Body, Soul, and Human Life: The Nature of Humanity in the Bible

Studies in Theological Interpretation

by Joel B. Green

Are humans composed of a material body and an immaterial soul? This view is commonly held by Christians, yet it has been undermined by recent developments in neuroscience. Exploring what Scripture and theology teach about issues such as being in the divine image, the importance of community, sin, free will, salvation, and the afterlife, Joel Green argues that a dualistic view of the human person is inconsistent with both science and Scripture. This wide-ranging discussion is sure to provoke much thought and debate.

Bestselling books have explored the relationship between body, mind, and soul. Now Joel Green provides us with a biblical perspective on these issues.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Science, Psychology, Biblical Studies, Anthropology, Nonfiction

238 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Prior to moving to Fuller, he taught at Asbury Theological Seminary for ten years. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Theological Interpretation and has authored or edited numerous books, including the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics.

Reviews

[Jess Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ça vous dit de comparer ce que la Bible et les neurosciences disent sur des sujets tels que le libre arbitre, l'identité, la conversion, la vie après la mort et la résurrection ?

Bah moi oui et nous sommes donc au moins deux avec Green. Au point qu'il a même fait des études de neurologie pour comprendre son sujet. Et il sait très bien restituer ses recherches et réflexions même à un néophyte comme moi. J'avoue avoir eu la crainte de ne rien comprendre ou de ne pas être en capacité de finir ce livre quand je l'ai commencé mais au final je l'ai dévoré.

Au premier chapitre Green fait un historique des positions sur "comment est constitué un être humain" (juste un corps ? Corps âme et esprit ? Autre ?) des philosophes grec jusqu'à aujourd'hui en passant bien évidemment par la Bible et les théologies existantes.

Au second chapitre se pose la question de l'identité. Pour Green les neurosciences et la Bible s'accordent d'une certaine façon pour dire que ce sont les relations et les échanges qui façonnent et font l'être humain. Pour les neuro par le fait que le cerveau se développe et se "forme" en fonction des relations et échanges, pour la bible par la relation avec Dieu (avec comme déclaration suprême de l'identité humaine "crée à l'image de Dieu)

Le troisième chapitre est sans doute le gros morceaux du livre : péché et libre arbitre. Réponse : les slogans c'est trop simpliste. Il utilise l'exemple d'un cas médicalement attesté d'un homme pouvant se montrer agressif chez qui un IRM a révélé la présence d'une tumeur au cerveau. Une fois la tumeur enlevé le caractère agressif a disparu.... Avant de revenir avec une nouvelle tumeur....

Pécheur? Malade ? Libre ? Détermination ? Vous avez quatre heures (explorer en détail ce chapitre va au delà d'une note de lecture).

Chapitre 4 : changement d'opinion et conversion.
On ne change pas facilement quelqu'un, même lui faire entendre une objection est difficile (je ne m'attendais à des études sur le fonctionnement des cerveaux de partisans politiques).

Autant dire que c'est... Miraculeux une vrai transformation. Pour Green la conversion biblique est une transformation en profondeur et surtout une transformation continue pratiquant la conversion. C'est à dire ? Exprimer la conversion, avec comme acte principale d'un converti : la prière.

Cinquième chapitre :Résurrection. Si je meurs suis-je toujours moi ? Et si je ressuscite après être mort suis-je toujours la continuité de moi même ?
Un chapitre plus ambivalent car Green passe trop de temps selon moi à interagir avec certains théologiens sur la question de l'état intermédiaire sans que cela n'apporte au sujet du livre. Mais contient un très bon résumé de la vision de la mort et de la résurrection dans le premier testament.

[William Stapleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body, Soul, and Human Life (Studies in Theological Interpretation): The Nature of Humanity in the Bible

by Joel B. Green


"Body, Soul, and Human Life" is a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of the biblical understanding of human nature, specifically focusing on the interplay between body and soul. The book presents a well-structured and systematic analysis, delving into key biblical passages and examining various theological interpretations throughout history.

One of the strengths of the book is its careful examination of biblical texts concerning the nature of humanity. The author demonstrates a deep understanding of the original languages and contexts, which allows for a nuanced interpretation of passages related to body and soul. This biblical foundation provides a solid footing for the subsequent theological reflections presented in the book.

The chapters on "The Body in Biblical Perspective" and "The Soul in Biblical Perspective" are particularly noteworthy. The author navigates through complex theological concepts with clarity and precision, making these ideas accessible to both scholars and lay readers. Here are more detailed analyses of these chapters:
Chapter 2: detailes the biblical perspective on the human body. The chapter begins with an exploration of the biblical understanding of the body's origin and purpose. Drawing from key passages in Genesis, the author emphasizes that the body is a deliberate and integral creation of God. This understanding challenges any notion that the body is inherently evil or inconsequential in the biblical worldview.

