanity – though he is emphatic that the illustrations are not meant to be normative, but rather to challenge readers to “test your own experience of being human” against them and his theological framework, as “it is only in the conjunction of this witness and experience that a truly contemporary doctrine of humanity can be lived” (14). Because experience is such an emphasis, Sherlock pays particular attention to the facets of humanity most ubiquitous to any human experience: maleness and femaleness, embodiedness and ensouledness, etc. (174-227).
Sherlock is clear throughout the text. He persistently reiterates the contents of previous arguments at the beginning and end of each chapter and section, especially in the ‘Preambles’ before his foci on the Human Race and the Human Person (93, 155). He includes both a preface and an introduction delineating quite explicitly his arguments, biases, and initial explication of the social and historical background so as to provide clarity (13-26). Further, while he deals with technical exegesis and theological and bio-psycho-sociological constructs, he is sure to provide sufficient explication of the process or meaning of that which he has presented, either in context or in endnotes (17). For instance, on pages 50-51 he explains why he translates the passages in question the way he does, though the translations lack clarity; his explanation is exemplary of how he seeks to mitigate possibly unclear passages.
Because of Sherlock’s propensity to reiterate, his organization is also quite stellar. Each summary serves to recap the contents of a previous argument in order to direct them into the flow of the next, creating an organic stream of thought from one concept to the next (page 152, for example). His line of argument is well-formed and reasonable, beginning like a good evangelical with an exposition of the image of God from Scripture, Old then New Testament, and moving on to Christian tradition. From there he applies this framework to humanity in general, then in particular. Where organization showed potential for obscurity, as in the cases of deciding whether first to treat general or particular humanity, and later being a woman or being a man, Sherlock is careful to explain his reasoning for organizing as he does (95-96; 179). Because of his clarity and organization, I found The Doctrine of Humanity quite readable.
Considering the daunting task of proposing a doctrine of something as amorphous, ubiquitous and personal as humanity, Sherlock provides good insight into the matter. He takes pains to verify his propositions against the experience of others, as is seen in the initial paragraphs in both chapters on the sexes – indeed, as a man I found the perspectives he presented in Being a Woman quite compelling (180, 194). His exegesis was thorough and enlightening, as well was his knowledge of and expounding of historical and philosophical data, which provided lush context in which to furnish the concepts he presented. Especially helpful was his explanation of how the Industrial Revolution has affected our concepts of humanity, particularly in regards to masculinity and femininity (22, 178). Though humanity is an amorphous thing, making an evaluation as to whether he accomplished his goal difficult, I do believe he did. The ubiquity of the issue makes the satisfaction of curiosity quite difficult as well, as well; if one has any curiosity in humanity, I don’t suspect that that curiosity shall ever be satisfied.
Sherlock begins his book with “what does it mean to be human?” and provides the answer “to be made in the image of God.” All other questions flow from this very good question and this very adequate, though mysterious, answer. It leads him to question the validity of Marxist, Freudian and sociological anthropologies, and his answers are comprehensive in the fact that they accept the validity of their criticisms offered to a biblical perspective while maintaining that perspective (85-86). He does the same when he considers feminist critiques while asking what it means to be a woman or man (191-192).
As exemplified in his treatment of Marxism, feminism, etc., Sherlock presents good research. Having dealt with the primary source of Scripture, along with those of the Book of Common Prayer, the Athanasian Creed, and Karl Barth and a plethora of secondary sources drawing from philosophy, sociology and psychology, Sherlock is comprehensive in the extent of his research. While his bias is Anglican, with a penchant for sacramentalism (and thus a fraternity with Roman Catholic and Orthodox resources), he draws too from non-sacramentalists and non-Christians in his attempt to offer his double focus (290-291). Therefore, I would recommend this book as a starting line to discovering a Christian doctrine of God.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point, I’ve been blessed to use several volumes in this too-little-known Contours of Christian Theology series. This one on the doctrine of humanity by Charles Sherlock compares to the best volumes in the series. It dives into the doctrine yet not in such an esoteric way that you are left with little contribution to your thinking. Mr. Sherlock hits on most of the main components in the study of Christian anthropology. He even relates beautifully to the corresponding doctrine of sin in helpful ways. He occasionally relates a viewpoint that you might find subversive (he is not in my opinion as conservative, for example, as Sinclair Ferguson on the Holy Spirit in this series), but his contribution to the big picture of understanding this doctrine is greatly enriched by the arguments and detail he brings to bear.

