What is the relationship between biblical anthropology and Christian ethics?

• A. Biblical anthropology affirms creation in God’s image; ethics flow from that dignity, guiding care for vulnerable and pursuit of justice.
• B. Anthropology denies human dignity; ethics rely on human productivity.
• C. Anthropology is unrelated to ethics; they operate independently.
• D. The image of God justifies violence and domination.

Answer: (A)

The relationship being tested is that being made in God’s image gives every person inherent worth and relational purpose, and this identity grounds how Christians ought to live. When we understand humanity as created in the image of God, ethics naturally flow from that dignity: we treat people with respect, defend the vulnerable, pursue justice, and steward creation as acts of love toward neighbor and God. This view keeps moral obligation rooted in who we are before God, not merely in usefulness or social convenience.

If you tried to separate anthropology from ethics, or reduce human value to productivity, you’d strip ethics of its solid grounding in God's design for human beings. Saying the image of God justifies domination contradicts the very sense in which imago Dei affirms life and human equality; the biblical stance uses that image to advocate for protection, mercy, and justice rather than violence.