Substance Dualist Theological Anthropology

This article explores a conception of the human from a substantival perspective of the wider Christian tradition. After a general survey of substance dualist theological anthropology, the article focuses on the interplay between human constitution and the imago Dei (image of God). By focusing on this more granular consideration, the entry will explore the reasons for two aspects of theological anthropology that naturally find footing in the wider reflections of the Christian church. First, the article will explore the need for a substantival ontology for theological anthropology in the philosophical foundations and the theological notion of the imago Dei. Along the way, the article reflects on the substantival relation or resonance with other models and views in contemporary theological discussion. Second, the article gives specific place for a dualistic construction of the substance through the lens of the ensouled identity and corporeal identity of the human. By considering the human in light of the Christian God according to a substance dualist perspective, the entry expounds on the textured meaning of the human as a soul-body unit through the lens of personal identity and narrative identity. Specifically, the article touches on the soul-body union first in connection to the creator-creature distinction (i.e. in creation), and the soteriological relation in Christ (i.e. redemption) through the lens of the beatific vision and deification (i.e. humanity’s eschatological purpose). In doing this, the article is able to discuss the dynamic theological interplay of the divine-human as it impinges on the meaning of the human as an ensouled body. The leitmotif in scripture linking the human in creation and redemption is the imago Dei, which becomes central to an understanding of the human in the church’s reflections. Contemporary objections to this classical conception of the human are considered in light of scientific concerns. Further illumination of the human as an image bearer will be considered in light of the image in terms of communal identity through an ecclesial lens of gender, ecclesial government, and the human in relation to technology.