Rethinking Human Nature: A Christian Materialist Alternative to the Soul

By Kevin J. Corcoran

Book Overview

What are we as human persons? Are we immaterial souls capable of disembodied existence or merely animals destined to dust? For centuries, scholars have debated this issue, and that debate continues today. But the question of human nature can no longer remain a topic for discussion within the hallowed halls of the academy. End-of-life ethical decisions, human cloning, fetal tissue transplants, and stem cell research all reveal the urgency and the importance of the question for ordinary people. Rethinking Human Nature offers a fascinating look at what it means to be human by defending the "constitutional view"--which suggests we are constituted by our bodies without being identical to the bodies that constitute us. Grounded in Scripture, this book connects the theology and philosophy of human nature with the moral conundrums that confront us at the margins of life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801027802
• ISBN13: 9780801027802
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Baker Academic & Brazos Press
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

fascinating but don't know that i can swallow it

Corcoran is a materialist Christian. That means he doesn't believe we have a soul in the classic Christian view of soul. It doesn't mean we are merely animals either. I do love how it makes the resurrection of the body which Paul so emphasizes imperative. I don't know if his way is the only way to get there, nor is it his prime motivation for holding the view. An insightful read that will definitely leave you with questions about your assumptions.