Subject: clean body natural and spiritual |
Bible Note: Dear CSM, 1 Corinthians 9:27 is speaking of the subjection of the body by the will. This language is used frequently in Scripture, but does not support the trichotomist position. At best, it supports the dichotomist position, since the will is implied and the body is that which is being controlled. James 2:16 is even less related to the human ontological question than 1 Corinthians 9:27. The argument is not whether or not we possess bodies, it is an issue of the three-fold or two-fold nature of man. You write, "Even from the natural standpoint, we know we have a mind, a will and emotions." That is not true. If you take a person with different presuppositions -- say someone from deep within the Amazon -- you will find that they do not conceptually divide a human being as you are doing. What you are expressing is a presuppositional hang-over of Greek and gnostic thinking. Furthermore, we cannot depend on natural knowledge to give us an accurate perception of our nature. Indeed, we are warned in Scripture not to do so! Romans 1:20 addresses a metaphysical question, not an ontological question. Creation consists of two broad parts: the spiritual world and the physical world. This verse gives support to neither of the trichotomist or dichotomist positions. 1 Corinthians 2:13 does is equally un-useful in this discussion. Indeed, most theologians agree that the teaching of the Holy Spirit mentioned here is the language of the Scriptures themselves. Furthermore, the notion of teaching is a cognitive function, implying only the mind. The "spiritual things to spiritual things" is referring to "the things of the Spirit of God, the doctrines of the Gospel, with the spiritual writings of the Old Testament." Frankly I'm puzzled over the reference to 2 Corinthians 10:12. It would seem to be advising you not to make the "from the natural standpoint" conclusions you used in an argument above. 1 Corinthians 8:2 seems also outside of the topic at hand. Let us remain focused on one question at a time. I've already addressed 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Bringing it up again implies that you hadn't read my previous post. A one sided discussion is not a discussion... it is a lecture. :-) I'd be happy to adjust my view of the dichotomist position -- really I would -- but I can only do it on Scripture alone. Why is it that you do not respond to the verses that I provided? Instead you just pontificate your own perspective. In Him, Doc |