Skip to main content

Why religions say humans have intrinsic value

Broadcast 
Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.
Michelangelo's Creation of Adam
The idea that humans are made in God's image is a foundational belief of both Judaism and Christianity.(Image: Getty / Lucas Schifres)

Australia is a secular society, but there's a religious claim that forms part of the foundation of its liberal democratic values: That all people, regardless of circumstance, have intrinsic value. Judaism and Christianity claim every person is "made in the image of God", but what does this mean in practise? Guest host Justine Toh and the God Forbid panel discuss work, gender, ageing, disability and the need for rest.

In this episode:

When Christians and Jews say people are made in the image of God, does that mean we physically resemble the divine? Not so fast.

Religiously speaking, there is no difference in value between a man and a woman, but does that mean they find equal opportunities in churches and synagogues?

If you believe people are made in the image of God, that has big implications for what you believe about age, disability and even taking a break from work.

More Information

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' full sermon is available at rabbisacks.org: The Trace of God

Hear the full episode of Encounter along with David Rutledge's conversation with Robin Jensen: Image of God

Kumi Taguchi's full interview with Sister Monica Cavanagh can be found at The Religion and Ethics Report: Women deacons for Catholics?

Listen to the full episode of Encounter, including Elizabeth MacKinlay's thoughts on ageing: Ageing Well

Tiffany Shlain's comments on digital shabbat are sampled from Spark, from the CBC: Why this woman's family abstains from technology 1 day a week

Guests:

Dr Robyn Wrigley-Carr is senior lecturer in theology and spirituality at Alphacrucis College, the national training college of the Australian Christian Churches.

Rev Dr Michael Jensen is rector of St Mark's Anglican Church, Darling Point in Sydney and the co-host of the podcast With All Due Respect. His latest book is Theological Anthropology and the Great Literary Genres.

Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton is chief minister and senior rabbi of the Great Synagogue in Sydney and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society of London. He is also the Jewish Chaplain to the RSL in New South Wales.

Presenter:

Justine Toh

Producers:

Rohan Salmond / Hong Jiang / Nadyat El Gawley

Credits

Broadcast 
QR code image for downloading the ABC listen app

Discover more podcasts

Download the ABC listen app to hear more of your favourite podcasts