The Nature of Man (I)
Do we have a body, a soul and a spirit, distinctly, or just a body and a spiritual part that can be called soul or spirit interchangeably?
Bible scholars have debated whether man is a dual-natured being or a creature with three distinct parts for a very long time. We recognize our flesh easily enough. We know that we have a body, and that it is a part distinct, or separable from a part of us that is immaterial (or super-material, i.e. not of earthly substance). I think it’s safe to say that most people think of themselves as dual-natured; as having a physical body and a “spiritual” (in the sense of not being physical) soul (and the terms “soul” and “spirit” would be used interchangeably here). Still, some believe that there is a difference between the soul and the spirit, and thus that we are made up of three parts or natures combined into one. Over the next few weeks I want to examine the Scriptures in search of the truth of this matter, and invite you to read along and consider it for yourself. Check back here at least once a week and consider the posts. As always, your comments will be welcome!
—JLP
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One of the best evidences outside the Bible for hte daulism of man is when people die on the operating table and are revived. People that this happens to say that they still had consciousness and in some cases were even able to see theirself on the operating table. After revival they would explain something that the doctor did that only a person watching would have known. The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel discusses a little about that.