His first focus, as he calls the divisions of the book, is our being made in the image of God. He looks at that in terms of ancient Israel, our being renewed in Christ, and in a variety of contexts in Christian thought. This section is truly foundational and well done. The next focuses on the human race. He takes a broad view, he reveals his political stance along the way, yet he still offers wonderful food for thought. The final section is on the human person. There’s a chapter on the unique person that covers things like human dignity, freedom, indignity, rights and the sanctity of life and an introduction to thinking about gender roles. He had a chapter each for being a woman and being a man that ran back and forth between fascinating and making you raise an eyebrow. His chapter on the whole person where he got into the body, soul, spirit, and heart was the best in the whole book. After the conclusion, he has two appendices that relate the doctrine of sin to humanity as well as some additional material on gender roles and issues.

Though you may have picked up on my few caveats, the book is still totally engrossing on many levels. Again, it’s one of my favorites in the series and is a must-have in your doctrine of humanity section.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me affirm what I appreciated about this book. The author has a deep respect for the value of all human beings as image-bearers, and a sincere desire to respect and affirm people of every background. And he is clear that salvation comes by Christ alone, and that ultimately that salvation will renew our humanity into God's good design.

That said, there was not a lot else that I could affirm here. The author is committed to an egalitarian, gender-inclusive reading of the Bible, which leads him to take great liberties with the Scripture in his exegetical sections. His later comments on humanity considered corporately (chapters 4-6) or individually (7-10) contained virtually no exegesis or theological argument, but rather a sampling of quotes from various current academic trends (feminist, marxist, ecological, etc.) followed by generic, shallow affirmations or proof-texts. All in all, I was disappointed with this book.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Charles Sherlock’s The Doctrine of Humanity: The Contours of Christian Theology, Sherlock discusses some different angles on what it means to be an image bearer of God in the world. Chapters 5 through 10 touched on issues from human life in society and in creation, human culture, what it means to be a human person in the unique ways that we exist (particularly in peculiarities between being man and being woman), and what it means to be a “whole person.” His perspective is often helpful and biblically supported in the direction of advocating a proper way for mankind to relate to the world. Though he makes much of his arguments through hearty biblical support throughout, there are some notable exceptions, particularly in his discussion of being a man. Overall, Sherlock’s tone is irenic and he is an ally for those who champion the cause of engaging with the world through the lens of life lived in relationship with the triune God.
In the category of helpful and robustly biblically supported commentary from Sherlock was his commentary on the condition of the world under sin in Chapter 5. He observes that the problem of sin is bigger than just what is wrong with me, but also what is wrong with us (p.99). He illustrates this problem through the inhuman things that humans do to the world that they live in by mistreating other humans, animals, and the land they live on itself with examples spanning from massive atrocities inflicted upon nations, to callous treatment of animals for food or science, as well as environmental pollution. With this groundwork laid in his discussion he then uses it to show how Marxist philosophy fails at the critical starting point of the condition of mankind. He rightfully points out that a worldview that assumes that mankind wants to become a classless and therefore truly just society (p.103). Sherlock offers the more sober and biblical view that there will never be a truly just society because sin damages all areas of it. He writes: “but there can be structures that are less unjust and patterns of life that are more righteous. The task is never-ending, and is undertaken as evidence of the ceaseless re-creative work of God in the whole of life” (p.105). He then seeks provide some common ground between Christian and Marxist ideologies in a way that recognizes that both parties are rightly opposed to the use of wealth exclusively for personal gain at the expense of the community as a whole but he includes the important caveat that the Christian should be more realistic about the difficulties involved, have “a more nuanced ethic, and a firmer hope” (pp.107-108).
Sherlock’s nuanced view of mankind’s dominion over creation is helpful as well. He gives three major concerns that must be present in the exercise of dominion over creation. First, mankind should manage God’s resource fairly with corresponding means and ends. Second, we should be realistic about stewardship and the temptation of money. Third, as God is generous with us, so should we be with others (pp.111-112). These three concerns demonstrate a healthy humility toward our interaction with the world around us. Sherlock champions the same kind of humility in his views on anthropocentrism as well. He manages to encourage a sober kind of anthropocentrism with out losing sight of the special place that mankind holds among all creatures. He points out that mankind should care about animals because God cares about them (p.125)!
Where Sherlock is less helpful to those seeking doctrine explicitly informed by biblical warrant is in his discussion on being a man. To be fair, Sherlock himself admits that there has not been as much research done on what it means to be a man comparatively to what has been done on what it means to be a woman. He expresses that his hope is to at least begin tentatively exploring what it means to be a man (p.195). To be clear, there are plenty of uses of scripture in the chapter but I was left wanting for my desire to have a biblically defined definition of what it means to be a man and then to have it expounded on in a way that suggests a clear direction for men to face when pursuing biblical manhood. In its place there are instead murky discussions on manly vocations based on a general standard of physique (p.196), going off to war or off in search of the “other” (p.197), and choice of activities that allow for simple yes/no thinking (p.198). Instead of extended discussion on biblical exegesis on the subject, Sherlock provides commentary from psychologists (p.199). There is nothing wrong with using psychology in making his case but in this case it is used in the place of biblical support, which is problematic if his discussion is to inform his readers on the Doctrine of Humanity through the lens of the Christian worldview.
Because of the way that this chapter on what it means to be a man was handled the way it was, it strikes me as an area where some real scholarship could be applied for further exploration. Either I, as a consumer of theological scholarship, need to read more on this subject, or better informed individuals than myself should dig further into this topic to provide better instruction on what biblical manhood is really all about, or perhaps it will be left to me to explore this under-researched territory myself. In the end, even with the shortcomings discussed previously, Sherlock has been helpful with his discussion on these issues that impact the place of the Christian and his or her place in a world broken by sin and awaiting the return of Christ.

