Nati 1x1's blog: "Gettin To Know The Man"

Imago Dei: a Latin phrase meaning the "Image of God". The concept that human beings are created in God's image and therefore have inherent value independent of their utility or function. The term Imago Dei refers most fundamentally to two things: first, to God's own self-actualization through humankind; and second, to God's care for humankind. To say that humans are in the image of God is to recognize the special qualities of human nature which allow God to be made manifest in humans. For humans to have the conscious recognition of their being in the image of God means that they are the creature through whom God's plans and purposes can be made known and actualized; humans, in this way, can be seen as co-creators with God. The moral implications of the doctrine of imago Dei are apparent in the fact that if humans are to love God, then humans must love other humans, as each is an expression of God. The human's likeness to God can also be understood by contrasting it with that which does not image God, i.e., beings who, as far as we know, are without self-consciousness and the capacity for spiritual / moral reflection and growth. Humans differ from all other creatures because of their rational structure - their capacity for deliberation and free decision-making. This freedom gives the human a centeredness and completeness which allows the possibility for self-actualization and participation in a sacred reality. However, the freedom which makes the human in God's image is the same freedom which manifests itself in estrangement from God, as the story of the Fall (Adam and Eve) exemplifies. According to this story, humans can, in their freedom, choose to deny or repress their spiritual and moral likeness to God. The ability and desire to love one's self and others, and therefore, God, can become neglected and even opposed. Striving to bring about the Imago Dei in one's life can be seen as the quest for wholeness, or one's "essential" self, as pointed to in Christ's life and teachings. There are three common ways of understanding the manner in which humans exist in imago dei: Substantive, Relational and Functional

For those of you who don't know yet, after 2 years on the fu, i have officially retired as a fubar DJ & as lounge staff.. I have accomplished everything in the lounge world that one could on here, I have put out tunes and managed some of fu's top lounges, as well as owning a top lounge myself, not quite sure what ima do on the fu from here on out, but i will be droppin in from time to time to the lounges were a lot of my fam is... i have been considering guest dj'in, but if i did, it would be very rare and depend on the lounge, come holla atcha boi.. Nati ~