Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 2) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 2 (Nature of man) by reading up to the heading '3. Realism'.
My summary
This week Hodge begins to examine the nature of man.
Hodge asserts that man is constituted of the two distinct substances of body and soul. He then discusses:
(i) the Scriptural support for the doctrine;
(ii) the relation of the soul and body.
Hodge also refutes the ideas that:
(i) the soul and body are one substance;
(ii) the soul and body are three substances.
What grabbed me
I liked Hodge's reasons for affirming the dualism of man: 'The Scriptural doctrine of the nature of man as a created spirit in vital union with an organized body, consisting, therefore, of two, and only two, distinct elements or substances, matter and mind, is one of great importance. It is intimately connected with some of the most important doctrines of the Bible ; with the constitution of the person of Christ, and consequently with the nature of his redeeming work and of his relation to the children of men; with the doctrine of the fall, original sin, and of regeneration ; and with the doctrines of a future state and of the resurrection. It is because of this connection, and not because of its interest as a question in psychology, that the true idea of man demands the careful investigation of the theologian.'
Deny the dualism of man and you will have to deny primary doctrines of the faith.
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 2 (Nature of man).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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