Engineering Identity as Imago Dei: An Exploration of Engineers' Design Practices and Fulfillments as a Reflection of the Creator

Stephanie Adams

Keywords: Engineering Identity, Imago Dei, CGT, Theological Anthropology

TL;DR: This qualitative research conference paper argues that engineering practices are empirical echoes of God’s nature, revealing the profession as a vocational expression of the Imago Dei.

Abstract:

This conference paper builds upon a full constructivist grounded theory (CGT) study of fifteen engineers (n=15), exploring how their experiences of design, judgment, and fulfillment reflect aspects of the divine image—Imago Dei. Drawing from semi-structured interviews and iterative coding, the CGT analysis identified core themes of Problem-Solving Identity, Adaptive Design Practices, Fulfillment through Meaningful and Tangible Outcomes, Ethical Integrity, Collaboration and Community Contribution, and Navigating Professional Constraints. Together, these themes revealed engineering identity as adaptive, relational stewardship oriented toward societal good.

Building on these findings, this paper interprets engineers’ design practices through a Christian theological lens, proposing that their motivations and methods echo the character of God as Creator and Sustainer. Biblical theology provides interpretive anchors in which human ingenuity and care for creation mirror divine attributes. The discussion maps the empirical themes onto eight facets of God’s nature evident in Scripture: Perfect Creator, Authority of Truth, Sustainer and Orderer of Creation, Wise Architect, Shepherd and Protector, Reconciler and Restorer, Judge and Standard-Setter, and Delighting Father. Each attribute illuminates a dimension of engineering work—from creative design and ethical decision-making to sustaining aging systems and finding joy in tangible impact—as a form of co-creation that participates in God’s ongoing work in the world.

Rather than imposing theology onto data, the analysis proceeds inductively from participants’ words and practices, offering a dialogical bridge between empirical grounded theory and theological reflection. The paper concludes by highlighting implications for Christian engineers, educators, and faith-and-work scholarship: understanding engineering not merely as technical problem-solving, but as a vocational expression of God’s image—where designing, sustaining, and restoring systems become acts that testify to the Creator’s wisdom, justice, and delight.

Email Sharing: We authorize the sharing of all author emails with Program Chairs.

Data Release: We authorize the release of our submission and author names to the public in the event of acceptance.

Submission Number: 8