The author further examines how the biblical texts depict the body as the dwelling place of the divine presence. In particular, the chapter explores the significance of the temple imagery and its connection to the human body. The temple, as the place of God's dwelling, is seen as a representation of the human body as the dwelling place of God's Spirit. This highlights the sacredness and dignity of the human body.

Additionally, the chapter discusses the impact of the Incarnation on the theology of the body. By examining the central Christian belief that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, the author reveals how this event elevates the status of the human body. Jesus' embodiment affirms the goodness of the physical realm and the essential unity of body and soul.

Furthermore, the chapter addresses misconceptions and challenges to the biblical view of the body. It critiques historical heresies that dismissed the significance of the body, such as Gnosticism, and argues for the holistic understanding of human nature in light of the biblical witness.

Chapter 3: The Soul in Biblical Perspective focuses on the biblical concept of the soul, exploring its nature and role in human life. The chapter commences with an investigation of the Hebrew and Greek terms used for "soul" in biblical texts. By analyzing various instances of these terms, the author develops a nuanced understanding of the soul's multifaceted meaning in the biblical context.

The author contends that the biblical portrayal of the soul is not as an immortal and independent entity separated from the body but rather as an integral aspect of human life. Drawing from passages in Genesis and other Old Testament books, the chapter highlights the interconnectedness of the soul and the body. This perspective stands in contrast to some dualistic views that emphasize the soul's separation from the physical realm. The author also provides his answer to the question of the soul's mortality or immortality by examining passages in both the Old and New Testaments to shed light on the biblical teaching regarding life after death. He argues that the concept of resurrection, affirmed in the New Testament, supports the understanding that the soul's ultimate destiny is not disembodied existence but a resurrected life in a transformed body. This certainly seems to have been Paul's idea on the subject.

The chapter also addresses various theological interpretations of the soul's nature throughout history. It engages with influential thinkers such as Augustine and Aquinas, exploring their views on the soul and its relationship with the body. By doing so, the author provides readers with a broader perspective on the development of theological thought on this subject.

Finally, the chapter concludes by summarizing the key findings about the biblical concept of the soul. It emphasizes the holistic understanding of the soul as intricately connected to the body, underscoring the importance of viewing human nature as an integrated whole rather than a dichotomy between physical and spiritual elements.

Additionally, the chapter on the interplay between body and soul offers valuable insights into the unity or duality of these aspects of human nature, shedding light on age-old debates in theology.

"Body, Soul, and Human Life" effectively applies its theological findings to contemporary ethical and moral issues. By discussing implications for concepts like sanctity of life, human dignity, and bioethics, the book bridges the gap between biblical anthropology and practical life application. This aspect of the book is especially relevant in our modern world, where ethical dilemmas related to human life are becoming increasingly complex.

However, the book's thorough exploration of the biblical perspective might be daunting for some readers, particularly those with limited theological or biblical knowledge. While the author does an admirable job of making the material accessible, certain sections might still require more background information for a full comprehension of the content.

"Body, Soul, and Human Life" is a commendable work that makes a significant contribution to the field of theological anthropology. Its rigorous biblical analysis and thoughtful theological reflections offer valuable insights into the nature of humanity, and its practical applications make it relevant to current ethical discussions. Despite some minor limitations, this book remains a recommended read for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in the intersection of theology and human nature.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall an intriguing and well-argued book that uniquely ties together biblical scholarship and recent neurological/psychological research to construct a portrait of what human life is, how it relates to God, and ultimately seeks (but fails) to satisfactorily give a non-dualistic answer the question, "What happens to us after we die?" Author Joel Green is a New Testament scholar who, despite his convoluted, complicated writing style, pieces together a well-thought-out argument with plenty of supporting evidence and critical reflection. He begins with the argument that a dualistic worldview in which humans consist of two main parts - a body and a soul - is not only inconsistent with contemporary neuroscience but is foreign to the Bible. He goes on to talk about what research has taught us about the brain and our experience of "choice" or "free will." Most notably, he references how research has determined that conscious thought about our actions FOLLOWS the action itself, whereas we typically think the reverse is true. He rightly observes that the evidence shows human beings to be dependent on and subject to models that our brain creates to process past experiences and guide our actions in present ones. In what I consider to be the high point of the book, he couples this with a biblical theology of sin, arguing that sin is not an individual action but a predisposition, and that salvation or conversion is the God-induced process of "rewiring" our predispositions and frames of reference. All of this, he says, should be seen as embodied and wholistic - something affecting our whole selves and not some abstract "soul." The last chapter, though, was disappointing. In addressing the question, "What happens when we die?" he holds up some of the biblical passages dealing with resurrection. Even though he does a good job explaining what the passages do and do not say, I didn't feel that he was able to draw any conclusions about the issue that most people asking the question would fine helpful. You have to actually read it to appreciate the philosophical nuance, but what Green essentially concludes is that there is nothing intrinsically immortal about humans; that resurrection is a future hope and something that only God can do or accomplish. This book will not be a casual read. As I said, the author has a complicated writing style, and it's written for an audience somewhere between the lay person and the scholar. Those with no theological education background may get lost in some of the discussions of biblical language and metaphor. But if you're up for an intellectually intriguing book, I recommend it.

