The Image of God in Man according to St Augustine

Abstract

According to tradition, St Augustine teaches us that man was created after the image and liking of God. The image of God is placed, says the Bishop of Hippo, in man’s reason from which his faith, hope, and charity ensue. St Augustine notices a resemblance between man and the Holy Trinity: in memory, reason, and the will which are manifested separately but act in combination. The image of God is the human soul, for it can use reason to know and watch God. The first man in paradise was immortal, and his immortality has been retained in his soul. The latter depends on the relationship between man and God because God is the true life for soul. Human nature may go wrong, yet it owes its magnitude to participation in God and through the image of God in man may be renewed. The renewal of the image of God in man is brought about by grace. The Holy Ghost works in man, the fact which does not exclude human decision or activity, for the way of man’s renewal leads through faith and charity. The love of truth renews the image of God in man.