Session 3: What is Man? Dichotomy, Conditional Unity, and Gnostic Dualism
Posted by: carrie in Fall 2007Fall 2007 Online Certificate Students:
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NOTE: This is not the place for general discussion and questions. Go to the foyer for general discussion and refer to the FAQ on the right for question. Time spent in the comments section will apply toward your one hour of community time per week. To download audio sessions, visit the course homepage on the TTP site. The next session will be posted each Wed.
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What did God create when He created man? Is man a material being only? Does man have both a soul and spirit? If so, what is the difference in their constitutional make up? What are the implications for understanding the constitution of man? This session is a continuation of the constitution of man which began in session two. The primary focus here will be on the differences between a dichotomist’s understanding of man’s ontology and that of the trichotomist. The argument will be made that they both suffer from one major flaw—placing too much emphasis on ontological division. The student should leave this session understanding that man was created as a complete and whole being. It was sin that brought about a drastic and terrible change in which there is a division between the material and immaterial composites of man, but this change is only temporary and is completely unnatural. This change the Bible calls death.
What is the constitution of man? [14:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is the response to trichotomy? [5:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is dichotomy? [2:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is conditional unity? [13:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is gnostic dualism? [5:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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September 19th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Here’s my feeble attempt at answering these questions. I had a hard time with Trinitarianism and now this semester is killing me!
1. I believe that in addition to our physical selves, we have a non-physical/spiritual dimension. If we were solely material beings, it seems we would be like robots, programmed to function a certain way. But we would be devoid of feelings, thoughts, conscience, and will. Having a non-material self is consistent with theism and the existence of an intermediate state. A problem I have with this is that I can’t fathom the spirit or soul functioning outside the context of a body.
2. The fact that I have faith in a God that can’t be seen, attests that we are more than physical. If we were just physical, we wouldn’t be able to relate to God.
3. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man affirms a conscious existence in the after-life, which supports dualism. When Jesus spoke of the rich man’s soul going to hell it seemed to describe a soul that is separate from the body. The monist might say that the soul exists as part of the body, so if the rich man’s soul was going to hell, then his body would also.
4. I’m really not sure which position. Initially, the trichotomist position was most convincing to me mostly because the body, soul and spirit are described in Scripture. The dichotomist position also makes sense to me because the soul and spirit may be linked. For the moment I might lean toward Conditional Unity because it seems logical to me that a person doesn’t have a body and soul, but is a body and soul. However, that also leaves me with some questions, so I’m basically not sure.
5. At times, being physically ill has made my spiritual life suffer because the illness has made it difficult to focus on anything else. Other times, it has brought me closer, because I’ve sought God more. In general, when I feel well physically, I seem to be more in tune with my emotions and spirituality.
6. I think when you are distant from God, you are less likely to honor your body by eating well, exercising and having healthy lifestyle habits; which can affect your physical well being.
7. I’ve met Christians who think of the body as temporary, view physical pleasure in a negative way and generally place much more importance on spirituality. I’ve always felt that God created us with a body and spirit, so both should be valued, as both will exist in the afterlife. If Adam and Eve hadn’t fallen, they would have continued a physical existence, only without sin. So, why wouldn’t we also be physical in the new earth? To be honest, prior to this class, I thought I was completely off base in my beliefs about the nature of our eternal life.
8. All of it!
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Discussion Questions Session 3
Discussion Question #1
Yes, I do believe that I feel I am more than just a body. I do believe that God has created the soul to complete the body. I find value in this that God has taken time to give even more of Himself to man. After the class, I do see how this could be a stumbling block for some thinking that the body is only necessary for our earthly time. But if you read scripture, it shows high regard for the body. (Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.); (1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?)
Discussion Question #2
My personal experience is the personal relationship that I have with Jesus Christ. It is a very real and personal relationship. Although it is a continual growth process, I know it is real and my interaction with Him is spiritual in my conversation while my action in serving Him is physical.
Discussion Question # 3
Dualism is shown because it is taking place in the afterlife and it shows that there is actual sensation awareness through the rich man asking for water.
That it is just a parable, not an actual account.
Discussion Question #4
My background suggests Trichotomy and I am now mixed with the idea of Conditional Unity. Conditional Unity is a new concept to me and I find it very possible. I am still dwelling on this lesson and what it has brought to the table.
Discussion Question #5
If I have a simple illness, like a cold, I generally fall away from my personal time with God. I tend to sleep a lot. But, if it is a more serious illness, I turn more so to God in prayer.
Discussion Question #6
My physical life is more of a rote of the same old thing being repeated over and over. A routine of mundane existence. When I am spiritually healthy, life is an adventure! I attempt things that stretch me and I am bolder in my actions with others.
Discussion Question #7
Some people have no sense of respect for life or for their body. Some are so looking forward to a ‘spiritual’ existence in heaven thinking they will be floating or flying around. You sometimes hear people say, “I can’t wait until I can give up this body.”
Discussion Question #8
I am not sure. I believed that we would have some type of physical body after the resurrection. Revelation speaks of the trees in the new city that gives life. This to me says we will have a body and we will have to nourish it.
Discussion Question #9
The idea of Continual Unity. I had never heard of that theology and am grappling with that because it does sound very much of what I believe; but my ‘church’ theology says that we are a triune creation. This is something that I will need to dwell on further.