[Van Robarts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green considers how contemporary neuro-scientific views of human beings relate to the biblical vision. He begins by noting that present views reject a division between the body and a soul. Humans are a unity in their embodied state. Green shows that the biblical view is similar. He rejects a common Christian view that humans are either a body and soul or a body, soul, and spirit. The rest of the book flows out of this foundational understanding.

Green further argues that humans are formed both by community and practice. This has implications for an understanding of free will. He also argues that this is why sin in Scripture is both individual acts and a sphere of power. The same thing is true for sanctification. By practicing holiness in a community humans are transformed. In the same way, practicing sin warps humans.

He also considers the related question of what happens to people when they die and the interim between death and future resurrection. On the first topic, he argues in line with the beginning idea of humans as a unity that Scripture knows no platonic dualism where a body dies, but the spirit lives on in some way. Resurrection is a gift from God. Death is not some separation of a body from the true self. On the topic of the interim state, Green is more agnostic and suggests that no definite answer is found in Scripture. Green operates with an important realization. Humans often ask understandable questions that Scripture simply does not answer. One of my teachers, Jack Lewis, used to say that many disagreements among Christians are because we are asking Scripture questions that it never intended to answer. The questions may be very good and an answer would be desirable. But that does not mean that Scripture must answer it.

This is a very important book and one that should generate some very good discussion. He is doing something that is uncommon, but useful. How do current scientific views and Scripture align.

[Paul, · Rating 2 out of 5]

Joel Green's commentary on Luke is one of my favorites, so I started reading this book with high hopes. Unfortunately, Green's depth of insight into neuroscience is not nearly as deep as into first-century culture. This book purports to deal with neuroscience and theology, and it touches on both. But it never achieves the depth that one would expect. It gives some interesting facts about neuroscience. It points out that neuroscience does not find any evidence for belief in a soul. I know, you are shocked! A physical science does not believe in something supernatural? Crazy!

Green may have a point. The soul, as pictured in the Bible, may be an emergent property of the biological system of the mind. But he does not demonstrate that in this book, at least to my satisfaction. He presents some texts that allow for a body-soul unity, but he does not deal effectively with contrary passages. He does not even mention the passage that I find most problematic: namely, the raising of the ghost of Samuel. Green's work on the parable of Lazarus seems possible, but not probable.

All in all, a mediocre book by a writer capable of much better. There are some nuggets in here, but overall it was unconvincing.

Post Scriptum: After further thought, I came up with an interesting question: Does imagining the soul as an entirely causal part of the human body make God directly responsible for evil, instead of indirectly? Is that bad?

[Laurin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book assumes an existential philosophy from the outset. Because Green does not prove that this is the philosophy that the Bible itself assumes, I found his arguments against dualism largely unconvincing. Further, he spends too much time discussing neuroscience as a way that somehow proves that dualism is wrong; however, it does not take into account that many dualist thinkers would have no argument about the importance of the body and how the body and the soul are deeply integrated. He attempts to do a rebuttal of John Cooper, and he did have a few good minor points where Cooper could be more careful; however, he fails to deal with many of Cooper's arguments sufficiently. The book did have some helpful in insights, especially in regard to the importance of community in the life of the believer and how God created humans for relationships. It did not, however, provide sufficient or convincing evidence to throw out what the majority of theologians have taught since the beginning of the church regarding the existence of body and soul. I would still definitely encourage someone to read this book to obtain a fuller grasp of the arguments regarding anthropological monism vs dualism.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an academic work of neurotheology. Green labors to debunk dualist approaches to anthropology.

I don’t know if I’m convinced by Greens arguments on the intermediate state or the nature of soul. But I do find many of his arguments about the psychosomatic nature of anthropology convincing.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a difficult read and needs to be set down so one can process what one has already read before making progress in the reading.

The author rejects the traditional view of Man as body and soul but sees Man as an embodied being. So much Green denies that we survive physical death and therefore denies the existence of what is known in theology of the Intermediate State.

Green thinks that Neuroscience agreed with this view of Man.

