Trinity's Kilner releases new book on human dignity

Deerfield, Ill. - Trinity Graduate School Professor of Bioethics and Contemporary Culture John F. Kilner has released a new book that describes human dignity in light of the biblical observation that man is created in God's image.

Eerdmanns Publishing Company released "Dignity and Destiny: Humanity in the Image of God" earlier this month.

"This masterful treatment of the image of God is not abstract theology removed from everyday reality; rather, as Kilner shows, what's at stake is human dignity in every sphere of life," said Dennis Hollinger, president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Hollinger concluded the book is "a clear and cogently argued work that will become the major source for future explorations of the topic."

Scholars contend that the concept of humanity's creation in God's image is frequently misunderstood, sometimes with tragic results.

On top of his extensive engagement with the literature on the subject, Kilner presents a detailed examination of all the references to the image of God in scripture.

"This will become the new standard reference work on the subject, particularly given its rich documentation throughout," said Dean Scott Rae of the Talbot School of Theology. Rae called the book "the most exhaustive study of the image of God of which I am aware."

"Our society, including the church, has a spotty record dealing with moral challenges…which are skewed by distorted views of what it means for us to bear the image of God," said Daniel R. Heimbach, senior professor of Christian ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. "Kilner's book gives a soundly biblical understanding that can address these shortcomings."

From 1994-2005, Kilner served as President and CEO of The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity at Trinity, and presently serves as a Senior Fellow in their Academy of Fellows. He holds the endowed Forman Chair of Christian Ethics and Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Kilner has written or edited more than 20 books. He has contributed to scholarly journals and has been interviewed in such television venues as NBC (with Tom Brokaw), FOX News (with Bill O'Reilly), CBS, CNN, and PAX, such radio venues as National Public Radio, Moody Broadcasting Network, and Salem Network, and such newspaper venues as the New York Times, Washington Times, and Chicago Tribune.

There will be a lecture on the theme of Kilner's new book at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 in Kantzer Hall on Trinity's Deerfield campus. The lecture is open to the public free of charge and refreshments will be served. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at an event-only discount of 50 percent.

The book also is now available at online retailers such as Amazon.com.