There are two fundamental truths about humanity. The good truth is that as image bearers, humans are afforded inherent dignity. Drawing on concepts present in Pascal’s reflections on greatness and wretchedness and Luther’s assertion that Christians are both saints and sinners, this study shows how all human beings contribute positively to God’s creation through traits like play, help, study, humor, curiosity, friendship, and work. Augustine, Bonaventure, Calvin, and various biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 7, Luke 10 and 16, Romans 2 and 13) recognize these attributes. The characteristics themselves do nothing to merit righteousness or affect one’s standing before God, but they appear daily in the world he created.
The parallel hard truth about the human race is that its fall into sin mars—though does not destroy—this dignity. Evangelical systematic theology, in necessarily distinguishing itself from liberal theology, has overemphasized depravity at the expense of recognizing the dignity in human contribution. While believers are acknowledged as both saints and sinners, unbelievers are frequently reduced to their depraved state. There is little theological space afforded them beyond a generalized common grace. This oversight has led to a myth that accidentally dismisses the fullness of their dignity, often focusing only on the hope of their save-ability. While some recent works, such as Horton’s Pilgrim Theology and Hammett and McCoy’s Humanity, touch on some individual traits, Evangelical theology could greatly benefit from a categorical recognition of these contributions, as it will help us better worship God for the world he provides, better love our neighbor, and better posture ourselves in the public square.