Image and Illumination: A Study of Christian Anthropology

Stephen W. Hiemstra

Jan 2023 · T2Pneuma Publishers LLC

About this ebook

What does it mean to be created in the image of God? This is the core question in Christian anthropology and it is surprisingly important in understanding everything else. Anthropology is the study of human beings, the who question of philosophy. As Christians, our identity is found in Jesus Christ, but exactly what does this imply?

Because we are created in the image of God, he is familiar and we immediately recognize him (metaphysics). Because we worship the God who created the universe, we expect the universe to be orderly and worthy of scientific study (epistemology). Because God loves us, we can love those around us who make up God's family (ethics). Our anthropology is accordingly an interpretive key that colors how we see everything else.
In exploring this question, Image and Illumination offers over forty devotions containing a reflection, prayer, and questions for discussion. These devotions are organized into these chapters: Introduction, Image, Fall from Grace, Illumination, and Restoration.
Cover art is by James Tissot (1836-1902): Moses Adores God in the Burning Bush. French Jewish Museum, New York.

Hear the words; walk the steps; experience the joy!

What are people saying?

Image and Illumination is a book you'll want to read and reread, a treasure trove of spiritual insight. Through thoughtful interpretation of Scripture, Stephen applies insight in a way to challenge the believer to a greater appreciation of their faith.
Linda Wood Rondeau, Author

Stephen as a way of writing that not only brings clarity to these complex theological topics but brings them home to the reader, so they connect with these truths on a personal level.
Eric Teitelman, Pastor
Stephen has written a series of brief textual expositions on a variety of interesting, important, and sometimes difficult theological issues.
Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

Stephen tackles that most basic of human questions: What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Through modern-day examples and scripture, he draws the reader ever closer to the answer found in Christ.
Sarah Hamaker, Author

Many of us live with the sense that all is not as it should be in this world. That our world is both beautiful and somehow broken. In Image and Illumination Stephen Hiemstra peels back the layers of our modern world to reveal not just what things should be, but what they one day will be through God's work in our world. You will not regret your time immersed in this book.
Aaron McMillan, Pastor

About the author

Author Stephen W. Hiemstra lives in Centreville, Virginia with Maryam, his wife of more than thirty-five years. They have three grown children.For twenty-seven years, Stephen worked as an economist in more than five federal agencies, where he published numerous governmental studies, magazine articles, and book reviews. Stephen wrote his first book, A Christian Guide to Spirituality, in 2014. In 2015, he translated and published a Spanish edition, Una Guía Cristiana a la Espiritualidad. In 2016, he wrote a second book, Life in Tension, which also focuses on Christian spirituality. A Spanish edition appeared in 2021-Vida en Tensión. In 2017, he published a memoir, Called Along the Way. In 2018, he published a Spiritual Trilogy (an eBook compilation) and his first hardcover book, Everyday Prayers for Everyday People. In 2019, he published Simple Faith. In 2020, he published Living in Christ, which is the fifth and final book in his Christian spirituality series. In 2021, he published his first novella, Masquerade, which he later registered as a screenplay under the title: Brandishing the Blue. In 2022, he published a revised edition of his first book and a translation in German: Ein Christlicher Leitfaden zur Spiritualität: Grundlagen für Jünger.Stephen has a Masters of Divinity (MDiv, 2013) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. His doctorate (PhD, 1985) is in agricultural economics from Michigan State University. He studied in Puerto Rico and in Germany, and speaks Spanish and German.Correspond with Stephen at: [e-mail].