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

Joel B. Green (Author)

Book Description

Series: Studies in Theological Interpretation | Publication Date: July 1, 2008

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Few biblical interpreters have delved as deeply into the science of the human brain as Joel Green. Here he draws upon that learning in conversation with Scripture to put forth a fresh picture of human existence, one that makes sense from both perspectives. He does not shy away from hard questions, especially those about life and death, body and soul."--Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary"If you think nothing new ever happens in theology or biblical studies, you need to read this book, an essay in 'neuro-hermeneutics.' Green shows not only that a physicalist (as opposed to a dualist) anthropology is consistent with biblical teaching but also that contemporary neuroscience sheds light on significant hermeneutical and theological questions."--Nancey Murphy, Fuller Theological Seminary"Joel Green serves as the vanguard of interdisciplinary research on this topic. No one combines the requisite background in theology, biblical studies, and the natural sciences as adeptly as Green, and with the critical thinking needed to move along the interstices of these disciplines. Indeed, he succeeds at closing the gaps between these disciplines. This 'progress report' is another timely and welcome contribution from Professor Green."--Bill T. Arnold, Asbury Theological Seminary"In this outstanding work, the author provides a scholarly and thoroughly biblical analysis of human personhood in dialogue with the neurosciences. This book is likely to provide the definitive overview of this topic for many years to come."--Denis R. Alexander, director, The Faraday Institute, St. Edmund's College"Some are students of the Bible. Others are students of neuroscience. Joel Green is both and more. In Body, Soul, and Human Life, he helps us listen more attentively both to the Bible and to the unfolding music of the neurosciences. What you hear may surprise you. Far from telling different and irreconcilable stories about human nature, Joel Green helps us to see that these two sources--the Bible and the neurosciences--actually tell mutually enriching and complementary stories about what it means to be fully human and fully alive. I heartily recommend it!"--Kevin Corcoran, Calvin College

About the Author

Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament interpretation at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Prior to moving to Fuller, he taught at Asbury Theological Seminary for ten years, serving as vice president of academic affairs and provost in recent years. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Introducing the New Testament, and commentaries on Luke and 1 Peter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801035953
• ISBN-13: 978-0801035951
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joel B. Green is Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary.

Prior to his appointment at Fuller Seminary in 2007, Dr. Green was Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky (1997-2007), where he also held administrative positions first as Dean of the School of Theology and then as Vice President of Academic Affairs / Provost. He has served on the faculties of the American Baptist Seminary of the West and Graduate Theological Union, and New College Berkeley, Berkeley, California, a graduate school of Christian and interdisciplinary studies for the whole people of God.

Characteristic of Professor Green's work has been a keen sense of vocation as a "bridge-builder" -- especially between the academic study of theology and the larger church and world, and between persons and institutions of dissimilar theological commitments.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good points, but ultimately unsatisfying, February 16, 2009

By 

Phil Heaps (Yate, Bristol, UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Body, Soul, and Human Life: The Nature of Humanity in the Bible (Studies in Theological Interpretation) (Paperback)

This book addresses the knotty issue of the relationship between brain, mind and soul. It seeks to present the Bible's teaching on `what a human being is' in the light of the neurosciences (brain biology, psychology etc.) Is the `real me' my soul? Green rightly rejects this popular approach as incompatible with both science and Scripture. On the one hand, thinking and behaviour is inextricably tied to brain state, which is undeniably physical. On the other hand, Scripture presents human persons as a unified whole - demonstrated climactically in God's commitment to bodily resurrection, rather than `souls going to heaven'. Along the way Green considers the issues of [1] humankind in God's image - in terms of role/relationship rather than `we have a soul, animals don't'; [2] sin, freedom and moral responsibility - given that physical/brain factors at the subconscious level profoundly influence our choices and actions; [3] conversion - not something that happens to our souls, but a new framework of understanding, vitally tied to integration into the community of God's people; and [4] the intermediate state - where Green denies personal independent existence after death, claiming rather that God recreates us at the final resurrection. Green locates personal identity in the `embodiedness' of our lives, in our relationships (primarily with God, but also vitally with others), and in the overarching story by which we understand ourselves and our world. This rightly critiques the modern tendency to locate personhood in the `inner person's independent, self-contained autonomy. Green intermingles neuroscientific research conclusions with philosophical reflection and exegesis of key Biblical passages.

Green describes fascinating science, raises good questions, and makes a number of helpful or thought provoking points, e.g. on `nature vs. nurture', and on Sin as a shaping power rather than simply individual misdeeds. Undoubtedly we underestimate the `embodiedness' of our existence, with its impact on our thought, behaviour, and even `spiritual experience'. Ultimately though, the book was unsatisfying - not because the issues are `out of bounds', but because Green cites the biblical conclusions of others without giving their evidence, and never really grapples with certain key objections. He has the irritating academic habit of dismissing alternative views as `insufficiently nuanced' and of disguising vague/simplistic statements with fine-sounding language; he also resorts to false "either-or"s, and eloquently restates his position as if that constituted proof. For example he dismisses one study of afterlife in the Old Testament by observing that this is not a primary OT concern (which may be true, but hardly proves his point); similarly, he seems to assume that because `soul/body/spirit' words are used in various ways, the study of such terminology is irrelevant. Some pertinent passages were conspicuously absent (Matt.10v28, Hebr.12v23, Rev.6v9-11, Luke 20v38, 1Thes.5v23), or dealt with summarily (Philipp.1v23, 2Cor.5v8). His decision to postpone discussion of post-death survival to the final chapter was based on the logic: "the Greeks/Romans had various views; so did the Jews; the Biblical writers had no firsthand knowledge of the subject". Hardly reassuring from a Christian standpoint.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great thoughts on Creation, Life, Death and Science, March 5, 2009

By 

Ronald E. Jutzy (BOISE, ID) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Body, Soul, and Human Life: The Nature of Humanity in the Bible (Studies in Theological Interpretation) (Paperback)

An excellent review and fresh perspective on life, death, creation and science; showing the coherence of all perspectives. Uniquely qualified as a neuroscientist as well as a solid Biblical scholar, Joel Green rethinks the Biblical references to the meanings of life and death. He clarifies particularly the state of the dead-in-Christ; reinterpreting, in the light of modern linguistic understandings, the references to the relationship of body and soul (unity) and their unlikely separation in death. He also describes thoughts on the immortal body of Jesus and the significance of resurrection into a new body. Excellent science and theology in harmony.