God's Many-Splendored Image: Theological Anthropology for Christian Formation

by Nonna Verna Harrison

What does it mean to be a human being made in the image of God? This book makes the case that the divine image can be seen in not just one or two aspects of human identity but in all of them. The author, a specialist in early Christianity, reveals the light that leading theologians of the early church shed on contemporary discussions of what it means to be human. Each chapter explores a different facet of the divine image and likeness and maps out a path that can lead toward wholeness and holiness. This fresh approach to theological anthropology brings Greek patristic theology to students in a readable fashion.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Anthropology, Christian, Spirituality

220 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[Timothy Bartel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to patristic anthropology from one of the leading patristic scholars of the day. Harrison is keenly aware of contemporary feminist concerns and issues of social justice, but nevertheless points us to the Mothers and Fathers of the early Church as the most relevant and persuasive expositors of scripture and the Christian tradition in the face of these issues and concerns. Though I would have asked for a little more academic of a tone (as one can find in Harrison's many, erudite journal articles), that's not her goal in this book. The goal is a popular level overview of the heart of the Orthodox Christian vision of what it means to be human, and Harrison succeeds with flying colors.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this very helpful and challenging too as the writer brings Orthodox Christian perspective to spiritual formation. It is not detached from real life but engages very clearly with how we interact with each other and wider creation.
Not a quick or light read but lots of food for thought.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my spiritual direction class.... a wonderful book that lives in the truths of Gen 1-3. Man is created in God's image and likeness - therefore everyone is to be treated with respect and dignity. Also the proper perspective of sin and the role of redemption by God for all of creation.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In what way are humans created in the image of God? This book shows how the church fathers saw numerous facets to the image of God. A very readable treatment on this important subject that will also open our eyes to the writings of the fathers.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite quote: “The only way humans can share in divine life is by staying close to God, united with God, choosing what God chooses, doing along with God what God is doing first - and such activity is always grounded in love.”

[Elizabeth Forshee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[w gall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Nonna's book marvelously succeeds in sharing Orthodox Christian theology on a vocabulary level that I believe will be accessible to Orthodox Christians and sincere seekers who are not versed in Orthodox Christian theological terminology, which can be a daunting challenge to people who are not familiar with it. A clear example of this within the book are the portions devoted to the writings of St. Maximus the Confessor, which are profound yet dense. Sister Nonna unpacks his writings for us.
This book explains Orthodox Christian anthropology in a way in which the reader can not only grasp the concepts, but can proceed to apply the truths in their life, I believe. (Not in detail, of course.) As this is certainly her ultimate goal, this book is a smashing success.
It is not for someone seeking entertainment or dazzling esoteric quotes. It is for people seeking to be formed in Christ

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sister Nonna's introduction to theological anthropology is wonderful for all persons journeying on the path to salvation. Deeply rooted in the Church Fathers and more specifically the Cappadocians, Sr. Nonna brings ancient theology and spirituality and connects it to the modern world through this book.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty standard Orthodox material from my point of view. Very readable, but for me at least no great insights.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book on how we imagine or believe ourselves in the image of God and what that requires of us. Based on patristic studies, it is a great book.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid meditation on different aspects of mankind being made in God's image

[Carol Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is here:

https://carolhomeschool2.blogspot.com...