Tripartite (theology)
Encyclopedia
In Christian theology
, the tripartite viewpoint holds that man is a composite of three distinct components: body, soul
and spirit. It is less popular than the bipartite
view, where "soul" and "spirit" are taken as different terms for the same entity.
Proponents of the tripartite view claim that this verse spells out clearly the three components of the human, emphasized by the descriptors of "whole" and "completely." Opponents argue that spirit and soul are merely a repetition of synonyms, a common form used elsewhere in scripture to add the idea completeness.
Proponents of the tripartite view claim that this verse spells out that there is a clear difference between soul and spirit, though they may be so intertwined and similar that they would be hard to separate without scriptural clarity. Opponents argue that there is no real separation here (though there must be some difference, at least in emphasis, if two different words are used), but the two are only used as a metaphor of things hard to differentiate, like the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
's Systematic Theology, pp. 191–192.
is known for his treatise on the tripartite man, The Spiritual Man, as well as a smaller volume on the same subject entitledThe Release of the Spirit.
Christian theology
- Divisions of Christian theology :There are many methods of categorizing different approaches to Christian theology. For a historical analysis, see the main article on the History of Christian theology.- Sub-disciplines :...
, the tripartite viewpoint holds that man is a composite of three distinct components: body, soul
Soul
A soul in certain spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions is the incorporeal essence of a person or living thing or object. Many philosophical and spiritual systems teach that humans have souls, and others teach that all living things and even inanimate objects have souls. The...
and spirit. It is less popular than the bipartite
Bipartite (theology)
In Christian theology and anthropology, bipartite refers to the view that a human being is a composite of two distinct components, material and immaterial; for example, body and soul...
view, where "soul" and "spirit" are taken as different terms for the same entity.
Scriptural basis
The two primary proof texts for this position are as follows:- "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (NKJ)
Proponents of the tripartite view claim that this verse spells out clearly the three components of the human, emphasized by the descriptors of "whole" and "completely." Opponents argue that spirit and soul are merely a repetition of synonyms, a common form used elsewhere in scripture to add the idea completeness.
- For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV)
Proponents of the tripartite view claim that this verse spells out that there is a clear difference between soul and spirit, though they may be so intertwined and similar that they would be hard to separate without scriptural clarity. Opponents argue that there is no real separation here (though there must be some difference, at least in emphasis, if two different words are used), but the two are only used as a metaphor of things hard to differentiate, like the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Supporters of a Tripartite View
The list of names below, excepting Nee, are from Louis BerkhofLouis Berkhof
Louis Berkhof was a Reformed systematic theologian whose written works have been influential in seminaries and Bible colleges in the United States and Canada and with individual Christians in general throughout the 20th century.-Personal life:...
's Systematic Theology, pp. 191–192.
German/Lutheran theologians
- Lothar Roos, German theologian.
- Hermann OlshausenHermann OlshausenHermann Olshausen was a German theologian.-Biography:Olshausen was born at Oldeslohe in Holstein. He was educated at the universities of Kiel and Berlin , where he was influenced by Schleiermacher and Neander...
- Johann Tobias BeckJohann Tobias BeckJohann Tobias Beck was a German theologian.-Biography:Graduating from the University of Tübingen in 1826, he was ordained a minister, but later accepted an appointment as professor of theology at the University of Basel...
- Franz DelitzschFranz DelitzschFranz Delitzsch was a German Lutheran theologian and Hebraist. Born in Leipzig, he held the professorship of theology at the University of Rostock from 1846 to 1850, at the University of Erlangen until 1867, and after that at the University of Leipzig until his death...
- Karl August AuberlenKarl August Auberlen-Life:He was born at Fellbach, near Stuttgart, 19 November 1824. He studied in the seminary of Blaubeuren 1837-41, and theology at Tübingen 1841-45. He became repetent in theology at Tübingen 1849, and professor at Basel 1851...
- Gustav Friedrich OehlerGustav Friedrich OehlerGustav Friedrich Oehler was a German theologian.He was born at Ebingen, Württemberg, and was educated privately and at the University of Tübingen where he was much influenced by J. C. F. Steudel, professor of Old Testament theology...
mentions the tripartite nature of man:
Modern Protestant Theologians
Watchman NeeWatchman Nee
Watchman Nee was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly...
is known for his treatise on the tripartite man, The Spiritual Man, as well as a smaller volume on the same subject entitledThe Release of the Spirit.
External links
- The Tripartite Makeup of Man (wholereason.com)
- Tripartite Man (tripartiteman.org)
- Spirit, Soul and Body - the Tripartite nature of Man (christian-faith.com)
- The Collected Works of Watchman Nee