As explored in a recent inquiry to the Register, the concept of being made in the image and likeness of God is deeply rooted in Christian theology. Genesis 1:27 states, “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This notion has been examined by theologians such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.

St. Thomas Aquinas, building on St. Augustine's thoughts, suggests that while all creatures reflect God to some extent, humans uniquely possess intelligence, free will, and the ability to act from that free will. These traits are considered to make humans a reflection of God's nature.

Aquinas further explains that humans are an image of God not only as individuals but also through their actions. He describes how humans mirror God's Divine Nature and Trinity of Persons through intellect and free will. This reflection becomes more complete when individuals live justly or reach blessedness in heaven.

Pope St. John Paul II expands this understanding with his Theology of the Body, emphasizing that man images God not only individually but also through relationships between persons—particularly between man and woman—which mirrors the life-giving aspect of the Trinity.