The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1
"In an image-saturated culture that 'brands' personal identity in terms of consumer choices while rendering the planet an ecological wasteland, can the ancient biblical notion of humans created in the 'image of God' be good news? In a world of violence in which a 'war on terrorism' is given near-mythological legitimation by means of an us/them ideology that dismisses the 'enemy' as the forces of chaos opposed to the civilizational order of democratic capitalism, does the biblical view of creation offer a counter-ideological alternative? Richard Middleton thinks so. In this wonderfully rich book Middleton deeply respects the text as he attends to its rhetorical, historical, and cultural meaning in such a way that we might hear it speak to us anew. Here is 'theological' interpretation at its very best--an exhaustive and lucid study that will not only change how we think about the imago Dei but perhaps change how we engage in biblical scholarship."--Brian J. Walsh,!  University of Toronto"Middleton exhibits a powerful capacity for big issues, a patience with detail, and a sure theological sensibility. His study ranges all the way from comparative historical analysis to contemporary issues of ideology critique. The result is a study of a crucial biblical-theological phrase that is sure to become a benchmark in exegetical-hermeneutical work. Middleton's unwavering theological focus keeps the detail in the service of big issues, and culminates with a wondrous affirmation of a generous God. Such a God stands over against ancient modes of parsimonious violence and, by implication, over against contemporary practitioners of the same parsimonious violence. A most important read!"--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary"I have long thought that the description of humanity as made in God's image (along with the rest of Genesis 1-3) has been the subject of so much comment over the centuries that we could never get behind all that interpretation to its inherent meaning. Richard Middleton's fascinating book has made me think again."--John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary"Up-to-date interpretations of the Imago Dei have long been needed. Richard Middleton has accomplished this considerable feat with great learning and sophistication, both by gathering the issues so clearly and accessibly and by providing an important advance in thinking about this theme. He has presented an expert historical and literary analysis, ranging widely across extrabiblical and biblical literature. Even more, Middleton has drawn out significant theological dimensions of the text and demonstrated the ethical implications of his analysis--with a lively engagement of contemporary concerns. Readers will encounter here fresh ways of considering both God and the human beings created in the image of that God."--Terry Fretheim, Luther Seminary"The Liberating Image is a balanced yet challenging articulation of the Imago Dei in Genesis, its ancient Near Eastern context, and its present-day theological implications. By locating himself in his postmodern context, Middleton brings a refreshing hermeneutical self-consciousness to the scholarly task, which is aimed at providing a substantive and compelling argument without posing as the last word. His analysis of Imago Dei in Genesis in the context of ancient Near Eastern religions leads Middleton to the conclusion that the Israelite theological traditions of Genesis 1-11 are recontextualized in conscious opposition to ideological categories of Mesopotamia. That Israel's story promotes the dignity of all humans, not just of the royal or priestly classes, should have vital ethical implications for today."--Peter Enns, Westminster Theological Seminary"Richard Middleton has written a comprehensive and deep interpretation of the Imago Dei in the light of its immediate scriptural context as well as in relation to ancient Near Eastern understandings of the image of God and of the human. The value of this work, however, goes beyond those contributions. He has ventured to explore, in conversation with biblical scholars, theologians, and ethicists, some of the ethical and theological issues that arise from Genesis 1 and the human being as created in the image of God. The book is probably the most comprehensive treatment of this topic in the English language and will be an automatic point of reference in the continuing effort to understand the human in the light of scripture."--Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary"J. Richard Middleton examines an exegetically worn phrase, 'the image of God,' and gives it a theological freshness. His careful attention to the Genesis context as the decisive factor for understanding this intriguing concept is a good example of exegetical method."--C. Hassell Bullock, Wheaton College"Middleton's study of the Imago Dei represents biblical scholarship at its best. Here is a book that displays careful and meticulous research, balanced judgment, and insightful application, all of which are clearly and logically presented in a most readable fashion. By engaging meaningfully with current ethical debates that utilize the concept of Imago Dei, Middleton highlights the importance of his conclusions for contemporary discussion. Readers will find their horizons broadened and their preconceived ideas challenged by a work that contributes very positively to a better understanding of what Genesis 1 means when it states that human beings were made in the image of God."--T. Desmond Alexander, Union Theological College, Belfast"Finally, in one book, an interdisciplinary (exegetical, hermeneutical, theological, and ethical) conversation on the Imago Dei. Beginning with a careful treatment of the biblical Imago Dei against its backdrop in ancient Near Eastern literature and ending with an ethical discussion of power and violence, Middleton deftly shows that imaging God is--surprise, surprise!--imaging God's wondrous generosity."--James H. Olthuis, Institute for Christian Studies