Recently in my philosophy of religion class we've been talking about the body/ soul dichotomy and wondering if some can help me flush out my own opinion. Is it wrong to be a Christian materialist? I tend towards being sympathetic with them, in that the idea of a "spiritual state" or "soul" seems to be a very ambiguos term that we cannot rightly define (perhaps I am wrong in my initial presupposition). It also rightly follows that the Scripture never speaks of the "soul" being immortal, but I believe it is always in relation to the body that is resurrected. So what are we to make of the soul/spirit essence of man? Is there one? What is it?
Also, I'm not willing to totally write off the spiritualness of man, for we were created in the image of God (whatever that means) and also we are commanded to love teh Lord our God with all of our souls; but coming up with a working defintion and than further proving that we have this "soul" seems to be rather difficult. I'd love to hear your initial reactions and comments. Ya'll seem very intellgent so i figured I'd run it past you.
Blessings,
Michael
Also, I'm not willing to totally write off the spiritualness of man, for we were created in the image of God (whatever that means) and also we are commanded to love teh Lord our God with all of our souls; but coming up with a working defintion and than further proving that we have this "soul" seems to be rather difficult. I'd love to hear your initial reactions and comments. Ya'll seem very intellgent so i figured I'd run it past you.
Blessings,
Michael