Die betekenis van Bybelse Antropologiese Gegewens vir 'n Christelike Visie op die Mens

Abstract

During many years a considerable amount of valuable research has already been done on Biblical words like 'soul', 'body', 'spirit', 'flesh' and 'heart'. In spite of that many - perhaps most? - Christians still believe that the human person consists of (at least) two components, viz. soul/spirit/heart and body/flesh. However, such a view of being human leads to unsolveable theoretical problems regarding the origin, present existence and future life (after death) of the human being. Furthermore, a dichotomy in one's anthropology holds many serious practical implications for the everyday life of Christians. Against this background the need for a renewed investigation of some key Biblical anthropological data is evident. The set-up of this exploration is as follows : (1) First the problem to be investigated is explained. (2) Then the current Christian (usually dichotomist) views of being human, as well as their problems and practical implications are briefly explained. (3) The third (main) section investigates the real meaning of the above anthropological words in the Bible. (4) The results are summarised in the next section. (5) The last section poses a final question, viz. whether a monistic anthropology should be preferred over and above a dualistic one.