MCCF teaching series, Dr. Bill Morehouse, Topic 2

Body, Soul, and Spirit

 

Different views of mankind:

Greek Mind-body dualism vs. Judeo-Christian tripartite view

Nature of human affliction, biopsychosocial model

            Soma: body, physical, biological

            Psyche: interpersonal, emotional, psychological

            Social: interpersonal, family systems, group influences

            all considered to be objectively verifiable

                        open to scientific study, knowledge

                        therefore part of medicine

Spiritual considered to be realm of religious belief

            Pneumo: breath or wind

            not visible, a matter of personal opinion

                        not open to scientific study or knowledge?

                        therefore usually left to religious authorities

However, human beings are integrated whole beings

            Spiritual issues are often at center of illness, recovery

 

Selected Scripture References:

            1 Thessalonians 5.23

Hebrews 4.12

Psalm 23.3

1 Peter 2.11

1 Corinthians 2.11 ff

 

Definition and description of terms:

Body or “soma” (e.g., somatic symptoms or illness)

Soul or “psyche” (e.g., psychiatric affliction)

Spirit or “pneumo” (e.g., pneumatic tires?)

 

Anatomy of the Human Soul

 

Energy Balance and Resistance in Whole Person Care

Clinical integration, biopsychosocial with faith-related inquiry and prayer