In God's Image - by Tomer Persico (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book examines the central role that the biblical idea the "image of God" has played in the development of Western civilization. Focusing on five themes-selfhood, freedom, conscience, equality, and meaning-it presents a cultural history of the Judeo-Christian tradition, from biblical times through modernity, suggesting also an answer for the troublesome question: Why the West?"--

Book Synopsis

The idea that all human beings were created in God's image was core to the creation of the modern West

In God's Image examines the central role that the idea that all people were created in the image of God played in the development of Western civilization. Focusing on five themes--selfhood, freedom, conscience, equality, and meaning--the book guides the reader through a cultural history of the West, from ancient times through modernity. It explains how each of these ideals was profoundly influenced by the central biblical conception of humanity's creation in God's image, embracing an essential equality among all people, while also emphasizing each human life's singularity and significance.

The book argues that the West, and particularly Protestant Christianity, grew out of ideas rooted deeply in this notion, and that it played a core role in the development of individualism, liberalism, human rights discourse, and indeed the secularization process. Making the case for a cultural understanding of history, the volume focuses on ideas as agents of change and challenges the common scholarly emphasis on material conditions. Offering an innovative perspective on the shaping of global modernity, In God's Image examines the relationship between faith and society and posits the fundamental role of the idea of the image of God in the making of the moral ideals and social institutions we hold dear today.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating intellectual history that tells the story of how one biblical idea--the idea that people are created in the image of God--helped shape the values of Western civilization... In God's Image is an engaging and thought-provoking book. It makes a clear case that one ancient idea has had extraordinary staying power and continues to shape the way we see ourselves and each other"-- "Association of Jewish Libraries"

"Mr. Persico's account is sweeping, encompassing a vast amount of compelling evidence ... a provocative account of a vital subject, uncovering the religious roots of the West's enduring commitment to individual dignity and value."-- "The Wall Street Journal"

"Incisive ... In God's Image is at its most insightful when dealing with the 'Jewish question' in medieval and early modern Europe, showing how the Western notions of natural law, human rights, and national citizenship all helped to transform a distinct 'nation within a nation' into a mere religio that could be assimilated into the broader European culture."-- "The New Criterion"

"Extraordinary book ... If one would want one or two books that trace some of the critical ideas that shaped western civilization, this [book] has done an amazing job."--Daniel Gordis

"This well-researched book is a challenging read, but Persico keeps his audience engaged, particularly with interesting quotations. Both academic and public libraries might find it of interest."-- "Library Journal"

"An erudite study of great depth and insight."--Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

"Erudite and well-reasoned, an illuminating and expansive look at the interplay between faith and society."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"To successfully trace the journey of a central idea through time requires learning, passion and clarity. All three are on display in Tomer Perisco's important and provocative book."--Rabbi David Wolpe, author of David: The Divided Heart

"Persico makes a powerful case that imago Dei is central to the tradition of true liberalism. Those who believe liberalism is in fact human need to ponder and reply."--Deirdre McCloskey, author of Why Liberalism Works: How True Liberal Values Produce a Freer, More Equal, Prosperous World for All

About the Author

Tomer Persico is a Research Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and a Senior Research Scholar at the UC Berkeley Center for Middle Eastern Studies. He is the author of The Jewish Meditative Tradition (Hebrew) and Liberalism: Its Roots, Values, and Crises (Hebrew).