Spirit, Soul, Body
Eric Weiss (eweiss@gte.net)
Thu, 07 May 1998 15:29:05 -0700
Though this may wander into theology, I have difficulty seeing that
Hebrews 4:12 and I Thessalonians 5:23 are sufficient proofs for a
trichotomous view of man. Especially in Hebrews 4:12, it seems to me the
division/dividing of soul and spirit (ACRI MERISMOU YUCHS KAI PNEUMATOS)
is not a dividing of or separation of soul from spirit (an idea
popularized by authors like Watchman Nee - RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT) but
rather a piercing that is so deep as to divide soul and spirit - the two
terms being used almost synonymously - i.e., it goes into a man's
innermost being. On the other hand, I've read that the Hebrew view of
man might even be as a unitary being, i.e., not even the dichotomous
view (i.e., that man is a body and a soul/spirit) which is what is
normally argued for against Nee's position.
I'm primarily seeking help with the translation of the Greek in these
two verses that would help clarify whether they support or don't support
either a trichotomous or a dichotomous (or even a unitary) view of man -
I'm not arguing for one view against the other EXCEPT as the Greek
should be rendered.
Thanks!
--
"Eric S. Weiss"
eweiss@gte.net
http://home1.gte.net/eweiss/index.htm
S.D.G.
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