The resurrection is seen as the Christian hope. But what is the connection between this present life and the resurrection life? He writes "...[Paul] hints at a relational ontology - that is, the preservation of our personhood. "you" and "me," in relational terms: WITH CHRIST, IN CHRIST. This suggests that the relationalty and narrativity that constitute who I am are able to exist apart from neural correlates and embodiment only insofar as they are preserved in God's own being, in anticipation of new creation." p 180 (emphasis his).

It is hard to see this is different from the view that we are recreated from God's memory. One could argue that it is not us who enter the new heavens and the new earth but new beings who have our memories.

I think that Neuroscience does not endanger survival after death but that Man at present is so constituted that he IS so embodied and that the findings of neuroscience are to be expected given the view of Man as expressed in Genesis 2:7.

The author tends to use big words were little ones would do. He is a sesquipedalian writer.

[Jurgen Mateus · Rating 5 out of 5]

É uma leitura obrigatória para os interessados no debate entre "monismo" e "dualismo". Joel Green é advogado da posição monista. Para ter uma noção do debate como um todo, recomendo ler este livro junto coma obra de John W. Cooper "Body, Soul and Life Everlasting".
Apesar de eu não concordar com tudo o que Green traz no livro (especialmente no que diz respeito ao "estado intermediário") ele tem o mérito de apresentar suas ideias e argumentos de forma clara e organizada.

A must-read for those who are interested in the monism-dualism debate, the former position being advocated by the author. For a picture of the whole debate, I would recommend reading this book against John W. Cooper's "Body, Soul, and Life Everlasting".
Despite myself not being convinced by the author in many points (his denial of the "intermediary state" is one of them) he has the merit of a clear presentation of his thesis and arguments.

[Jérémie Cascales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joel B. Green presents a good book for seeing body, mind, and soul as one, through scientific and biblical arguments. He refutes some misleading interpretations from strong biblical passages using a dualistic view of body and soul.
A weakness would be that the book is too short. It seems that Green finished is book rapidly, without balancing the end with a scientific point of view (as the beginning did)
Nevertheless, this book is a great introduction to re-lead our view on our body/soul as one in/with Christ.

[Cal Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely to see a theologian so familiar with contemporary neurological evidence, with a deep philosophical grounding. Green is controversial in the theological world by arguing for a Monist position, in which the "soul" is a linguistic rather than a substantial feature of human anthropology. He argues his point well, drawing on biblical, neurological and philosophical evidence.

A really fluid read, would recommend.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Green argues strongly against the existence of the "soul" or any sort of mind/body dualism in this work. While I was impressed by his knowledge of both neuroscience and the Bible, I'm not fully convinced that he makes his case for total "monism" or the lack of the existence of an intermediate state.

[Christopher Trend · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting discussion around who we are. The discussion focuses on the relationship between our bodies & our sense of self. Ultimately it looks at what happens after death; what bit of me makes it. Joel Green presents a thought provoking & challenging view using neurology & scripture. It’s a book that I need to read through again. Ultimately it presents a christocentric answer.

[Phillip Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly good and a great read for all Western Christians who have been influenced by a dualistic view of the human body. I also think he makes good points to question the assumption that when Christians die their “soul” goes to heaven, whatever that means.

[Jon Beadle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts were five star. Other parts were one star.

[Brett Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book in light of research in neurobiology

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about this book from my BIL who is in seminary. The reason I gave it 3 stars and not 4 was that I found it pretty heavy, academic reading. I used to enjoy this kind of stuff more, but now with my limited sleep schedule I find it difficult to plow through something like this. Still, it was a unique take on integrating neuroscience with theology, and it presents some very provocative challenges to "Christian" ideas such as: existence of a "soul" that somehow survives the body after death; intermediate states between death and resurrection; and Descartes' idea that persons, or minds, are somehow separate from the bodies they inhabit. Interesting to see how prevailing Western philosophy is so easily read back into biblical texts, and to reflect upon neuroscience's recent contributions to our understanding of what makes us "human," "conscious", and/or "alive." The continual re-modeling and re-forming of our neural synapses throughout life, with consequent visible neuroanatomic changes, suggests that it is never too late to change, grow, or become what we would like to be.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Nancey Murphy, Green advocates for a Christian physicalist perspective--essentially that human beings do not have both a body and soul, but just a body. This book was a nice complement to Murphy's Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies. Probably not that interesting to anyone who isn't already drawn to this topic, but otherwise a really interesting, well-written, and well-argued book. I don't share the author's perspective, but it was certainly thought-provoking.

[Beth]

didn't finish it all.. just read for class what was required.. interesting book.. may pick it up again to finish.

[Nicholas Quient · Rating 5 out of 5]

His chapter on resurrection is simply outstanding. His other chapters will require a few more glosses, but quite good!

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ambitious undertaking by Dr. Joel Green that explores a physicalist anthropology, placing contemporary neuroscience and biblical scholarship in intriguing dialogue with one another.