Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung – Episode Summary: "What Is Anthropology?"

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host/Author: Crossway
Podcast Description: In this weekly podcast, pastor, bestselling author, and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung explores essential theological topics, addressing misunderstandings and providing biblical evidence to reshape and deepen Christian understanding.

Introduction to Anthropology

In the episode titled "What Is Anthropology?", Kevin DeYoung delves into the theological study of anthropology, the branch of theology concerned with the nature of humanity. Anthropology, derived from the Greek word anthropos meaning "man" or "human," examines humans as both created and fallen beings.

Kevin DeYoung (A) opens the discussion by stating:

"We want this podcast to equip Christians with a better understanding of the rich theology that undergirds our faith." (00:03)

Key Themes Explored

1. Creation and Uniqueness of Humanity

DeYoung emphasizes that humans are uniquely created in the image of God, setting them apart from all other created beings. While humans are part of God's creation and not divine themselves, they hold a distinct position as the "crowning achievement" of creation.

"We are uniquely like God. So not God, but of all created things, uniquely like God, God." (01:38)

He references Psalm 8, highlighting David's awe that God, who created the vast cosmos, would cherish humanity with "glory and honor." This underscores the special role and value humans possess within creation.

"We are the crowning achievement of God's creation." (02:14)

2. Anthropocentric vs. Biocentric Perspectives

DeYoung contrasts the anthropocentric (human-centered) narrative of Scripture with biocentric (life-centered) and geocentric (earth-centered) worldviews. He critiques modern environmentalism for often adopting a biocentric approach, which can inadvertently marginalize humanity's intended role in creation.

"The story is not biocentric or geocentric, but anthropocentric." (03:58)

He argues that humans are not alien intruders but integral to the created order, entrusted with stewardship rather than domination or destruction.

"We are sub-creators made in the image of the Creator. We are meant to tend the garden in paradise." (06:32)

3. Stewardship and Human Responsibility

DeYoung outlines the Christian mandate for stewardship, emphasizing that humans are called to cultivate and enhance creation rather than merely preserving it. This involves making the world more hospitable and productive, reflecting God's creativity and goodness.

"We are called to subdue, protect, enjoy, make more humane God's fallen creation." (07:15)

He challenges the notion that minimizing human impact is always paramount, advocating instead for thoughtful and purposeful engagement with the world.

"We don't want to see the world as somehow better off without human beings." (06:06)

4. Sexual Differentiation and Gender Roles

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the theological understanding of sexual differentiation as presented in Genesis 1:26, where God creates humanity as male and female in His image. DeYoung underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting these distinctions without promoting rigid stereotypes.

"There are two absolutely indispensable things God wants to teach us from the very beginning: You are made in the image of God, and you are made male or female." (09:35)

He discusses biblical passages, such as 1 Corinthians 11, to illustrate the inherent differences between men and women, asserting that these differences are part of God's intentional design.

"Men are not women and women are not men." (11:05)

DeYoung introduces a framework (A, B, C, D, E) to explain sexual differentiation, highlighting aspects such as appearance, crowning characteristics, demeanor, and eager posture. He emphasizes that while individual expressions may vary, the underlying distinctions remain significant.

"Our bodies are given to us. Our bodies are to tell us something." (13:07)

5. Application in Marriage and Beyond

While the primary focus is on anthropology, DeYoung hints at forthcoming discussions on how sexual differentiation informs Christian perspectives on marriage and other societal roles. He advocates for leveraging these distinctions to foster healthy, God-centered relationships and community interactions.

"These will be seen, male and female, most clearly in marriage, but... the roles to play throughout all of life." (17:58)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Understanding Humanity's Special Status:

  "We are the crowning achievement of God's creation." – Kevin DeYoung (02:14)

• Anthropocentric Narrative of Scripture:

  "The story is not biocentric or geocentric, but anthropocentric." – Kevin DeYoung (03:58)

• Stewardship Over Domination:

  "We are called to subdue, protect, enjoy, make more humane God's fallen creation." – Kevin DeYoung (07:15)

• Sexual Differentiation is Intentional:

  "There are two absolutely indispensable things God wants to teach us from the very beginning: You are made in the image of God, and you are made male or female." – Kevin DeYoung (09:35)

• Inherent Gender Distinctions:

  "Men are not women and women are not men." – Kevin DeYoung (11:05)

Conclusion

In "What Is Anthropology?", Kevin DeYoung provides a comprehensive theological exploration of what it means to be human from a Christian perspective. He reinforces the uniqueness of humanity as image-bearers of God, emphasizes the importance of sexual differentiation, and calls for responsible stewardship of creation. By grounding his discussion in Scripture, DeYoung offers listeners a robust framework for understanding human nature, purpose, and the divine intentions for gender roles within both personal relationships and broader societal contexts.

For those seeking to deepen their theological understanding of anthropology, this episode serves as a foundational overview, setting the stage for more detailed examinations of related topics in future episodes.

For further study, consider exploring Kevin DeYoung's book "Daily Doctrine," available in print and audio from Crossway.