What does it mean to be human? This question has echoed through the ages and touches on philosophy, science, and theology. Whether you’re a follower of Christ, a skeptic, or an atheist, this discussion carries profound implications for our lives. RTB believes that understanding our humanity begins with understanding who created us and why.
The Bible says God made human beings in his image (Genesis 1:26–27).
Think about that—you bear the image of the Creator of the universe!
This foundational truth sets humans apart from every other creature. We are not just physical beings but spiritual ones, too. Even people who don’t have a high regard for the Bible agree there is something more to us than what meets the eye. Altogether, this means our lives have intrinsic value and purpose.
But what does being made in God’s image truly mean? And how do we live out this identity in a world filled with competing views on humanity?
We’ll explore these questions together.
Definition of Being Human
To Be Human Is to Reflect God’s Image
To be human means more than having certain physical traits or biological markers. For Christians, it starts with the value-rich idea that we are created in the image of God—unique among all physical life-forms.
Still, defining what it means to be human isn’t straightforward and it’s a topic of scientific and theological debate.
Scientific Ambiguity and Definitions of “Human”
In science, the definition of being human depends on the context. Sometimes, it refers to all hominin (humanlike) species in the fossil record, like the genera Ardipithecus and Australopithecus. Other times, it is narrowed to the Homo genus, such as Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Neanderthals. At its most refined, it refers to anatomically and behaviorally modern humans: Homo sapiens sapiens (us).
The Evolutionary View of Humanity
The ambiguity continues when we look at the evolutionary view, where humans are the result of natural selection operating over millions of years. This view, however, has no means of explaining consciousness and morality—inarguable truths known to poke holes in evolutionary, atheistic worldviews.
People who support this idea think the different early human species were like stepping stones that eventually led to modern humans.
But this view raises an important question: What makes us unique from other creatures? Is it just biology? Or is there something more?
A Biblical View on Being Human
The Bible provides clarity to this question. Being human means:
In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them
(Genesis 1:27).
Evangelical and conservative Christians widely agree that humans are image-bearers. However, debates begin over which ancient humanlike beings, if any, also carried this image.
At Reasons to Believe, we hold that modern humans, both anatomically and behaviorally, are the true image-bearers of God.
Unlike other hominins, our ancestors Adam and Eve were true image-bearers.
RTB’s View on Hominins and the Image of God
Hominins were fascinating creatures that showed intelligence and culture but didn’t share the spiritual qualities that come with being made in God’s image. They were designed by God with behavioral qualities similar to the great apes—remarkably complex—but not like ours.
Some Christians believe certain hominins such as Neanderthals may have also been made in God’s image. However, because of their cognitive limitations and biological differences, particularly their brains, RTB firmly rejects this view. We uphold the position that only modern humans are specially created by God to bear his image..
Why This Question Matters
What does it mean to be a human? This question brings us face-to-face with a profound truth that stretches beyond mere biology. This question invites us to consider not just how, but why we are made.
The answer rests in the meaning of our role as God’s image-bearers.
God’s Good Design: Made in His Image
The divine imprint of being made in God’s image is what sets us apart and shapes our consciousness, morality, creativity, and free will. It’s a gift that defines who we are and why we exist.
Theological Debate on the Image of God
The Bible says humankind was made “in the image of God.” But what does that mean?
For centuries, scholars have wrestled with this question. The traditional way of understanding the image of God, called the resemblance view, suggests our spiritual and moral traits reflect God’s, though in a finite way.
Recently, two other ideas have emerged:
- The relational view sees God’s image as our ability to have a relationship with him.
- The representative view sees God’s image as our responsibility to act as his representatives on Earth.The representative view sees God’s image as our responsibility to act as his representatives on Earth.
While theologians may debate its meaning, RTB scholars believe the image of God includes all of the above. Because we resemble God in part, we’re able to enjoy a relationship with him and fulfill our role as stewards of his creation.
Characteristics of God’s Image
When we include the characteristics of the three viewpoints, we find that human beings have four characteristics that reflect God’s image:
| Characteristic | Reflection of God’s Image |
|---|---|
| Moral component | Humans innately understand concepts of right and wrong, paired with a deep sense of justice and desire for fairness. |
| Spirituality | Humans long to connect with something beyond the physical world, often expressed through worship, prayer, and seeking that which is beyond us. |
| Relational nature | Humans thrive on connection with others, the world, and God, reflecting the Trinity and our role as Earth’s caretakers. |
| Mental capacity | Human intellect allows logical reasoning, creativity, and communication of complex ideas through language, art, and music.* |
*/adam-eve/first-humans/ancient-cave-art-strengthens-evidence-for-the-image-of-god
Your True Purpose as a Human
Being made in God’s image gives our lives ultimate meaning and purpose. Our true purpose is to form a relationship with God, reflect his nature, and glorify him through our actions. Jesus explained this beautifully when he said we must love God with all our heart and love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39).
