Human Nature & Life After Death Flashcards
What view of human nature does John Cooper argue for?
Holistic dualism
What is holistic dualism?
humans are both physical and spiritual beings, and that these two aspects of human nature are inseparable.
What are the three parts of a human being, according to John Cooper?
Soul, spirit, and flesh. They’re three different aspects of a single human being.
What difference does holistic dualism have regarding the resurrection of the body?
If humans are only physical beings, then there is no resurrection. But if humans are both physical and spiritual beings, then resurrection is possible because souls can exist without bodies.
What is an objection of Cooper’s view of holistic dualism?
Unsure how a physical body and a spiritual soul can be united in one person. However, Cooper argues that this isn’t a problem, because the Bible doesn’t give us a detailed explanation of how human nature works
What is Cartesian Dualism?
Argues for the existence of two distinct substances: mind and body. The mind is non-physical, while the body is physical. Also known as “substance dualism.” (soul and body)
How does Moreland argue NDEs are best explained?
By the existence of a soul that’s separate from the body.
What do critics say about Moreland’s view of NDEs?
NDEs can be explained by psychological factors such as hallucinations or wishful thinking.
Summarize Moreland’s argument for NDEs.
NDEs are similar across cultures, with features that defy materialism, such as OBEs, bright lights, and feeling peace/love.
What view does John Dominic Crossan hold concerning the resurrection?
the “minimal facts” approach, which argues that the most we can say about the resurrection is that Jesus’ tomb was empty and that his disciples experienced appearances of him after his death. The gospels are simply myths.
How does John Cooper distinguish between soul, spirit, and flesh?
- Soulrefers to the whole person, including both the physical body and the immaterial aspects of our being, such as our mind, will, and emotions.
- Spiritrefers to the immaterial part of our being that is most closely associated with our relationship with God. It is the part of us that is capable of knowing God, experiencing His presence, and responding to His love.
- Fleshrefers to the physical part of our being that is subject to sin and death.
Define modal dualism
There are possible worlds in which the mind exists without the body, and vice versa. This means that it’s metaphysically possible for the mind to exist independently of the body.
What’s the difference between modal dualism and substance dualism?
Substance dualism holds that the mind and body are two distinct substances. It typically believes that the mind and body cannot exist independently of each other. Modal dualists, on the other hand, argue that it is possible for the mind to exist without the body, even if the mind and body are two distinct substances.
What kind of event does Crossan say the resurrection was?
It was a spiritual event, not a physical one. He argues that the early Christians came to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead because they experienced his presence in their lives after his death. This experience was so powerful that they came to believe that Jesus was still alive, even though his body was not
What does Wright say about the resurrection?
The resurrection is essential to understanding early Christianity. He asks why Jesus’ movement survived his death, and concludes that the resurrection is the best explanation.
