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The Doctrine of Humanity

The Doctrine of Humanity
By Charles Sherlock
IVP. 303 pages.

This book is one of a series published by IVP under the general title 'Contours of Christian Theology'. It is written in non-technical language, and designed primarily for theological students, ordained ministers and other thoughtful Christians.
The author is an Australian who lives and works in inner-city Melbourne. He was formerly a lecturer in theology at Ridley College, Melbourne. His wife is also ordained. He writes from a biblical perspective that is deeply rooted in personal experience and an acute awareness of contemporary society. So this is no dry-as-dust theological textbook. It addresses the question: 'What does it mean to be human?' in a biblical and contemporary way.
Dr. Sherlock writes with two foci in mind. The first is a theological one. The second looks to human experience.
In the theological section, Dr. Sherlock discusses the biblical affirmation that we are made 'in the image of God'. He examines carefully the Old Testament texts that use this phrase. He concludes that these texts do not tell us what the image of God is, but what being in the image of God involves - namely, 'living in a series of relationships'.
He then goes on to examine the New Testament teaching on this theme.
He argues that in Christ, the perfect eikon (image) of God, the divine image (in believers) is being renewed until humanity is recreated into Christ's full dignity according to the purpose of its Creator. This renewal has to be expressed in the here and now in many different ways. But Dr. Sherlock argues that there is a strong future emphasis too. As we look to the return of Christ, we look to the full revelation of what being human entails.
The theological section needs careful reading and re-reading. We may not always agree with Dr. Sherlock's exegesis; but he encourages us to grapple with Scripture, and sometimes to re-examine 'traditional' interpretations.
Dr. Sherlock then goes on to give us a brief historical survey of the meaning of 'the image of God' in Christian thought and contemporary discussion. This section illustrates well the way in which the author interacts with contemporary culture. For example, he discusses contemporary 'feminist' and 'human rights' arguments. At this point, he draws approvingly on the theological insights of Dr. Karl Barth.
In the second, main section of the book, Dr. Sherlock focuses on human experience. Here he discusses how the individual and corporate dimensions of being human are integrated in Christ. He considers the human race in relation to society, the environment and human culture (chapters 4 to 6); and then he focuses on the individual person - as unique; as a woman; and as a man (chapters 7 to 9).
In the last chapter (chapter 10), he writes perceptively on the relationship each of us have with our own selves, our wholeness as persons. There is a delightful concluding section called 'This Sporting Life', discussing the place of sport in human experience. There are also two appendices on original sin and inclusive language, and a useful bibliography.
Sometimes preachers are accused of 'scratching where it doesn't itch' or answering questions which no-one is asking. Here is a book which could save us from such pitfalls. It relates Christian doctrine - specifically the biblical doctrine of humanity - to the real world of the 1990's, with relevance, integrity and spiritual insight. This is a book to buy - and read more than once.

Gordon Bridger