[Landon Coleman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't read the entire Countours series, but of the volumes I have read, this was my least favorite. Sherlock makes repeatedly strong, clear statements about the essence of humanity as it relates to the "image of God." However, his explanation of that image is lacking. The book felt meandering at times, there were several unclear lines of thought, and the book tilts hard in an egalitarian direction. Oddly, the chapters on "women" and "men" are mostly based on workshop interviews and social sciences rather than Scripture.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, Sherlock did a solid job summarizing his perspective on Christian anthropology. However, I thought the chapters on gender were lacking. The points in these chapters seemed limited, lacked exegesis, and unorganized compared to the rest of the book.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock writes an accessible book on humanity, focusing on its relational nature. Among other things, his book is a call to appreciate the particularity of human existence without relying on autonomy or relativism to do so. He roots humanity in the image of God, which he purposefully doesn't define. He does explain that it involves our relations with God, one another, and creation. One walks away from this book with the realization that our relationship with God in creation and redemption has implications for all the varied relations in life. It also leaves one with the desire to continue the study of our humanity in the light of Scripture and experience (I found his discussion on gender, for example, rather weak and one that left me with a desire for more study). While I think he misses the mark in a few places, even in those areas he did stimulate my thinking in a number of helpful ways.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapter on "Being Woman" was extremely refreshing. While by no means fully extensive, it dealt with women as women, not women in relation to men or women, nor in respect to what they produce or don't produce. It was brief, but the manner in which Sherlock wrote was with great respect and exalted womanhood and the unique way in which she "images" God.

I've yet to finish the whole book, but will seek to write more when I do.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. I would go with Made in His Image by Anthony Hoekema for my doctrine of humanity book or, better yet, just read Bavinck.

[Tyler Farr]

Thus far this book has been fantastic and very helpful! I can't wait to dig deeper into the subject.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a strong focus on humans as the image of God and also touches on culture, gender and sin