What is a human being worth? That is the opening question in this new book by Mel Lawrenz which explores the meaning of human dignity and its connection with the Christian gospel and mission.
Human dignity is a widely-held ideal, but there is much confusion over what it means. Is it simply autonomy—the supposed right that people have for complete self-determination? Is it good behavior? Is human dignity the basis for protection for all people, especially the vulnerable, founded on the reality that people are created in the image of God?
Lawrenz speaks to the issue of dignity not just as a philosophical topic, but as an everyday reality. This is “a time for dignity” because of the many indignities that diminish people, whether abuse, illness, aging, injustice, terrorism, economic crises, etc. The mandate of the gospel requires specific commitments to recognizing and respecting human worth—all carried out in obedience to Jesus Christ.
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Mel Lawrenz has authored 18 books with Zondervan, Baker, Jossey-Bass, Leadership Network, Regal, and others. He trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He has a Ph.D. in the history of Christian thought (Marquette University) and has been on the adjunct faculty of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Trinity International University. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin for ten years and now serves as Elmbrook’s minister at large, teaching in North America, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.