The Role of Humans in Life on Earth
Our purpose goes beyond love as a feeling: true love is active. We’re called to care for the earth and each other and to thrive as human beings. Genesis 1:28 tells us to multiply, rule over creation, and subdue it.
This calling reflects responsible care, not exploitation. Protecting the planet advances human well-being, as caring for creation and human flourishing go hand in hand.
How Science Affirms What Being Human Means
Science offers compelling clues on the age-old question of what it means to be a human. When considering the concept of imago Dei, or being created in God’s image, modern science highlights how exceptional human beings truly are, in part, based on the design of our brains. The evidence sets us apart from other creatures, including our closest hominin relatives the Neanderthals.
The Complexity of Human DNA
Human DNA reveals an amazing design that speaks of plan and purpose. DNA in all living things is complex. Some of our genes (found in DNA) contain information that uniquely directs our cognitive development. The information in human DNA forms our biology and is responsible for our unique creativity, morals, and cognitive skills. It’s as if DNA was designed to reflect a higher purpose—a fingerprint of a higher power.
Unique Brain Structure of Humans vs. Neanderthals
Scientists have noted key differences between modern human and Neanderthal brains. Modern humans have a globular skull with enlarged thinking areas, while Neanderthals had longer skulls, impacting advanced cognition. The cerebellum in modern humans is larger and more symmetrical, enhancing skills like language, memory, and social abilities. Additionally, the modern human parietal lobe is more developed, supporting self-awareness, planning, coordination, and symbolic thought.
A Scientific Case for Human Exceptionalism
Advances in artificial intelligence and bioengineering highlight humanity’s uniqueness. AI may be powerful but it can’t replicate our morality, creativity, or relational depth, showing that being human means more than biology. Far from contradicting the idea of the imago Dei, science supports it—our DNA, brains, and behaviors align with how the Bible explains humanity. Modern science, far from lessening our place in creation, reinforces that we truly are fearfully and wonderfully made.
What Defines You as a Human Being?
What defines us as human beings? We are more than our actions, achievements, or circumstances. The Bible says we are created in God’s image with special worth and purpose. But as Adam’s descendants, we also bear the consequences of humanity’s fall. This sinful state means humans are a mix of greatness and brokenness—able to love and create, yet prone to sin and rebellion against God’s will. Sin infiltrates our nature, and we are unable to overcome it without God’s grace.
Nonbiblical Views on Humanity
In some evolutionary views, humans are seen as material beings shaped by natural selection, with concepts like good and evil viewed as societal constructs. Human actions stem from instincts, not divine purpose, making sin natural behavior rather than moral failure.
Others argue that humans are inherently good and do wrong only out of desperation or lack of resources. However, this view struggles to explain the deep cruelty and selfishness seen throughout history, even among the privileged.
Humanity’s Problem—and God’s Solution
The Bible paints a different picture. It tells us humans are sinners, separated from God, from others, and from creation itself. This reality is echoed in Romans 3:10–12, “There is no one righteous, not even one,” and “there is no one who does good, not even one.”
Our separation from God is stark. Though we were created to have a relationship with him, our sin creates a sinkhole we cannot escape on our own.
Yet, in our hopelessness, God provided a way out. Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and made reconciliation with God possible.
The True Definition of Humanity
The meaning of being human lies not in our brain structures, what we accomplish, or even how society defines us. Our identity is rooted in God’s image, dependent on Jesus for forgiveness and restoration, and maintained with all creation through the Holy Spirit. By God’s design, we are given a purpose far greater than anything we could reach on our own.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed by God’s love, and meant to live for his glory. This is what being truly human means.
Jesus: The Perfect Human
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human, perfectly reflects God’s image and reveals humanity’s true purpose. Colossians 1:15 calls him “the image of the invisible God,” exemplifying holiness, righteousness, and love. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way to restore the image of God that had been tarnished by sin. That restoration comes by the power of the Holy Spirit (called sanctification), who transforms us to become more like Christ and live out our purpose as God’s children.
To Live Is Christ
The ultimate goal of humanity is realized in Christ. To be a human is not about moral perfection or worldly accomplishments, it’s about finding our identity in Jesus—the perfect human who invites us into a relationship with God. Through him, we embody everything we were created to be.
